Division Director of Toll Operations, SANDAG

Posted on

The San Diego Association of Governments invites applications for the position of:

Division Director of Toll Operations

Salary Range:  $105,918 to $169,468

Close Date:  Open Until Filled

Application Instructions:  Details about the SANDAG Employment Application and Supplemental Questions required for this position can be found below.

Job Announcement:  Division Director of Toll Operations (PDF)

Toll Operations Program

The Operations department supports the SANDAG vision to provide more travel services and options for the region’s residents, and use innovative, technology-based solutions to better manage the transportation network. In support of this vision, the department is responsible for managing the regional tolling facilities – the existing South Bay Expressway, a 10-mile toll road located in the southern part of San Diego County and the I-15 Managed Lanes, a 20-mile high occupancy toll facility in the north county inland area, as well as planning future tolling facilities in connection with the new border crossing and additional express lanes throughout the San Diego region. In addition, the department oversees the region’s motorist aid programs including the system of highway call boxes for motorists in distress, and the Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) program – providing assistance to stranded motorists which helps to relieve congestion and improve safety on the region’s busiest freeways.

Division Director of Toll Operations

This new position will oversee and direct the ongoing operational activities of the South Bay Expressway and the I-15 Express Lanes which involves management-level coordination across many work groups within the Operations department including Customer Service, Tolling and Customer Information Systems, Roadway Operations, the Project Management Office, and Intelligent Transportation Systems, as well as coordination with other agency departments and external organizations. The focus of this role in the upcoming year will be on completing the deployment of a regional back office system, upgrading the roadway toll collection systems, supporting the rollout of new transponder technology, and updating business processes to support the implementation.

The primary workplace will be the SANDAG offices in Otay Mesa. This is an at-will Employment Opportunity.

Job Responsibilities

This opportunity is for an experienced senior manager or executive; someone who can provide vision and strategic leadership for the Toll Operations program as well as oversee the day-to-day operations and administration. The primary responsibilities for this position include:

  • Oversee the operations, performance, maintenance, and administration of regional tolling and managed lane facilities and roadway operations including customer service, account and revenue management, roadway and roadside facilities, toll collection equipment, security, and traffic management.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of the Toll Operations elements of the agency’s regional operations, capital improvement, and planning program budgets.
  • Build upon the success of existing programs and services by providing leadership to further integrate tolling and transportation management in planning, project development, and other agency initiatives; foster collaborative partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders by enhancing and expanding programs and services that use the latest technology and best practices within the industry.
  • Oversee and continue the development of long-term strategic plans for program areas such as the Freeway Service Patrol and Motorist Aid initiatives.
  • Provide leadership for developing, monitoring, and evaluating business operations, processes, and procedures that enhance program effectiveness; facilitate division and departmental improvement initiatives that streamline business practices while ensuring compliance with regulations, laws, and financial obligations.
  • Oversee the preparation of system-wide as well as project specific plans, studies, and programs; ensure that near-term work products are consistent with long-range plans.
  • Oversee revenue and bond repayment requirements in accordance with internal policies, applicable regulations, bond covenants, and grant repayment obligations.
  • Supervise, mentor, train, and provide career development opportunities for a team of professional, technical, and operations staff.
  • Oversee and coordinate the staff, resources, budget, work plans, and projects assigned to the division; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
  • Contribute as an active participant of the Operations Department management team in the development of strategic planning efforts and addressing policy and management issues.
  • Serve as a representative of senior management on task forces, committees, and working groups at the regional, state, national, and multi-national level.
  • Collaborate with member agencies to discuss agency policies and procedures; respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
  • Make written and oral presentations to boards, committees, and other groups, and represent the department to other agency departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explain, justify, and defend programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
  • Provide complex staff assistance to the Department Director of Operations.

Experience and Qualifications

Numerous factors contribute to an individual’s ability to be successful in any given role. For this position, we are searching for a candidate who has leadership and management experience, an aptitude for analytical thinking and strategic planning, the ability to work collaboratively, and exceptional communication skills.

The minimum education, training, and experience qualifications include a bachelor’s degree with major course work in public administration, engineering, business administration, finance, or a related field, and eight years of progressive career development managing and administering complex programs and services, preferably in a public agency environment, including four years of supervisory and management experience.

The following information describes the specific types of career experiences that are most relevant to this position.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with the operations of transportation facilities and related programs and services; demonstrated understanding of recent developments and current trends related to tolling and congestion pricing.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience providing administrative, management, and professional leadership and direction for a comprehensive program.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience with business management practices that have led to improved operational effectiveness and / or profitability; experience managing a diverse business enterprise that includes technical, business administration, customer service, marketing, operations, accounting, field maintenance, and support services.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and managing a capital improvement program; and the ability to deliver capital projects.
  • Ability to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support personnel; experience evaluating internal business processes and balancing workload with staff resources.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience with business development activities that lead to greater awareness of tolling and transportation programs, services, and resources throughout the region; ability to identify and foster business relationships that result in increased program revenue.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate financial and operational feasibility; the ability to develop a business case and make recommendations for implementation.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive and manage complex organizational change; the ability to effectively manage and deliver outcomes in the face of competing priorities.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of advanced principles and practices of government budget preparation and control; ability to prepare and administer large and complex budgets; ability to allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of division goals.
  • Demonstrated understanding and ability to interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including agency and other government officials, community groups, and the public; ability to gain cooperation and consensus through discussion and persuasion.
  • Ability to communicate highly technical information effectively, both orally and in writing; to a broad range of audiences; ability to prepare and deliver public presentations and recommendations regarding various program elements to upper management, Boards, community groups, and other audiences.
  • Knowledge of the Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA); knowledge of social, political, environmental, operational, and public safety issues related to transportation.
  • Demonstrated computer software proficiency using various programs from the Microsoft Office Suite and other PC-based applications.
  • The candidate selected for this position must successfully pass a pre-employment criminal background and credit history check. Periodic re-checking of criminal background and credit history will be a condition of employment
  • The selected candidate also can anticipate a driving record check upon hire, and approximately annually thereafter. The results of the check may determine whether the selected candidate will be permitted to drive for SANDAG business.

Salary and Benefits

The Division Director of Toll Operations is considered an executive-level role and has an annual salary range of $105,918 to $169,468; the starting salary will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

Our benefits include traditional health, dental, and vision insurance as well as employee assistance, wellness, and work/life balance programs. Retirement and financial security benefits are provided through a pension plan and deferred compensation program. To support the need to rest and rejuvenate, employees are provided with a bank of paid time off in addition to paid holidays.

In addition to the benefits provided to all employees, this position is eligible for several enhanced benefits which include a Management Benefit valued at 2.5% of salary that can be applied towards time off, health premiums, or deferred compensation, and access to an Executive Health Program.

How to Apply

We encourage all interested candidates to apply for this position by completing a SANDAG Employment Application form. Resumes, cover letters, and work samples may be submitted in addition to the Employment Application but are not a substitute for this document.

The Employment Application can be downloaded in PDF format from the SANDAG website. Alternatively, a copy can be requested by calling (619) 699-1900 or emailing hr@sandag.org. Completed applications and related materials can be submitted via email, fax, regular mail, courier, or delivered by hand. See our Careers / How to Apply webpage for additional information.

This position is Open until Filled. The first review of applications will begin on Friday, June 22, 2018.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), SANDAG will accommodate persons who require assistance in order to apply for a position at SANDAG. Applicants requiring an accommodation due to a disability during any stage of the recruitment and selection process, including requesting this document and related application materials in an alternative format, should make their needs known by contacting Human Resources at (619) 699-1900, (619) 699-1904 (TTY), fax (619) 699-6905, or hr@sandag.org.

Application Supplement

To help us further evaluate the skills and experience of individuals interested in this position, applicants are asked to respond to the Supplemental Questions below. The information can be up to 500 words per question and should be submitted with the Employment Application. This is considered a required component of the application; applications received without a response will be screened out of the selection process.

Supplemental Questions

1. Describe the strategies and steps you have used to drive organizational change.

2. Describe what you believe to be the biggest challenge facing California toll operators and what you would do to address it.

Candidate Selection and Notification

Following the first review date for applications, all candidates will receive written confirmation that their application was received. The hiring manager will begin reviewing and evaluating applications within a few days of the first review date. The best qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. All candidates will receive written notification as to the final outcome of their application.

Further Information

The SANDAG website contains a wealth of information about our various project and program areas. The Careers section of the site lists all of our current Job Openings as well as information on how to apply for positions and Frequently Asked Questions about our recruitment process.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, applicants hired by SANDAG must show acceptable proof of identity and evidence of authorization to work in the United States.

SANDAG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Downloads: