Senior ED of Fleet Operations

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Executive Director of Fleet serves as a strategic leader within Houston ISD, responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation of students districtwide. This role supports HISD’s mission of service to schools by overseeing fleet operations, maintenance, logistics, and compliance, ensuring that transportation services consistently meet the highest safety and performance standards.

With a forward-thinking approach, the Senior Executive Director drives innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement in fleet operations. This position plays a critical role in supporting equitable access to education by ensuring that HISD’s transportation infrastructure aligns with student needs, operational priorities, and the district’s vision for high-quality service delivery.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Lead the development and execution of the district’s fleet strategy, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation services that directly support HISD campuses and students.
2.    Oversee daily fleet operations, including budgeting, resource deployment, maintenance planning, and staff performance management, to drive efficiency and operational excellence.
3.    Ensure full compliance with transportation regulations at the federal, state, and local levels, including safety protocols, environmental requirements, and vehicle standards.
4.    Manage all aspects of fleet maintenance and vehicle procurement, ensuring optimal use of assets and long-term sustainability of the district’s transportation infrastructure.
5.    Stay current on transportation industry trends and emerging technologies, applying best practices to enhance fleet performance and reduce costs while maintaining HISD’s commitment to innovation and service excellence.
6.    Implement data-driven performance metrics and reporting systems to evaluate fleet efficiency, driver performance, and service quality, using insights to inform continuous improvement.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

7.    Lead, develop, and support a diverse team, promoting a high-performance culture centered on professionalism, accountability, and ongoing learning and development.
8.    Cultivate collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, vendors, and community partners, to expand transportation resources and funding opportunities.
9.    Foster cross-functional collaboration across departments, aligning fleet operations with district-wide objectives and school-based needs.
10.    Coordinate with HISD’s Communications Department to strengthen public awareness and stakeholder confidence in the transportation department’s mission and services.
11.    Identify and proactively mitigate operational risks, implementing safety and compliance measures to protect students, staff, and district assets.
12.    Continuously evaluate and adapt fleet strategies based on evolving district needs, enrollment trends, and long-range planning priorities.
13.    Perform other job-related duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success of HISD’s transportation operations and commitment to safe, student-centered services.

EDUCATION

Master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in a senior executive role, preferably within the nonprofit or public-school sectors.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), strongly preferred

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

•    Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with a proven track record of developing and executing successful organizational strategies.
•    Demonstrated experience in leading and managing teams, fostering collaboration, and building high-performing organizations.
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
•    Sound financial management skills, including budgeting, financial analysis, and resource allocation.
•    Strong understanding of governance principles and practices, with experience working with boards of directors and governing bodies.
•    Knowledge of nonprofit governance, legal, and compliance requirements.
•    Ability to navigate complex organizational and political environments, building effective partnerships and alliances.
•    Demonstrated ability to think strategically and critically, analyze complex issues, and make informed decisions.
•    Exceptional leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving organizational objectives.
•    Demonstrated experience in organizational development, change management, and performance improvement.
•    Passion for the district’s mission and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Strategic oversight for multiple departments and/or a major division or for the entire district.
•    Provides strategic direction and develops long-range plans which impact multiple departments or divisions.
•     Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to a major functional area or multiple departments. 
•    Establishes programs and policies, and ensures integration of operational objectives across multiple, major departments, program areas and possibly district-wide.    

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

•    Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. 
•    Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. 
•    Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division.
•    Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.    

BUDGET AUTHORITY

•    Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.

PROBLEM SOLVING

•    Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. 
•    Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas.  
•    May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

•    Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the organization district causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. 
•    Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.    

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

•    Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

•    Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department.
•    Acts as a trusted advisor and becomes involved in the customer's decision-making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.    

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment, which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. 
•    Valid Texas driver’s license with applicable insurance coverage. 
•    Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals. 
•    Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting. 
•    Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching. 
•    Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds). 
•    Environment: Prolonged or irregular hours, including some weekends; frequent districtwide travel 
•    Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress, fast-paced.