Company Description

KIPP Delta is part of the nation-wide KIPP non-profit network of 242 college-preparatory, public charter schools educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students. We are excited that KIPP Delta will serve over 1,200 students in Helena and Blytheville, AR in the 2022-2023 school year.

Job Description

The Director of Transportation is responsible for the strategic management of the transportation department for all KIPP Delta schools. Additionally, the Director of Transportation will serve as a vital member of the Operations Team, ensuring that transportation services meet the needs of the KIPP Delta Team and Family while minimizing budgetary impact. They will work collaboratively with various KIPP Delta leadership team members to satisfy operational and regulatory requirements.

The Director of Transportation directly supervises all site-level Transportation Leads and coordinators and reports to the Managing Director of Regional Operations.  They will work to support the district’s mission, vision, and values.

Compliance and Oversight

• Lead the development and implementation of transportation policies and procedures, system upgrades, and standards of service expectations across both communities.
• Direct and monitor daily operations to ensure bus services are performed efficiently and in accordance with appropriate regulations, standard operating procedures, policies, and guidelines.
• Standardize the distribution of bus schedules to schools before the start of the school year.
• Facilitate state transportation meetings to address operational issues and build a rapport of support for school management.
• Oversees and leads strategic plans to maintain route efficiency.
• Implement procedures that maintain safety standards in compliance with state and federal laws and insurance regulations.
• Maintains comprehensive records and submits reports to stakeholders when required.
• Leverages technology to establish systems for route planning, bus monitoring, driver performance monitoring, field and athletic trip planning, and bus maintenance.
• Facilitate effective communication and conflict resolution with parents, management, and staff.
• Meet with the school leader to help resolve transportation issues for students with special needs.
• Attend training, meetings, and workshops to maintain and enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Possess a valid CDL and be willing to drive a school bus when necessary.
• Effectively communicate (e.g., emails, phone calls, and in-person meetings) with School Leaders, Directors of Ops, and families regarding any bus route changes and bus discipline issues.
• In-depth knowledge of Arkansas laws relating to the operation of school buses and other commercial vehicles.
• Implement and direct training programs for drivers, lead drivers, coordinators, and all other transportation staff.
•  Facilitate ongoing training to ensure drivers use best safety practices and proper bus culture management skills that are aligned with KIPP Delta values.
• Ensure all driver's qualifications required to drive are current and compliant.

Budget Management

• Manage state transportation budget and ensures the department operates within its limit.
• Meet monthly with the Managing Director of Regional Operations to provide information on operational issues impacting the cost.
• Develop a long-term plan for the transportation department’s capital investments, operational, and budgetary needs.
• Plan for future bus service needs that are aligned to KIPP Delta’s growth plans.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of experience leading a transportation team, preferably, School Transportation department.
• Possess CDL with School Bus, Passenger Endorsements, and Air Brake Endorsements
• Exceptional analytic, strategic, and problem-solving skills
• Strong planning, organization, and project management skills, with the ability to identify and integrate numerous dependencies through a comprehensive action plan.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a proven ability to meet multiple deadlines and tasks.
• Significant budget and personnel management experience.
• Certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Deep belief in the mission and values of KIPP Delta. 

Additional Information

Salary will be commensurate with experience. KIPP Delta's salary schedule is available on our website, under "State Required Information."

KIPP Delta is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all of our students, families, teachers, staff and community members. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.