FirstLine Schools: Director of Transportation
Creating and inspiring great, open admissions public schools in New Orleans
About FirstLine Schools
In 1998, FirstLine Schools started the first charter school in New Orleans. FirstLine now operates several PK-8th grade schools. Our mission is to create and inspire great, open admissions public schools in New Orleans. We do this by:
- Ensuring college and career readiness for all students, as demonstrated by achievement, aspiration, love of learning, and confidence
- Providing a rich variety of education experiences to nurture our students’ character, health, and active citizenship
- Developing the skillfulness of our team members
- Building a sustainable organization that facilitates our long-term success
Our faculty is a diverse and talented group dedicated to our students’ success and to their own growth as teachers. Our schools are led by leaders who hold themselves accountable for student achievement and teacher development.
Position Summary:
FirstLine Schools is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team as the Director of Student Transportation. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, the Director of Student Transportation will be responsible for overseeing yellow school bus operations for two of our four schools.
Position Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable transportation services for students attending FirstLine Schools.
- Operational Management: Oversee all aspects of yellow school bus operations, including scheduling, routing, maintenance, and compliance with relevant regulations and policies.
- Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of transportation staff ranging from 10 - 30, including drivers, dispatchers, and administrative personnel , to deliver high-quality services and achieve organizational goals.
- Safety and Compliance: Establish and enforce safety protocols and procedures to protect the well-being of students, staff, and community members during transportation activities. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing student transportation.
- Budgeting and Financial Management: Develop and manage the transportation budget, including forecasting expenses, allocating resources, and identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service quality.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with school leaders, parents, community members, and external partners to address transportation-related issues, solicit feedback, and foster positive relationships.
- Continuous Improvement: Monitor key performance indicators and transportation metrics to assess effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and implement solutions to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Emergency Preparedness: Develop and implement contingency plans and procedures to address emergencies, such as inclement weather, vehicle breakdowns, or other unforeseen events that may disrupt transportation services.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and report data on transportation operations, including on-time performance, route efficiency, vehicle utilization, and customer satisfaction, to inform decision-making and drive improvements.
- Professional Development: Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes related to student transportation.
- Pursue opportunities for professional growth and development to enhance leadership skills and expertise in the field.
- Produce and lead high quality training for bus drivers to ensure they stay up to date on required safety protocols and are in line with FirstLine Schools commitments.
Education, Experience and Skills
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, transportation management, education, or a related field require; 10 years of experience in school transportation can be substituted.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in transportation management, with at least 2 years in a leadership role overseeing school or public transit operations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of transportation regulations, safety standards, and best practices.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff to achieve common goals.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, analyze data, and make data-driven decisions.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Google Suite of programs (docs, sheets, etc), Microsoft Office Suite and transportation management software.
Desired Qualities & Characteristics:
- Believe in every student’s ability to achieve in a rigorous college or career prep curriculum
- Highly detail-oriented
- Collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholders
- Share a commitment to creating great schools in New Orleans
- Model the FirstLine Commitments
- We Work Together
- We Are Helpful
- We Are the Safekeepers of our Community
- We Share Joy
- We Show Results
Physical Requirements:
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit, walk, stand, talk, and hear.
- Light lifting of equipment may be required (up to 20 lbs.)
Director of Transportation reports to: Director of Operations
How to Apply: Please apply online via: http://www.firstlineschools.org/careers
Ideal Start Date: May 1, 2024, priority given to applicants who apply by April 8, 2024.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. FirstLine Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package with a generous 403b plan.
Starting base salary: $80,000
FirstLine Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
