Breeze Transit Assistant Director

Join Sarasota County and help lead a transit system that keeps our community moving. Reporting to the Breeze Transit Director, the Breeze Assistant Transit Director oversees the day-to-day operations of the Breeze Transit system, including fixed-route service, paratransit and contracted services, transit planning, and training and safety programs.

This leadership role guides a large and diverse team of employees and contracted service providers, ensuring safe, reliable, efficient, and customer-focused transit operations. The Breeze Assistant Transit Director is responsible for maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations while advancing the County’s mission, values, and service standards.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the mobility, accessibility, and quality of life of our community. Apply today to make a difference!

In this role, you will...

General

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for Transit Safety & Training, Operations, Planning & Performance, and Paratransit Services.
• Lead the development of policies, procedures, service plans, and performance measures that support safe, efficient, customer-focused, and compliant transit operations.
• Prepare and review reports, plans, and communications that support departmental goals and operational priorities.

Finance, Grants, and Compliance

• Partner with Transit Administration to develop and manage operating and capital budgets and support long-term capital planning efforts.
• Oversee transit services contract administration with associated procurement and grant-related activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and proactively address legislative or regulatory changes that may impact operations.
• Support risk management, fraud prevention, audits, and the implementation of effective internal controls.

Performance Management

• Monitor and analyze operational performance data to evaluate service effectiveness, identify improvement opportunities, and support informed decision-making.
• Lead initiatives that enhance safety, improve customer experience, maximize efficiencies, and implements change initiatives.

HR Coordination and Employee & Labor Relations

• Lead, develop, and support a high-performing workforce through coaching, performance management, accountability, and professional development.
• Partner with Human Resources to support employee engagement, retention, wellness, and workplace safety initiatives.
• Participate in labor relations activities, including collective bargaining agreement administration and fostering positive relationships with represented employees and labor organizations.

Other

• Represent the Transit Department and Sarasota County with government agencies, community organizations, stakeholders, and the public.
• Serve as a representative of the Transit Director as assigned and perform other related duties in support of departmental objectives.
  

Work Hours:

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week.
• Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or related field -AND- a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible work experience within the public administration and/or transit industry, including position related experience in bus transit operations, service planning, data analyses, budget development, performance reporting, labor relations, and project management.
• -OR- master’s degree -AND- six (6) or more years of progressively responsible related work experience. 
• Must possess a minimum of four (4) years of supervisory/management experience.
• Must possess and maintain a current, valid Florida driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
  

Starting Pay Range: $120,000 - $135,000.00, based on experience.