Deputy Director

DEPUTY DIRECTOR for PEOPLE’S EXPRESS

Whitmore Lake, MI

People’s Express is a growing nonprofit transportation provider serving Southeast Michigan. Our mission is rooted in compassion, reliable transportation, and a commitment to caring for our clients, communities, as well as one another.

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on operations leader to serve as Deputy Director, the organization's second-in-command. Reporting to the Director, this role oversees daily operations, department leaders, HR, finance, technology, and operational systems while translating strategic priorities into execution. The Deputy Director also serves as Acting Director in the Director's absence, allowing the Director to focus on strategic growth, funding, and external partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations across Operations, HR, Finance, Maintenance, Administration, and the Detroit Program, ensuring accountability and alignment.
• Implement strategic initiatives with clear timelines, ownership, and measurable outcomes.
• Lead, coach, and evaluate department heads and oversee staff development and training.
• Manage agency-wide technology initiatives, including dispatch, scheduling, fleet tracking, reporting systems, vendor coordination, and technology upgrades.
• Monitor service reliability, safety, and costs; support operational decision-making during disruptions and drive process improvements.
• Support budgeting, grant administration and reporting, audits, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
• Enforce organizational policies and procedures, resolve operational issues, and foster a unified, mission-driven culture.

Qualifications

• • At least 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional operations.
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, Transportation, Technology Management, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
  • Strong technology skills, experience with operational software, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with occasional evening work.
  • Preferred: experience in public transportation, logistics, or nonprofit organizations; knowledge of FTA/MDOT or federally funded program compliance; and success using data to improve operations.

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with Match, EAP, Paid Time Off