Executive Director of Transportation

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936. For application inquiries please contact careers@milwaukeecountywi.gov.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Executive Director of Transportation

Department of Transportation

Full Time - Salaried

Annual Salary Range: $146,681.60 to $207,833.60

Who We Are

Milwaukee County is home to Wisconsin's largest metropolitan area, encompassing the City of Milwaukee and 18 surrounding municipalities. The County employs over 4,000 professionals committed to serving the diverse needs of our community. We take pride in our award-winning park system, accessible and well-maintained airport and transit systems, and comprehensive human and health services that support individuals across all stages of life. We strive to reflect and uplift cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity while ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all residents.

Department of Transportation - Our Mission

We are dedicated to promoting safe, accessible, and efficient mobility for Milwaukee County residents and visitors. Our goal is to enhance quality of life and foster economic prosperity through sustainable infrastructure, continuous operational improvements, and innovative public works practices.

The Opportunity: Director of Transportation

Milwaukee County is seeking a visionary, results-oriented leader to serve as Executive Director of Transportation. This executive-level role reports directly to the County Executive and provides strategic and operational leadership over the County's transportation infrastructure. The Director oversees five key divisions: the Director's Office, Transportation Services, Highway Maintenance, Fleet Management, and Transit Services.

With a department budget nearing $300 million, the Executive Director is responsible for shaping long-term strategic plans, ensuring operational excellence, and driving continuous improvement across the Department of Transportation (MCDOT).

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement long- and short-term strategies aligned with the County's transportation vision and mission, ensuring continuous improvement and national best-in-class standards.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee day-to-day functions across all MCDOT divisions. Ensure delivery of high-quality services and alignment with departmental performance benchmarks and goals.
• Performance Management: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitor progress toward departmental objectives. Regularly report on performance to the County Executive.
• Financial Stewardship: Guide the Department toward financial sustainability, identifying innovative solutions to address fiscal challenges and improve cost-efficiency (e.g., increasing transit ridership, streamlining fleet operations).
• Collaborative Governance: Serve on the County Executive's strategic leadership team and work closely with the County Board and other departments to shape and implement high-impact public policies.
• Organizational Excellence: Champion a performance-driven culture within MCDOT that reflects the principles of model government, guided by the Baldrige criteria for performance excellence.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Public Administration, Urban Planning, or Business Administration.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of executive-level experience in transportation, infrastructure, or related systems management.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in personnel and leadership management, preferably with oversight of senior-level staff.
• Proven track record in managing complex, performance-based organizations and navigating state/federal compliance.
• Valid driver's license required.
• This position is subject to County Board confirmation.

Why Choose Milwaukee County?

Milwaukee County is at the forefront of transforming public service delivery. We are building a government that is transparent, responsive, and innovative - driven by outcomes and focused on the communities we serve.

If you are passionate about advancing public infrastructure, committed to excellence in service, and ready to lead transformational change - we want to hear from you.

NOTE: This position is unclassified and not subject to Civil Service Rules and Regulations. This original application is open to qualified candidates authorized to work in the United States. Appointee must establish Wisconsin State residency within six (6) months of appointment and maintain such residency during incumbency. During the application process, please upload your updated resume and cover letter outlining your experience.

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Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.