Chief of Staff (COS) | Intercity Transit

Department/Division

Executive

Paygrade

E85

FLSA Status

Exempt

Supervision Received From

General Manager (Chief Executive Officer)

Supervision Exercised Over

Compensation

Annual: $148,657.60-$200,740.80

Summary:

The Chief of Staff (COS) is a key strategic partner and trusted advisor to the General Manager (GM) of Intercity Transit (IT). The COS plays a crucial role in supporting the GM by facilitating effective, cross-functional Agency communication and decision-making to advance the Board’s strategic plan and initiatives while optimizing the GM’s performance. The COS serves as a liaison between the GM and various internal and external stakeholders, providing feedback, guidance and change management to ensure successful implementation of Agency-wide strategic initiatives. The COS is responsible for establishing a cohesive professional environment for each department to understand and engage with the mission and vision of IT successfully.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Advises and supports the GM in leading and managing the change of various Agency-wide strategic initiatives. Acts as a facilitator for promoting the GM’s goals of Agency long-term sustainability and achievement while advancing the Board’s strategic framework. Provides leadership and guidance to the Senior Management Team (SMT) through collaboration, effective communication, and stewardship of complex projects.

Essential Duties:

Duty No.	Description	Frequency
1	High- level Initiative Management: Lead and oversee critical, high-priority initiatives and projects that cut across multiple departments or have agency-wide impact. Provide strategic guidance, remove roadblocks, and ensure successful execution.	Daily
2	Board Business Process Leadership: Collaborates with the General Manager, Board Chair and Vice Chair to create an annual plan for Board meeting agenda topics, action items, informational briefings, and special presentations in partnership with presenting staff. Leads process improvements for the ITA to govern in an optimal environment, with assistance from Clerk to the Board. Identifies, analyzes, and enhances existing Board processes including meeting planning, and agenda development. Facilitates effective communications and timely staff follow-up to ITA requests.	Daily
3	Executive Leadership Coordination: Facilitate effective communication, decision-making, and collaboration among the General Manager and the SMT. Coordinate meetings, ensure alignment on priorities, and guide accountability.	Daily
4	Strategic Planning and Implementation: As a member of the SMT, collaborate closely with the GM and Department Directors to develop and implement the Board’s strategic plan and initiatives. Ensure the alignment of departmental objectives with organizational goals and monitor progress against key performance indicators.	Daily
5	Organizational Oversight, Improvement, and Change Management: Identify opportunities for process improvements, operational efficiencies, and organizational effectiveness. Implement strategies to streamline overall Agency operations and enhance performance while managing the organizational change these strategies bring with them.	Daily 15%
6	Commitment to Workforce Engagement: Lead Agency’s employee engagement efforts in collaboration with Human Resources, championing voices at all levels in the Agency, and creating safe spaces for employees by fostering a positive and productive work environment. Identify strategic and accessible engagement opportunities, developing key performance indicators to benchmark the Agency’s current workforce engagement effectiveness and progress.	Daily
7	Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. Partner with the General Manager as their designee to represent the Agency in high-level meetings, events, and public forums, as needed ensuring alignment with the Agency’s mission and objectives.	Weekly
8	Policy Process Improvements and Strategic Communications: Initiate and implement process improvements for the Agency policy update and creation process, with assistance from the Executive Assistant II that support the Agency’s strategic goals, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards. In coordination with the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, develop strategic Agency communications and messaging for high-level initiatives and priorities. Foster and maintain relationships with government officials and agencies, as requested.	Monthly

Knowledge:

Position requirements at entry:

Proven ability to lead and manage administrative staff and cross-functional teams.
Organizational leadership, project management principles.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with the highest level of professionalism and discretion.
Deep knowledge of transit industry as well local, state, and federal government.
Open Public Meetings Act.

Skills:

Position requirements at entry:

Proven ability to build trusting professional relationships with staff and work effectively with senior leaders, elected officials, external stakeholders, and the public.
Able to synthesize information quickly and prioritize emerging issues efficiently and competently.
Ability to management multiple high-value projects effectively.
Ability to manage and support a Board of Directors or public governance body.
Demonstrated commitment to public service, equity, and community impact.
Skilled in developing and managing an annual budget.

Licensing Requirements:

Position requirements at entry:

Must submit to criminal background check, the results of which must meet criteria for this role.

Physical Requirements:

Typically sedentary work, must be able to ambulate, travel. Ability to travel as needed to represent the Agency.

Training and Experience:

Position requirements at entry:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, General Business Administration, Transportation Planning, or related field and
Ten years of progressively responsible management-level transportation experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Note:

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.