POSITION SUMMARY:

COTA's Chief Capital Delivery Officer leads the twenty-five-year growth and mobility capital improvement program in Central Ohio, overseeing all capital projects, especially large-scale transit projects, and ensuring alignment with regional priorities. Responsibilities include strategic planning, project implementation and performance evaluation, policy development, and executive oversight of project teams. This position ensures compliance with regulations, manages project risks, and drives financial transparency and budget administration. It involves close collaboration with internal teams, stakeholders, and external partners, fostering transparency, public trust, and strategic growth.

Performs duties that advance COTA's Strategic Plan and reflect the organization's core values of safety, empowerment, accountability, teamwork, and service, and support the mission of Moving Every Life Forward.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide strategic leadership for the LinkUS program, setting direction for staff and consultants and ensuring alignment with regional priorities.
• Serve as the executive leader for COTA's capital improvement program, establishing the policies, governance structures, and performance standards that guide major capital investments.
• Oversee long range capital planning, including the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, system expansion strategies, and state of good repair initiatives, in coordination with COTA leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Lead and develop a high performing team responsible for delivering complex, multi-disciplinary transit and transportation projects on schedule, within budget, and to defined quality standards.
• Act as the accountable executive for all phases of project execution-design, engineering, right of way, utility coordination, procurement, and construction-while partnering with planning and asset management to ensure enterprise alignment.
• Direct the evaluation of program and project performance against strategic goals, providing high level decisions and guidance to address risks, resolve issues, and adjust priorities when needed.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations, while proactively managing project risks and maintaining safety and environmental standards.
• Lead development and administration of annual staffing, operating, and capital budgets, working closely with Finance and Procurement to ensure fiscal discipline, transparency, and supplier diversity.
• Maintain strong relationships with public officials, boards, community leaders, and regional partners through consistent, transparent communication on program progress, challenges, and outcomes.
• Represent COTA with federal agencies, local organizations, and professional associations to advance strategic partnerships and secure support for major initiatives.
• Provide executive leadership for LinkUS program elements beyond capital delivery, including transit service enhancements, transit supportive infrastructure grants, and transit-oriented development initiatives.

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Planning, or Business Management and ten (10) years' progressive leadership overseeing public transportation infrastructure projects, including large?scale capital improvements with budgeting responsibilities, and experience working with local and state government, preferably within Ohio. An equivalent combination of education/training and relevant experience will also be considered.
• Procore and PMP certifications preferred.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, policies, and laws associated with transportation and capital projects.

About Central Ohio Transit Authority

You Are What Drives UsThe Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is proud to be the regional mobility solutions provider for the 1.3 million residents across the greater Columbus and Central Ohio area, connecting people with more than 12 million trips every single year.Our mission and vision shape everything we do, from daily service to long-term planning. They guide how we adapt to the needs of our growing communities, building a future where mobility is accessible, reliable and equitable.Our Mission: We provide solutions that connect people to prosperity through innovation, dedication and teamwork.Our Vision: To move every life forward.

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