Deputy Director of Mobility and Business Services

Deputy Director of Mobility and Business Services

Salary

$147,992.00 - $184,990.00 Annually

Location

City of San Luis Obispo, CA

Job Type

Regular Full Time

Department

Transit Operations and Maintenance

Opening Date

07/20/2026

Closing Date

8/20/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB DESCRIPTION

Make a Lasting Impact on How People Experience San Luis Obispo

For many people, their first experience with a community happens before they ever reach their final destination. The ease of finding a parking space, connecting to transit, navigating downtown, or accessing a place they value can shape how they experience a city.

Parking and mobility services are more than just daily operations-they are part of the community's first impression. They influence whether a visitor feels welcomed, whether a business can thrive, whether a student can access campus, and whether residents can easily connect to the places and services that matter most to them.

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as its next Deputy Director of Public Works - Mobility and Business Services. This is a unique opportunity to shape how people experience the city every day by leading essential services including parking, transit, mobility programs, and business operations while connecting these services to broader community goals.

The successful candidate will understand the bigger picture of mobility-recognizing how transportation choices, downtown access, economic vitality, sustainability, accessibility, and equitable access to services are all interconnected. This leader will work with residents, businesses, community partners, elected officials, and California Polytechnic State University to develop solutions that meet today's needs while planning for the future of a growing and dynamic community.

If you are passionate about public service, building partnerships, solving complex challenges, and creating systems that help people better experience their community, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, so please hold that date.

JOB SUMMARY:

Plans, organizes, oversees, and reviews programs and activities of the Mobility Services Division within the Public Works andUtilities Department, including the transit and parking functions, department-wide communications, enterprise fund administration, and assigned Public Works business services functions; develops, manages, and implements strategic plans and projects (including major capital projects) related to the division functions; oversees external communications and relations, including managing and supporting committees and boards, community partnerships, and resident and business relations; manages the division budget, fiscal services, grants, contracts, and required reporting; serves as a departmental and City liaison and provides effective customer service to the community; functions as a key member of the departmental management team; performs related work as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This single-position classification has responsibility of overall direction and administration of the City's Mobility Services programs and assigned Public Works branch business services functions, including enterprise fund administration and departmental communications. The incumbent is accountable for formulating policy, developing goals and objectives, supervising staff, administering the budget, and directing day-to-day operations. Assignments allow for a high degree of administrative discretion in their execution. This class is distinguished from the Assistant Director of Public Works by the latter's overall managerial accountability for a comprehensive municipal department comprised of capital projects design, construction management, engineering, transportation, transit, parking, as well as the maintenance of parks, streets, trees, facilities, and fleet.

SUPERVISION

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

The Deputy Director of Public Works - Mobility and Business Services receives general direction from the Assistant Director of Public Works within a framework of broad policies, procedures, organizational values, and processes.

This classification provides supervision to supervisory, professional, technical, operational, maintenance, and office support staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Plans, organizes, oversees, and reviews the City's transit and parking programs and activities.
• Assists in the development and administration of department and division goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Provides leadership, coaching, mentoring, and supervision to employees; demonstrates open and direct communication with peers, subordinates, and the public; promotes organizational and employee development.
• Plans, organizes, administers, reviews, and evaluates the work of supervisory, professional, technical, operations, maintenance, and office support staff; provides training and policy guidance and interpretation to staff.
• Manages and directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of plans, goals, objectives, policies, systems, and procedures of the Mobility Services Division.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends appropriate services and staffing levels; implements performance measures.
• Ensures that staff provides a high degree of service to both internal and external customers that supports achieving the department's and the City's, mission, vision, objectives, and values.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the department's service by developing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs.
• Analyzes and applies laws, rules, and regulations to projects and policy decisions.
• Prepares and manages the Mobility Services Division budget, including two enterprise funds, assigned Public Works operating budgets, and major Capital Improvement Plan projects; monitors work to ensure that funds and staff time are used effectively and efficiently; analyzes workflow, assignments, priorities, and staffing levels and makes adjustments when required.
• Manages and administers fiscal services, grants, and contracts related to division functions.
• Directs the preparation of a variety of projects, studies, and reports relating to transit and parking issues and needs, and develops specific proposals to address the issues.
• Initiates and presents proposals and recommendations to the Assistant Director of Public Works, committees, boards, and community groups.
• Manages and supervises federal, state, and local mandated reporting, such as safety and audit reports.
• Prepares and directs the preparation of a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, ordinances, and other materials.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Oversees external communications and relations, including managing and supporting committees and boards, community partnerships, and resident and business relations; may serve as the staff liaison or advisor to advisory bodies affiliated with transit, parking, and active transportation; serves on external community-based committees such as San Luis Obispo Council of Governments.
• Coordinates and supports department-wide business services functions, including financial planning, enterprise fund administration, budget development, performance reporting, strategic initiatives, and organizational communications.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public works administration,including transit, parking, enterprise fund management, supervision, budgeting, contract and grant administration, capital project delivery, fund forecasting, communications, and project management.
• Applicable local, state, and federal rules, regulations, guidelines, ordinances, and laws.
• Effective techniques and methods of leadership, mentoring, empowering, and teamwork.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, evaluation, and training of staff in work procedures.
• Basic budgetary principles and practices.
• Principles and practices of organizational communications, public engagement, and public information.
• Research methods and statistical techniques used in transit and parking studies.
• Methods and techniques for making effective public presentations of complex information.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of software programs such as Microsoft Office.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff.

