We are looking for an Executive Director, Stanford Transportation who is responsible for all aspects of Stanford University’s transportation and parking systems and services, including transportation master planning, parking facilities and operations, shuttle and charter bus programs, bicycle program, and transportation demand management (TDM) program. The transportation program includes the free 49-bus, 19-route Marguerite system running primarily using electric buses, free transit on Caltrain, VTA, Dumbarton Express, and AC Transit. The department also oversees, Zipcar car sharing on campus, commute planning, charter services, and a top-tier bike program. The Executive Director reports to the Associate Vice President of Academic Projects and Operations.
What you will do in this role:
- Develop long-range plans for all of Stanford’s transit, parking systems, and TDM efforts.
- Direct major studies that establish the future direction of the university’s transportation and parking related interests.
- Coordinate approval processes, oversee implementation and monitor productivity of established plans. The Executive Director must be an analytical thinker who can gather and evaluate critical data to determine specific metrics for success.
- Update and implement the University’s TDM program strategy and sustainability efforts related to transportation.
- Oversee the management of a multimillion-dollar operating budget, General Use Permit funds related to TDM, and infrastructure funds for capital improvements. The Executive Director also recommends parking permit fee adjustments annually.
- Oversee management and operation of the campus Marguerite bus fleet.
- Oversee management and operation of the campus Disgo disability transportation program.
- Provide leadership and management of the governance structure that includes Operations, Task Force, and Advisory committees.
- Facilitate student involvement in key decisions and participation on the Advisory Committee.
- Develop and administer parking and transportation programs and policies. In conjunction with Public Safety, formulate parking and traffic regulations responsive to institutional and community needs.
- Ensure a reasonable mix of effort and expenditures among parking, campus transit, bicycle support and TDM programs, consistent with university priorities and resources. Integrate new technologies, as appropriate, to improve program efficiencies and customer service.
- Establish simple, fair, and workable policies related to parking permits and the allocation of parking spaces to the entire campus community.
- Develop and administer long-term program business models for the department.
- Serve on planning teams for new and renovated campus facilities, roads, and major events.
- Represent the University’s parking and transportation systems and services to other university departments, upper management, students, and the community at large. Serve as a visible spokesperson in meetings and with the press, providing a human face to Stanford’s transportation policies and programs.
- Work closely with the Office of Government and Community Relations on issues affecting our neighboring communities.
- Negotiate partnerships for shuttle/transit services with public agencies and others, as appropriate. Maintain and nurture active relationships, but also look for new relationships that can be built.
- Direct staff, and oversee the outsourced programs (shuttle services, charter bus services, parking enforcement, consultants).
- Ensure professional conduct and demeanor and excellent customer service in all aspects of the business, retail transactions, parking and transit services, alternative transportation services, and campus planning.
The successful candidate will embrace the following:
LBRE Core Values of Leadership, Exploration, Gratitude, Accountability, Community and You, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in their management style and help to build an organization where these qualities serve as the foundation for successful and rewarding careers for all employees.
To be successful in this role you must bring:
- Prior experience as head of a parking and transportation unit, preferably at a major university, but individuals with similar experience in a corporate environment or those with strategic transportation planning experience will also be considered.
- Demonstrated knowledge of transit operations and issues, transportation demand management programs, and parking management.
- Ability to formulate and manage the implementation of University-wide policies while managing a variety of stakeholders and opposing viewpoints.
- Demonstrated record of innovation and accomplishment in solving complex parking and transportation challenges through new programs, policies, technology, capital projects, etc.
- Prior experience of overseeing construction of large parking structures and managing the accompanying parking disruptions is helpful.
- Ability to represent university parking and transit issues in writing and through formal presentations to the press, public agencies, and campus constituents. The ability to communicate effectively and creatively is paramount.
- Ability to forge cooperative relationships with peer departments and stakeholders to resolve mutual problems and complete projects.
- Strong leadership skills to set department goals, encourage teamwork, and motivate and retain staff. Create a positive culture that promotes innovation and success.
- Flexibility to manage a complex and often shifting set of priorities in a high-pressure, results-oriented environment.
- Confidence to be able to tackle difficult, complex issues and resolve competing interests with tact and diplomacy. The Executive Director must be equally comfortable in front of the University board, President, Provost, and other senior external stakeholders as they are with staff and peers.
- Knowledge of city and county governments and transit agencies is a plus.
- A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent of technical education, training, and experience. Ten years of related, progressively responsible experience requiring extensive leadership and strategic expertise in performing duties similar to those listed above or equivalent.
Additional Information:
Physical Requirements*:
- Frequently sitting, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
- Occasionally stand/walk, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 11-20 pounds.
- Rarely kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
Working Conditions:
- Requires 24-hour response availability seven days per week for emergency situations.
- May be exposed to noise > 80dB TWA.
- May work at heights 4 – 10 ft.
Work Standards:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide.
Why Stanford is for you:
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy.
