Position Overview
The Director of Transportation is responsible for overseeing and managing the transportation operations for Movement Schools' network across Charlotte, NC, Charleston, SC, and Atlanta, GA. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the school bus fleet while maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and local transportation laws. The Manager of Transportation will lead strategic planning for student transportation, manage vendor relationships, and oversee budgetary allocations for transportation services.
Key Responsibilities
Transportation Operations & Fleet Management
- Oversee daily transportation operations, including route planning, fleet maintenance, and driver management across all three regions.
- Ensure the proper maintenance and safety of all school buses and transportation vehicles, coordinating with maintenance providers as needed.
- Develop and implement routing strategies that optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize student ride times.
- Monitor GPS tracking and fleet management systems to ensure timely and safe bus operations.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure all school transportation services comply with local, state, and federal laws, including regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and state/local Departments of Education.
- Oversee and enforce adherence to safety protocols, including vehicle inspections, driver qualifications, and student supervision policies.
- Conduct regular audits of transportation records, driver certifications, and fleet maintenance logs.
- Develop and lead safety training programs for bus drivers and transportation staff.
Budget & Vendor Management
- Develop and manage the transportation budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining high safety and service standards.
- Negotiate and manage contracts with transportation vendors, maintenance providers, and fuel suppliers.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements, such as implementing technology solutions for routing and vehicle monitoring.
Leadership & Stakeholder Coordination
- Supervise all transportation employees, including bus drivers across network.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for school leaders, parents, and external partners regarding transportation services.
- Investigate and resolve transportation-related concerns, including delays, safety issues, and service complaints.
- Collaborate with school operations teams to align transportation services with student needs and academic schedules.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Transportation Management, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
- Minimum 5 years of experience in transportation management, school transportation, or fleet operations.
- Knowledge of federal and state transportation laws, including DOT, FMCSA, and school bus safety regulations.
- Experience managing a transportation budget and negotiating vendor contracts.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience supervising transportation staff.
- Proficiency in transportation software, GPS tracking systems, and routing tools.
- Ability to travel regularly between Charlotte, Charleston, and Atlanta.
- CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) or experience overseeing CDL-licensed staff.
- Certification in Transportation Safety or Fleet Management (e.g., National Association for Pupil Transportation - NAPT certification).