What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Director of Compliance position at Mid-South Transportation Management, Inc.?
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 2026
FLSA: Exempt
JOB TITLE: Sr. Director of Compliance
DEPARTMENT: Executive
REPORTS TO: CEO
JOB TITLE: Sr. Director of Compliance
DEPARTMENT: Executive
REPORTS TO: CEO
JOB FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, the Sr. Director of Compliance oversees the design, implementation, and management of the Memphis Area Transit Authority’s (MATA) compliance, ethics, and risk management programs. This role ensures MATA’s operations comply with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and transit-related standards, including Title VI, ADA, FTA, and OSHA requirements. The Sr. Director promotes a culture of accountability, transparency, and integrity throughout the organization and leads efforts to strengthen internal controls, mitigate risks, and maintain compliance across all departments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develops, implements, and oversees MATA’s compliance and ethics program, ensuring adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
- Monitors compliance with ADA, Title VI, FTA, OSHA, and other federal and state transit-related requirements.
- Oversees MATA’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Title VI, and ADA compliance programs and ensures alignment with federal standards and reporting requirements.
- Conducts and coordinates internal compliance audits and investigations to identify risks and recommend corrective actions.
- Develops policies and procedures that support regulatory compliance, ethical conduct, and risk management across departments.
- Provides compliance-related training and education to MATA employees, supervisors, and leadership teams.
- Prepares reports, updates, and documentation for the Chief of Staff and regulatory agencies to demonstrate compliance and operational integrity.
- Collaborates with Legal Affairs, Human Resources, and Operations to align compliance objectives and maintain consistency in agency-wide practices.
- Oversees the development and maintenance of confidential reporting mechanisms for employees to raise compliance concerns.
- Advises senior leadership on emerging regulatory issues, risk mitigation strategies, and best practices in transit compliance.
- Ensures continuous monitoring and improvement of compliance systems to prevent violations and ensure regulatory readiness.
- Represents MATA at meetings and workshops related to compliance, audits, and regulatory oversight.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree or Juris Doctor (JD) is preferred.
Experience and Skills:
- Minimum of eight to ten years of progressive experience in compliance, risk management, or a related field within a public transit authority, transportation agency, or U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)–regulated organization, including at least five years in a senior leadership capacity is required.
- Direct, hands-on experience working with FTA regulations, audits, and compliance requirements in a public transit or DOT environment.
- Comprehensive knowledge of public transit laws, federal transportation regulations, and compliance standards, including FTA, ADA, Title VI, OSHA, and related requirements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the capacity to assess complex regulatory and operational risks.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-departmental teams and influence organizational change in a regulated, safety-sensitive environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, practical guidance for diverse stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- Certification such as Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) or similar is preferred.
- Must comply with all MATA policies, including Drug and Alcohol Policy and Safety Protocols.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is primarily performed in an office setting with moderate noise levels. The position may occasionally require travel to MATA facilities or external meetings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
DISCLAIMER:
The above description is intended to describe the general content, identify the essential functions, and set forth the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. MATA reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary to meet business needs.