GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Chief of Staff provides direct assistance to the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and overall support for the operation of the Executive Office. The Chief of Staff reports directly to the President & CEO on a wide variety of administrative and executive duties, special projects and initiatives involving the Executive Office and its priorities. The Chief of Staff coordinates the execution of agency-wide projects undertaken by the President & CEO and handles questions, concerns, issues and requests on behalf of the President & CEO. This is a highly strategic and facilitative role which requires a high level of understanding of DARTs operations and deft political acumen. This position will be an active representative for the President & CEO and will oversee the Executive staff in DARTs Executive Office.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Drives collaboration among key senior management and departments to obtain insight and perspectives related to critical decisions.
2. Oversees daily operations of the Executive Office through collaboration with senior management and department leaders.
3. Oversees and coordinates the preparation for Board of Directors and Board Committee meetings, working with all departments to ensure agenda reports are timely, accurate, understandable, consistent, and address the issues.
4. Addresses major, complex issues to resolution through both professional experience and consensus building through interaction with Leadership Roundtable, Executive and Senior Management Teams.
5. Monitors and coordinates implementation of special projects and ensures the implementation of programs, policies, systems and procedures in accordance with DARTs strategic, operational, and financial plans and needs.
6. Develops and presents written/oral reports and analyses on a wide variety of highly complex transportation issues.
7. In consultation with the President & CEO, provides policy direction, establishment of goals, major priorities, and advising in the development of strategies and resolution of major agency problems and initiatives.
8. Serves as liaison between agency and other external agencies, building consensus to accomplish agency and regional transportation goals.
9. Ensures adherence to policies, proper coordination, quality, and responsiveness to matters requiring Executive Office approval.
10. Interacts with Transit Industry professionals as a DART Representative.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the below stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

1. Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Affairs or related field. Masters degree in a related field is desirable.
2. Ten (10) years related experience managing complex and sensitive administrative matters and analyzing operational, financial and organizational issues in a public agency to include three (3) years experience in planning and leading strategic initiatives, five (5) years of supervisory experience, and five (5) years of experience influencing and working closely with executive level leaders.
3. Strong ability to think and act strategically.
4. Analytical and creative skills to facilitate decisions and ensure implementation of solutions to complex interpersonal, technical and administrative problems.
5. Substantial interpersonal skills required to effectively communicate with all levels of employees, government agencies, elected officials, and stakeholders.
6. Ability to be dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers.
7. Ability to blend people into teams when needed.
8. Ability to write and speak clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles.
9. Ability to read a situation quickly. Good at focused listening.
10. Ability to handle materials and information of a confidential nature.
11. Ability to demonstrate fiduciary obligation, knowledge of budget development/analysis, and operational cost factors.
12. Ability to champion strategic change and strive for innovation.
13. Ability to act decisively and properly manage resources.
14. Ability to foster a culture of courage within their teams.
15. Ability to manage and work well with diverse populations.
16. Ability to always act with integrity, empathy and compassion.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works in an environment where there is minimum exposure to dust, noise, or temperature. May be moderately exposed to unpleasant working conditions to include dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals while visiting DART's operating facilities, assuming incumbent is observing all policies and procedures, safety precautions and regulations, and using all protective clothing and devices provided.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

DART is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity in the workplace. M/F/D/V