Transit Information Assistant Manager - Systems Operations

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.

The Metropolitan Council's Metro Transit Division is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as a resource for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Transit Information Assistant Manager - Systems Operations position is an exciting opportunity to help ensure transit riders have accurate, timely, and accessible information so they can ride with confidence and ease. The Assistant Manager leads a team of Business Systems Analysts (BSAs) and Data Coordinators. Transit Information BSAs develop, support, leverage, and maintain various internally developed and vendor-supported software applications and databases that facilitate providing information to transit riders. The Data Coordinators lead the production of printed and online schedule information, create electronic rider alerts, ensure real-time sign content is accurate, and lead other initiatives to create and review customer-facing information. This position works closely with staff across the agency - Service Development, Creative Services, and Operations - to ensure that information flows accurately to customers. Finally, the Assistant Manager will manage contracts for key transit information software tools, such as the trip planner, Integrated Voice Response (IVR) phone system, and alerts manager.

NOTE: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

1. Provide work direction and coaching support for a team of Business Systems Analysts and Data Coordinators.

• Build effective relationships and maintain regular communication with team to provide support and oversight for their work, removing barriers to progress and ensuring accountability.
• Provide coaching and support to encourage employee growth and development.
• Support budget development by identifying capacity, resource needs, and gaps.

2. Ensure smooth operations of quarterly service changes, weekly schedule updates, and daily operations for Transit Information data and systems

• Work with stakeholders across the agency (Transit Information staff, other Metro Transit Departments, other Met Council departments) to understand and mitigate pain points, risks, and issues.
• Lead issue resolution and root cause analysis. Ensure timely completion of after-action reporting and implementation of mitigation strategies.
• Ensure schedule data are validated and loaded correctly in various systems.
• Ensure printed materials and website updates are completed on time.

3. Manage vendor contracts and system performance for critical Transit Information software systems, such as the trip planner, Integrated Voice Response (IVR), and Alerts Manager.

• Manage system performance for key vendor-supported software systems, such as the trip planner, alerts manager, and integrated voice response system.
• Ensure service level agreements and contractual obligations are met.
• Manage vendor relationships, ensuring timely completion of tasks and roadmap coordination.
• Lead procurement processes for contract renewals, amendments, and new contracts, as needed
• Coordinate system updates, testing, and approvals

4. Serve as lead liaison with key agency partners to ensure that efforts are coordinated and effective.

• Coordinate with Service Development regarding service changes. Ensure Transit Information responsibilities are covered for upcoming service changes.
• Coordinate with Bus Operations - Street Supervision regarding detours and disruptions. Ensure Transit Information data and systems are covered to reflect detours and disruptions.
• Coordinate with Creative Services regarding production
• Coordinate with other departments whose work impacts Transit Information Systems Operations, including Rail Operations, TCC Technology Systems, TCC Communications, Operations Planning, and others.

Any of the following combinations of progressively responsible work experience in transit, data analysis, technology systems management or a closely related field and completed education in Computer Science, Business Administration, Geography, Urban Studies, Economics, Engineering, or related field AND one (1) year of related lead or supervisory experience.

• High school diploma/GED with eight (8) years of experience.

• Associate's degree with six (6) years of experience.

• Bachelor's degree or higher with four (4) years of experience.

• Experience leading software and data projects.
• Knowledge of transit Information data, tools, and systems.
• Knowledge of management practices.
• Knowledge of software development and data management processes.
• Experience with public transit customer information, scheduling, or operations systems
• Experience managing contracts and vendor performance
• Experience working with a diverse workforce or diverse communities.

• Knowledge of project management, team leadership, and change management.
• Ability to use data to inform goals, deliverables, and business decisions.
• Ability to incorporate feedback and learning to implement continuous improvement processes.
• Ability to understand technical systems and data flows.

What you can expect from us:

• 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.
• Career advancement opportunities.

More about why you should join us!

Union: TMSA Grade H
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:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• We conduct a selection interview.

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.