Ability to:

• Develop and direct the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards, and develop and implement management systems, procedures, and standards for program evaluation.
• Plan, organize, assign, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate the work of assigned staff, directly and through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Delegate and hold others accountable for work products, policy compliance, and employee performance.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances to a variety of audiences.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
• Represent the City and the department in meetings with commissions, community groups, government bodies, the media, and the public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work in a team atmosphere and participate on a variety of departmental and City-wide committees to enhance the provision of all City services.
• Develop and implement communication strategies for departmental initiatives, capital projects, and public-facing programs.
• Develop and manage operating and enterprise fund budgets and communicate financial information to a variety of audiences.
• Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in, public or business administration, transportation, urban planning, engineering, or a field related to the work;

and

Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the administration, management, operation, or planning of transit, parking, public works operations, business services, public engagement related to municipal services or related municipal programs, including three years of supervisory experience.

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience in a public agency setting is desirable.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C drivers license and a satisfactory driving record.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ)

Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice

The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.

La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.

For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.

For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.

Retirement: California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.

Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.

Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• Masters degree or higher
• Bachelors degree
• Associates degree or vocational equivalent
• Some college
• High School/G.E.D.
• None of the above

02

Did you complete major coursework in one of the following fields?

• Public Administration
• Business Administration
• Transportation
• Urban Planning
• Engineering
• Other Related Field
• N/A - Did not attend college

03

How many years of increasingly responsible experience do you have in the administration, management, operation, or planning of transit, parking, public works operations, business services, public engagement related to municipal services or related municipal programs?

• 9 years or more
• 8 years to 8 years 11 months
• 7 years to 7 years 11 months
• 6 years to 6 years 11 months
• 5 years to 5 years 11 months
• 4 years to 4 years 11 months
• 3 years to 3 years 11 months
• 2 years to 2 years 11 months
• 1 year to 1 year 11 months
• Less than 1 year
• No Experience

04

How many years of experience do you have supervising staff or leading a team?

• 6 years or more
• 5 years to 5 years 11 months
• 4 years to 4 years 11 months
• 3 years to 3 years 11 months
• 2 years to 2 years 11 months
• 1 year to 1 year 11 months
• Less than 1 year
• No Experience

05

Please describe your experience in the administration, management, operation, or planning of transit, parking, public works operations, business services, or public engagement related to municipal services or similar municipal programs. In your response, please also include any experience you have working in a supervisory or lead capacity.

06

Please describe your experience managing or overseeing complex parking, transit, transportation, or similar public-facing operational programs. In your response, include how you have balanced operational efficiency, customer experience, and financial sustainability (such as enterprise or fee-supported funds). What specific outcomes did you achieve?

07

Describe a time when you were responsible for managing a long-term or complex public program or project involving multiple stakeholders with competing interests. What were the key priorities you focused on throughout the project, and how did you determine those priorities over time?

08

Provide an example of your experience managing budgets, contracts, and/or enterprise funds in a public agency or similar environment. Include your role in financial decision-making and how you differentiate between operating and capital needs, including how you have contributed to short-term budgeting and longer-term financial forecasting.

09

Describe your leadership style. Include how you set expectations, hold staff accountable, and foster a positive team culture. Please provide examples.

10

Do you currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license?

• Yes - I currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license
• No - I do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license

11

If you currently possess a valid California Class "C" Drivers License, do you possess a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No
• N/A - Do not possess a valid CA Class C Drivers License
• Other

Required Question

Employer City of San Luis Obispo

Address 990 Palm St

San Luis Obispo, California, 93401

Phone 805-781-7250

Website http://www.slocity.org