ProSearch is hiring: Executive Director in Portland

The partnership with The Maine Turnpike Authority to find a new Executive Director is an exciting opportunity. The Executive Director plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective operation and strategic direction of the organization.

We're eager to help facilitate this search and look forward to identifying a talented leader who will drive the Maine Turnpike Authority's mission forward. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record in management, excellent communication skills, and a strong understanding of public administration, ideally within the transportation sector.

Since its opening in 1947, The Maine Turnpike Authority, with 400+ employees, has been the gateway for Maine commerce and mobility, invigorating the state’s economy and making the unique natural beauty, arts, culture, and cuisine of Maine accessible to millions.

Reporting to the Authority Board of Directors, the Executive Director guides the MTA in maintaining its status as a national leader in user-fee highway travel and a significant contributor to Maine’s transportation system. The primary function of the MTA, to operate and maintain a toll express highway through its short-term and long-term capital improvement plans, guides the Executive Director in leading an executive team to consistently achieve its mission. Responsibilities include oversight of complex and varied transportation objectives impacting the state and setting a strategic vision that includes the plan to achieve transportation and business objectives as defined in Maine law and that are guided by the Authority Board.

Essential Job Functions

Directs the overall administration and management of all activities of the Maine Turnpike Authority; assists and advises the Authority Board on all administrative matters relating to the MTA’s policies, functions, and responsibilities.

Collaborates with the Authority Board to identify and create strategic plans to actualize short and long-range objectives and policies, as approved by the Board; provides leadership, advice, guidance, direction, and authorization to implement.

Guides the planning and coordinating of comprehensive capital expenditures and maintenance programs typically over $100M annually in conjunction with MTA’s capital investment plans.

Plans and directs projects for capital repairs, operational improvements, expansion or reformation, and the purchase, sale, or repair of capital assets, subject to Board oversight.

Evaluate proposed legislative actions to determine the potential impact on the MTA and what position to take in response.

Represents MTA to patrons, media, state and federal authorities, legislators, municipalities, banks, the bond trustee, rating agencies, bondholders, tolling agencies, the public, and other stakeholders in support of meeting the strategic and operational objectives of the MTA.

Establishes and maintains effective working relations and communications with federal, state, municipal, labor, and civic organizations; works closely with legislators, government agencies, local elected officials, tolling services partners, economic development entities, and the Department of Transportation.

Oversees the adequacy and soundness of MTA finances and financial resources, working with an annual operating budget of close to $52M.

Presents the MTA’s operating budget to the Transportation Committee and Maine Legislature annually for approval.

Reviews operating results compared with established objectives and ensures that corrective measures are taken when improvement is necessary.

Develops a talented leadership team who can lead critical departments and manage strategic business functions.

Establishes and maintains effective communications throughout the MTA, conferring with department directors regarding MTA goals, objectives, and operations.

Reports to all members of the Authority Board, and interfaces with department directors, the public, government agencies, and interest groups, on MTA activities, progress, accomplishments, and objectives.

Monitors MTA operations to ensure employees and business practices comply with regulatory and legal requirements (e.g., HR compliance, public financial accountability, etc.)

Collaborates with the leadership team on union negotiations.

Performs other duties and special projects at the direction of the MTA Board.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly Manages seven subordinates: Deputy Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Staff Attorney, Director of Communications & Government/Public Relations, Executive Assistant, and the Director of Human Resources.

Ensures that the responsibilities, authorities, and accountability of all subordinates are defined and understood.

Position Qualifications

Master’s or Juris Doctor degree.

10+ years’ experience at a senior leadership level; preferably in engineering, finance, law, corporate governance, public, legislative, municipal service, and/or union environment.

5+ years’ experience managing, developing, and motivating staff in leadership positions and/or a large multi-division team of professional, technical, field, and administrative employees.

Must be able to rely on past and current management experience and judgment and exercise a wide degree of latitude and creativity in planning and accomplishing MTA goals.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to listen and effectively respond to sensitive inquiries and complaints in a public setting, to make persuasive verbal presentations on controversial, technical and/or complex topics to the public, the media, advocacy groups, regulatory agencies, governmental administrators, and legislative bodies.

Ability to work well with the Authority Board, public, interest groups, state, local, and federal government representatives and agency personnel, consultants, MTA staff, and external organizations and to build and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.

Demonstrated ability to lead, set strategy, manage a budget, and meet organizational goals/priorities.

Excellent organizational and managerial skills; ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple initiatives; and ability to effectively identify, prioritize, and solve problems.

Ability to apply sound judgment and make effective decisions, especially when working under pressure and public scrutiny.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents, laws and regulations, construction plans, contracts & specifications, bond resolutions, reports, and analytical material from engineers, attorneys, and underwriters.

Excellent analytical skills in applying guidelines, policies and precedents, and in adapting standard methods to fit facts and conditions.

Strong mathematical analytical skills; ability to apply principles of logic and scientific thinking to address a range of intellectual and practical problems, to use nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, survey charts, etc.), and to deal with and explain abstract concepts in concrete and practical terms.

The salary for the position will be commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to;

Mary Warren Libby

Director of Recruiting Services, Prosearch

Mary@prosearchmaine.com

ProSearch is proud to be an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, creed, gender/sex, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws.