GENERAL MANAGER FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Full Time
Los Angeles, CA
$207,672 - $368,323 a year
Posted
Job description

This is an exempt executive position with the City of Los Angeles, Department of Transportation.

ANNUAL SALARY

$207,672.00 - $368,323.00

JOB DESCRIPTION

THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES

The City of Los Angeles is the second largest city in the United States. With a population of nearly 3.9 million people, the City of Los Angeles comprises about 40% of the population of Los Angeles County, and 24% of the total population in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura Counties and the Riverside-San Bernardino metro area). Because of the City’s size and the role it plays in the regional economy, City transportation policies have a significant impact on the region and are essential to a good quality-of-life in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is recognized worldwide for the high level of goods and people that move through the city everyday, with over 4,600 miles of surface streets and 160 miles of freeway. This mobility has been made possible by substantial investments in the transportation system. Investments that provide individuals with high quality choices for mobility have made Los Angeles the city with the third-largest municipal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the world, behind only New York City and Tokyo.

THE LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) is responsible for the development of programs and implementation of solutions to meet the transportation needs across all modes of the traveling public as well as that of daily commerce. In its efforts to meet this responsibility, LADOT partners with federal, state, regional and other local transportation agencies, including the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), as well as with other City departments such as City Planning, Public Works, and Port of Los Angeles and Los Angeles World Airports.

LADOT has authority over the conceptual planning and safe operation of the City’s street system across all modes, and is responsible for:

  • Installing and maintaining traffic signals, street striping, parking meters, and other traffic control devices
  • Regulating taxicabs, ambulances, and other for-hire vehicles
  • Regulating dockless mobility and other micro-mobility devices
  • Managing off-street parking facilities and regulating on-street parking
  • Providing intersection control, parking enforcement, crossing guards, and emergency management services
  • Planning, implementing, and administering the City’s transit programs

In addition, LADOT regularly meets with community and business groups relative to the development, delivery and review of transportation services.

LADOT currently has an annual budget of approximately $204 million, with an authorized staff of just over 1,800 full-time employees. LADOT is also responsible for the administration of over $295 million in transportation-related grants and special funds on an annual basis.

Two citizen commissions appointed by the Mayor, the Board of Transportation Commissioners and the Board of Taxicab Commissioners, provide oversight and guidance to the General Manager and act in an advisory and regulatory capacity. The Board of Transportation Commissioners oversees permit parking operations and helps to manage the Special Parking Revenue Fund. The Board of Taxicab Commissioners has oversight responsibility for the development, interpretation and enforcement of laws, rules and regulations concerning taxicab operations.

LADOT consists of six major offices with 21 individual bureaus.

The Office of External Affairs currently includes the following bureaus:

  • Bureau of Government Affairs
  • Bureau of Communications
  • Bureau of Employee Engagement and Performance
  • Bureau of Community Engagement
  • Bureau of Strategic Initiatives

The Office of Administrative Services and Field Operations includes the following bureaus:

  • Bureau of Accounting
  • Bureau of Budget and Administration
  • Bureau of Risk Management
  • Bureau of Field Services

The Office of Mobility Management includes the following bureaus:

  • Bureau of Planning and Development Services
  • Bureau of Parking Management
  • Bureau of Transit Services
  • Bureau of For-Hire Policy and Enforcement
  • Bureau of Meter Collection Security and Investigation

The Office of Project Delivery and Operations includes the following bureaus:

  • Bureau of Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control (ATSAC) Operations and Metro Programs
  • Bureau of Design and Construction Management
  • Bureau of Capital Projects
  • Vision Zero Bureau
  • Bureau of District Operations

The Office of Parking Enforcement and Traffic Control includes the following bureaus:

  • Bureau of Parking Enforcement and Traffic Control
  • Bureau of Parking Enforcement and Traffic Control – Communications

Office of Transportation Technology

WHAT ARE MAJOR ISSUES IN LA?

STREAMLINE TO DELIVER PROJECTS MORE QUICKLY

Whether it’s the development of transportation infrastructure or housing, LADOT plays a critical and significant role in project delivery. LADOT reviews traffic plans, congestion management plans, and access issues to ensure safety and livability. Ensuring these reviews are completed quickly and efficiently to improve safety and livability are key to delivering housing and infrastructure that connects people to jobs. A primary goal of Mayor Bass is the prompt, efficient delivery of affordable housing for Angelenos currently experiencing homelessness.

PREVENT TRAFFIC FATALITIES AND CHAMPION WALKING AND BIKING

Los Angeles has one of the highest numbers of traffic fatalities in the nation. Reducing that number while adding facilities that encourage people to choose healthier modes – like walking and biking – around the City will improve safety and reduce carbon emissions.

FAST, FREE, AND RELIABLE TRANSIT

LADOT provides its own transit services and through its street design and signal control capabilities has the ability to design bus lanes and prioritize all transit so that trains and buses can move through the City quickly. Achieving a fast, free, and reliable transit service is an important way of convincing Angelenos to take advantage of our transit system.

UNIVERSAL BASIC MOBILITY

Transportation can be among the largest expenses for a household. Providing high-quality transportation options that connect people to jobs, healthcare, and academic opportunities can lift families out of poverty. LADOT is piloting a Universal Basic Mobility program to expand transportation options and provide relief to people burdened by the cost of transportation. Success of the pilot will result in a permanent solution for ensuring that people can choose the best – and most affordable – way to get around.

STAFFING

The Department is staffed by approximately 1,800 full-time employees, many of whom are assigned to operations that require 24/7 availability or response capability in order to allow the Department to meet its objectives and accomplish its mission. The effective management of such a large and occupationally diverse organization is critical to the Department’s on-going ability to accomplish its mission and objectives.

STAYING ON THE FOREFRONT OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

From Micro-Mobility to Autonomous Vehicles to Urban Air Mobility, transportation technology is in the midst of a generational change that will have lasting effects on the way Angelenos get around. These innovations represent great opportunities, but without the right management and regulation they could take the city’s traffic and land use in the wrong direction. As a leader in transportation innovation, LADOT is at the forefront of leveraging these technologies to improve quality-of-life in the City of LA.

MAYOR KAREN BASS’S TRANSPORTATION VISION

Mayor Karen Bass is focused on providing safe, efficient, and reliable choices for getting people to where they need to go at the lowest possible cost. The Mayor is also committed to ensuring our infrastructure and public transit connect people to jobs and communities in a way that positions the city for economic growth that benefits everyone.

THE GENERAL MANAGER

The General Manager is appointed by the Mayor and is subject to confirmation by the City Council. The General Manager reports directly to the Mayor and works closely with the Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure and staff to implement the Mayor’s transportation vision and agenda.

The General Manager is responsible for directing, planning, organizing, and coordinating all Department functions and activities. Many departmental recommendations, including contracts, ordinances, and budget changes, require City Council approval. The General Manager and management staff are routinely required to present reports to the City Council’s Transportation Committee and other committees and commissions.

In addition to serving as the General Manager, the candidate will play a role in the Mayor’s administration by being a significant influence on the Mayor’s transportation agenda.

The Mayor currently is serving on the 13-member Board of Directors of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the county’s transportation planner, builder, and operator. The Mayor appoints three members to the Board of Directors, providing the City of Los Angeles with four representatives on this regionally influential board.

The ideal candidate for General Manager will be recognized as having the ability to provide the Mayor and the Department of Transportation with the following qualities and attributes:

EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP SKILLS

  • Consistently communicate the Mayor’s strategic transportation vision and direction to the City’s elected officials, transportation colleagues, Department employees, stakeholder groups, and members of the community.
  • Ability to build consensus, as well as positive relationships with all members of the City organization, Department staff, the community and other public and transportation services agencies.
  • Inspire and support staff creativity.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and complete high-quality transportation projects, programs and services on time and on budget.
  • Represent LADOT as a showcase for contemporary transportation efforts.

