Manager, Metro Move and Transit Link

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS) conducts planning for the regional transportation system that includes highways, transit, aviation, freight, and bicycle and pedestrian connections. The Metropolitan Council is the region's federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization. MTS also provides direct transit service through contracts or partnerships with counties to deliver four major programs: Metro Mobility/ADA, Transit Link dial-a-ride, contracted regular-route bus service, and Metro Vanpool.

This position will oversee the new Metro Move program and Transit Link services that are expected to evolve and grow considerably over the next two to three years. Metro Move launched in 2024 and there are plans to enhance service options over the next few years. Transit Link is delivered today through three directly managed contracts and two subcontractors. By mid-2026, all five contracts will be fully managed by MTS.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Manager, Metro Move and Transit Link provides leadership and oversight for the Council's demand-response transit programs, including Metro Move and Transit Link. This position is responsible for managing contracted paratransit service delivery to ensure safe, reliable, and customer-focused operations for riders with disabilities and the general public. The role directs program development, contractor oversight, and budget management; ensures compliance with all applicable FTA, DHS, and HIPAA requirements; and monitors performance to meet regional and federal standards. The Manager partners with counties, community organizations, and internal stakeholders to expand service capacity, enhance customer experience, and integrate paratransit offerings within the broader regional transit network.

Anticipated starting salary range (DOQ*): $98,800 - $134,000
Full salary range: $98,800 - $160,347

* The starting salary will depend on the selected candidate's experience, skills, education, and internal salary equity.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement, which includes three days per week in the office. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

Workgroup Leadership, Coaching, and Development

• Oversee 2-3 direct reports, coordinate program activities, and direct contractors, consultants, and staff that are responsible for specific functions or phases of the program.
• Provide policy, strategy, and procedural direction to staff on implementation and ongoing management of Metro Move and Transit Link services.
• Develop and modify work plans, methods, and procedures; determine work priorities; and develop work schedules. Prepare and administer the program budget; determine staff and outsourcing needs. Assign and distribute work; review work for accuracy and completeness; and return assignments with recommendations for proper completion.
• Coach and motivate staff to develop their skills and abilities.

Stakeholder Relationships

• Communicate regularly with contractor management staff to ensure Council expectations are met and that any issues or service quality issues are immediately addressed. Ensure that contractor service delivery practices and procedures, and resulting expenses uphold our fiduciary responsibility to the region.
• Work with various MTS and IT staff to optimize utilization of technology in meeting operational and reporting needs.
• Work with MTS Fleet Manager to coordinate the procurement of vehicles for Metro Mobility and Metro Move to match future service plans and consider bus build lead times and the availability of funding.
• Serve as business function subject matter expert and communicate needs of business system users to IT for enhancing the functionality of integrated technology software.

Program and Contract Development and Evaluation

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement policy and procedures that ensure safe and reliable transportation in a continuously evolving environment to include service for some of the region's most vulnerable population.
• Evaluate program ridership trends, consult with community leaders, and strategize around how to fill unmet needs in the community within the confines of public transit efficiently and effectively.
• Develop contract specifications and scopes of work for service contracts and operational infrastructure to incorporate continuous improvement strategies.

Any of the following combinations in completed education (degree field of study in business administration, public administration, transportation planning, or related field) and experience (in transit management, transit contract administration, or transit planning/administration):

• High school diploma/GED with 10 years of experience, including three years of experience managing contracted public transit services
• Associate degree with eight years of experience, including three years of experience managing contracted public transit services
• Bachelor's degree with six years of experience, including three years of experience managing contracted public transit services
• Master's degree with four years of experience, including three years of experience managing contracted public transit services

• Experience with Trapeze PASS software
• Experience with Dial-a-Ride Transit service delivery methods and techniques
• Understanding of and experience working with data classified as "Private" by Minnesota statute or HIPAA
• Experience using Power BI and data analytics
• Experience with federal transit regulations and reporting
• Experience working with persons with disabilities and their caregivers, day service programs, and disability rights advocates

• Skilled in MS software; Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Ability to effectively utilize specialized industry software and technology to monitor service and inform decision-making
• Ability to read, comprehend, and apply contract and regulatory language
• Ability to access and understand Power BI reports to manage contractors and service quality
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of customers, internal staff, Council members, legislators and their staff.

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: MANA/Grade J
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only) and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.