Deputy Director

People’s Express (PEX)
Whitmore Lake, MI

About People’s Express

People’s Express (PEX) is a mission-driven nonprofit transportation provider serving Southeast Michigan. We provide essential mobility services that connect people to work, medical care, groceries, education, and community resources.

We operate in a highly regulated, multi-county environment and are in an exciting stage of growth and modernization. As we expand service and strengthen internal systems, we are seeking a Deputy Director to serve as our operational leader and internal executive partner.

Position Summary

The Deputy Director is the organization’s second-in-command and internal operations leader. This position is responsible for leading day-to-day organizational management, overseeing department heads, ensuring operational excellence, and driving technology and systems modernization across the agency.

The Deputy Director ensures that People’s Express runs smoothly and efficiently so the Director can focus on strategic growth, regional partnerships, funding development, and long-term vision.

This role is ideal for a strong, systems-oriented leader who thrives in complex environments and wants to play a critical role in shaping the future of community transportation.

The Deputy Director serves as Acting Director when necessary.

What You Will Do

Organizational & Department Leadership

•    Oversee daily operations across departments

•    Ensure strong internal communication, accountability, and execution of organizational priorities.

•    Translate strategic goals into clear operational plans.

•    Support department heads in performance management and continuous improvement.

•    Strengthen and sustain a unified organizational culture across multiple facilities and service programs, ensuring mission alignment throughout the agency.

Technology & Systems Leadership

•    Lead agency-wide technology initiatives

•    Oversee vendor relationships and IT coordination.

•    Improve data reporting, workflow systems, and internal efficiencies.

•    Ensure systems support compliance, productivity, and service quality.

Operational Excellence

•    Monitor service reliability, safety metrics, and operational efficiency.

•    Support real-time decision-making during service disruptions.

•    Identify and implement process improvements across departments.

•    Ensure ADA, FTA, and MDOT compliance standards are upheld.

Financial & Grant Support

•    Assist with budget monitoring and operational cost oversight.

•    Support grant implementation, reporting, and audit preparation.

•    Ensure strong internal controls and regulatory compliance.

Culture & Organizational Development

•    Strengthen leadership alignment and accountability standards.

•    Support professional development systems.

•    Foster a mission-driven, collaborative workplace culture.

Qualifications

Required:

•    Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Transportation, or related field (or equivalent experience).

•    5+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience.

•    Demonstrated experience overseeing teams and managing cross-department operations.

•    Strong comfort with technology systems and operational software platforms.

•    Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

•    Experience in public transportation, logistics, or mobility services.

•    Knowledge of FTA, MDOT, or federally funded program compliance.

•    Experience leading growing organizations

•    Background in data-driven operational improvement.

Core Strengths We’re Looking For

•    Operational leadership

•    Systems thinking

•    Technology fluency

•    Accountability and follow-through

•    Strong communication skills

•    Sound judgment under pressure

•    Commitment to mission

Why Join People’s Express?

This is not a maintenance role; it is a transformational leadership opportunity

People’s Express is entering a pivotal stage of growth. We are modernizing systems, expanding service reach, strengthening internal infrastructure, and building a resilient organization positioned for long-term sustainability and regional impact.

The Deputy Director will help shape the next chapter of People’s Express.

This role offers the opportunity to:

•    Influence agency-wide systems, culture, and operational excellence

•    Champion technology innovation and lead meaningful modernization efforts

•    Partner closely with executive leadership to drive strategy into action

•    Strengthen internal leadership capacity across departments

•    Make a measurable, community-level impact by expanding equitable access to transportation

If you are motivated by building systems, elevating teams, and creating lasting impact in the communities you serve, this is an opportunity to lead with purpose.

Compensation & Benefits

•    Competitive salary based on experience

•    Health, dental, and vision insurance

•    Paid time off and Vacation

•    Professional development opportunities

•    Flexible Culture

To Apply

Submit resume and cover letter detailing your leadership experience and interest in the position to eveliinat@peoplesexpressmi.com

People’s Express is an Equal Opportunity Employer.