Transit Manager

Job Summary

Transportation Services at CU Boulder is hiring for a Transit Manager! This role is responsible for all aspects of transit operations with an emphasis on safety, customer service, public relations, planning, operational efficiency and fiscal accountability. CU Boulder transit operations is composed of a fleet of 25 buses and 35 staff members. This position leads the Transit Division and analyzes monthly financials to determine efficient and profitable opportunities to reduce expenses while improving service. The position represents the Transportation and Parking Department at meetings with internal CU clients and external clients such as the City of Boulder and Boulder County, regarding public transit, campus shuttle services, and construction projects or large events that could impact transit services. This position identifies and implements continuous improvement and customer satisfaction opportunities.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Transportation Services provides comprehensive transit, fleet management, and maintenance to serve the faculty, staff, students, and visitors at the University of Colorado Boulder. The University of Colorado vehicle fleet numbers over 600; a robust transit system moving 1.4 million riders per year at the University of Colorado-Boulder campus; and providing guidance for driver operations for campuses located in Aurora, Boulder, and Denver.

We have the unique opportunity to influence the impressions of every member of our university community and visitors. We are team-oriented professionals, dedicated to meeting the needs of our community and providing the highest possible customer service.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Transit Operations

• Regularly evaluates existing campus transit services. Collects data on ridership, travel times, headways and service spans. Makes adjustments to the routes, stops and service to increase ridership within fiscal parameters. Serves as the primary point of contact for requests for additional transit services. Evaluates potential transit enhancements based on costs, ridership and staff/vehicle availability.
• Reviews monthly Transit Division financials including driver salaries, vehicle maintenance, fuel, and other operational costs. Handles the bus depreciation schedules including setting amortization lengths for newly acquired buses. Runs the vehicle replacement schedule based on transit vehicle lifecycle costs and available revenues.
• Manages communication and marketing of transit services. Works with the CU Boulder GIS team to update public-facing materials so that they are easy to understand and available in key locations. Manages the real-time information hardware and software systems to ensure that the public facing user app shows all Buff Buses in real time. Reports real-time service disruptions and temporary stop/route changes through various platforms.
• Leads communication and operational responses to customer service issues. Promptly sees opportunities to improve transit service delivery to CU students, faculty and staff.
• Develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures for all aspects of CU transit operations. Ensures staff are familiar with SOPs and leads regular training sessions to improve compliance.
• Is responsible for the summer Buff Bus Charters including rates, reservations, staffing and vehicle availability.
• Develops relationships with other Colorado transit agencies and other university transit agencies to stay abreast of standard methodologies and emerging trends. Attends Transportation and driver-related seminars, conferences and competitions.
• Represents Parking and Transportation Services related to Transit services on various committees, special event meetings, and at RTD and Via Mobility meetings.

Leadership and Supervision

• Directly supervises the Transit Supervisors, Transit Coordinators, and Driver Trainer. Conducts weekly one-on-one meetings with direct reports. Conducts annual performance review & evaluation, recognizing employee strengths and guiding corrective actions on areas of weakness. Maintains positive relations with direct reports through coaching and helping each staff member reach their potential.
• Manages the organizational structure of the transit division and evaluates how the reporting structure could be improved. Recommends new positions or changes in job duties. Works with the human resources team for creating job descriptions and recruitment for all positions in the division.
• Develops 1, 3, and 5 year Strategic Priorities for Transit Operations. Participates in leadership meetings and planning sessions.
• Drives safety initiatives in a proactive manner and promotes a safe work environment in daily operations.

BEB Vehicle and Charging Infrastructure

• Manages the Battery Electric Bus (BEB) charging infrastructure. Prepares for changes and future growth including infrastructure. Follows advancements in the industry including new procedures and products.
• Develops partnerships with BEB vendors and their products, understanding performance records and costs.
• Leads procurement of new BEBs including specs on batteries, charging ports, heating/cooling systems and Energy Storage Systems.

Transit Grant Opportunities

• Applies for and manages capital grant applications for new buses, including knowing funding schedules of the various state and federal grants and working with leadership to identify local match needs.
• Manages the ongoing reporting requirements for awarded grants.

What You Should Know

This in-person position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm, though some weekends and evenings may be required.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $105,000 - $115,000 annually. Relocation assistance is available per department guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be collaborative. Be effective. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of experience (including 2 years of supervisor experience) in the transportation industry. A combination of education and/or job-related experience as described below may be substituted for the degree on a year-for-year basis.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

What You Will Need

• Experience in bus dispatch, scheduling, and/or transit management.
• Working knowledge of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).
• Demonstrated history of collaborative, collegial, and cooperative working relationships with professional peers, community constituencies, and external agencies/entities.
• Effective interpersonal skills using clear and concise oral and written forms of communication.
• Proven decision making, reasoning and analytical skills.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience working at a University or College.
• Clean driver’s record and CDL driver’s license.
• Two years of CDL driving experience.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by May 26, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Essential Services

This position is designated “essential/critical services.” The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event) and report to work for regularly assigned shifts during emergency campus closures.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu