What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Director of Strategic Programs and Planning position at Mid-South Transportation Management, Inc.?
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 2025
FLSA: Exempt
JOB TITLE: Sr. Director of Strategic Programs and Planning
DEPARTMENT: Executive
REPORTS TO: CEO
FLSA: Exempt
JOB TITLE: Sr. Director of Strategic Programs and Planning
DEPARTMENT: Executive
REPORTS TO: CEO
JOB FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Sr. Director of Strategic Programs and Planning serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team. This role provides high-level strategic support to the CEO, overseeing agency-wide planning initiatives, cross-departmental coordination, and performance tracking for major organizational projects. The Sr. Director ensures alignment between strategic goals, operational performance, and executive priorities that advance MATA’s mission and long-term objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serves as an extension of the CEO, thinking and operating strategically while representing executive interests across departments and external partnerships.
- Oversees planning and execution of major organizational initiatives, ensuring alignment with MATA’s strategic goals and Board directives.
- Collaborates with executive leaders to identify, prioritize, and implement high-impact programs that drive organizational effectiveness, ridership growth, and community impact.
- Monitors progress toward meeting goals, analyzing data, and sustaining momentum needed to drive initiatives through completion.
- Provides oversight and guidance on project timelines, deliverables, and performance metrics to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
- Acts as a liaison between the CEO, leadership team, and internal or external stakeholders to ensure consistent communication and alignment.
- Supports the CEO with executive reporting, briefing materials, and presentations for internal and external audiences, including the MATA Board of Commissioners.
- Assists in the development and implementation of organizational best practices, change management strategies, and agency-wide policies.
- Tracks and reports progress on agency strategic plans, annual priorities, and special initiatives to maintain operational visibility and transparency.
- Represents the CEO and MATA in meetings, partnerships, and special projects as assigned.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinates executive meetings, ensuring outcomes are documented, tracked, and followed through to completion.
- Reviews management reports and assists in preparing briefings, dashboards, and operational updates for the CEO and Board.
- Collaborates with internal departments to promote effective communication, teamwork, and knowledge sharing across MATA.
- Maintains current knowledge of public transit trends, FTA/DOT compliance standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Performs related duties as assigned to support the success of executive initiatives.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree in business administration, public administration, transportation planning, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience and Skills:
- Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible management experience, preferably at the department or division level within a public or transit organization.
- Proven experience in strategic planning, organizational development, and program management.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate strategies into actionable objectives.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present to executive leadership and governing boards.
- Demonstrated success in building partnerships and working collaboratively with internal teams, government entities, and community stakeholders.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive information.
- Technologically proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
- Must comply with all MATA policies, including Drug and Alcohol Policy and Safety Protocols.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is typically performed in a standard office setting with moderate noise levels. The position may require occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the 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.