EXCEPTIONAL MANAGEMENT SKILLS

  • Possess high level executive management skills to oversee and direct a large and diverse department.
  • Have a proven track record of implementing cutting edge technology.
  • Apply sound judgment and guidance on complex and technical issues.
  • Motivate and direct a management team that has combined engineering, planning, and sustainability expertise.
  • Motivate and empower employees to achieve their highest potential, setting the tone with his/her own performance and record of outstanding achievement.

EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

  • Proven, effective communicator who is proactive at providing information to the Mayor, City Council, City leadership, Department staff, and the community at large.
  • Experience advising and working with elected officials such as mayors, city council members, county supervisors, and state and federal legislators.
  • Have the ability to effectively interact with various transportation service agencies throughout the region.
  • Demonstrate an open, honest, and transparent approach in all communications.

TRANSPORTATION FUNDING KNOWLEDGE

  • Possess significant knowledge of federal, state, and local transportation funding sources.
  • Ability to develop innovative funding techniques for a variety of transportation program elements.
  • Experience in working with federal, state, and local elected officials to secure funding for key transportation projects, programs, and services.

EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE ORIENTATION

  • Establish and promote high standards regarding customer service and the delivery of transportation programs to the public.
  • Understand and promote the need for effective private/public contractual arrangements and cooperative efforts to enhance service delivery.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized four-year college or university with a concentration in transportation, urban planning, public administration, engineering or a related field, and at least five years of significant, high level management experience in a mid-to-large size public agency or private sector firm which deals with complex transportation issues, operations, and programs is required.

A Master’s degree is preferred. Applicants with experience at the local, state, regional or national level of government in transportation, urban planning or public works are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is $207,672 and $368,323 with hiring dependent upon the qualifications of the individual. The City of Los Angeles offers a generous Executive benefits package which includes extensive health care options; liberal vacation, sick leave and family leave benefits; life and disability insurance coverage; and a generous automobile allowance.

The City provides an excellent independent retirement plan to which both the employee and the City contribute. The employee’s contribution is tax deferred and paid through payroll deduction. Employees may also have the buy-back option of prior government service.

SELECTION PROCESS

Each candidate’s background will be evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of application to determine the level and scope of the candidate’s preparation for this position. Only the most qualified candidates, as determined by the screening process, will be invited to interview.

Resumes should include any additional information which the candidate wishes considered. Supplemental data may be required if it appears necessary for the evaluation of candidates.

An extensive background investigation will be conducted on the candidate(s) recommended for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

TO BE CONSIDERED

Electronic submittals are required. Interested candidates should immediately submit a resume, cover letter of interest, and three work-related references (include name, job title, affiliation, and telephone number) to:

City of Los Angeles Personnel Department

per.execsearch@lacity.org

Interested applicants should submit their resume package as soon as possible. The search may close on Friday, May 19, 2023, or when a sufficient candidate pool is achieved.

Note: When e-mailing your application material, the subject line should reflect your name and the job title you are applying for. Interested applicants should submit their application as soon as possible; This opportunity will remain open until a sufficient number of applications have been received.

In order to be considered, resumes must include: A description of the size and function of the organizations managed; description of your role in the organization; at least one major professional accomplishment in which you played a key role; and any relevant experiences or unique characteristics which could further qualify you for this position.

Upon submission of the application documents, applicants may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to the next phase of the selection process, which is an interview. Questions and confidential inquiries may be referred to Ms. Nicole Bawa at per.execsearch@lacity.org.

For candidates seeking initial City employment, in accordance with Los Angeles City Ordinance 187134, information regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements as conditions of employment may be found at:

https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2021/21-0921_ord_187134_8-24-21.pdf.

*The position of General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Transit is an exempt, at-will management position. The incumbent will not accrue any civil service tenure, contractual employment rights or due process rights. The General Manager is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Mayor. The incumbent may be removed, without any finding of cause, by the Mayor.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $207,672.00 - $368,323.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

  • Do you have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized four-year college or university with a concentration in transportation, urban planning, public administration, engineering or a related field?
  • Do you have at least five years of significant, high level management experience in a mid-to-large size public agency or private sector firm which deals with complex transportation issues, operations, and programs?

Work Location: In person

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