Job Description
WeGo Public Transit Chief of Staff Job Description Position Summary WeGo Public Transit seeks an experienced, highly strategic Chief of Staff to serve as a critical leader within the Office of the CEO and a key partner to the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the CEO, this position will serve as a trusted advisor and force multiplier for the CEO, and a unifying agent across WeGo's leadership team and strategic initiatives.
The Chief of Staff will lead the operations of the Office of the CEO; oversee Board operations for the MTA and RTA Boards; manage administrative support staff agency-wide; act as liaison across various departments to ensure effective coordination and execution of agency priorities; and lead cross-functional efforts requiring coordination among various leaders and departments as directed by the CEO. The Chief of Staff will also represent the CEO and WeGo Public Transit as a whole to outside individuals and organizations through participation in meetings, public presentations, etc.
This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role for a collaborative and mission-driven professional who thrives in dynamic, high-accountability environments. The Chief of Staff will help ensure that WeGo's executive team operates with focus, efficiency, and alignment - all in service of delivering safe, reliable, equitable, and opportunity-rich public transportation to the people of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
Key Responsibilities Executive Support & Office of the CEO Management - Serve as the primary strategic and administrative support resource for the CEO and Executive Team.
- Provides day-to-day supervision for the Executive Assistant in the Office of the CEO and other Executive Assistants withing the agency, including assessment of the distribution of work assignments, task specialties and overall workload.
- Manage the CEO's calendars, priorities, correspondence, and special projects.
- Prepare and coordinate executive-level communications, reports, presentations, briefings and testimony.
- Gather information and develop CEO's monthly reporting of organizational performance to the MTA and RTA Board of Directors.
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the Office of the CEO, ensuring seamless coordination across all priorities and engagements.
- Provide anticipatory support, helping the CEO and executive team focus on the most mission-critical activities.
- Represents WeGo Public Transit and the CEO at meetings and events that the CEO cannot attend.
Board Operations (MTA & RTA Boards) - Coordinate scheduling of RTA and MTA Board agenda action items, informational briefings, and special presentations in partnership with CEO and presenting staff.
- Organize occasional Board workshops and planning retreats in partnership with CEO and Executive Assistant to the CEO.
- Lead all administrative and operational support for the MTA and RTA Boards, including meeting planning, public notice requirements, agenda development, materials preparation, and record-keeping, with administrative support from the Executive Assistant.
- Serve as support staff liaison to Board members, facilitating effective communication and timely follow-up on Board actions.
- Ensure Board processes comply with legal and governance standards and reflect WeGo's commitment to transparency and accountability.
Administrative Staff Management - Supervise and lead WeGo's team of administrative/executive assistants, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and high-quality support across all departments.
- Develop and implement agency-wide standards and best practices for administrative operations.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development for administrative staff.
- Coordinate administrative staffing with the needs of executive leadership teams.
- Assure for the development of staff to provide backup capacity for various administrative functions.
Program Staff Oversight - Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of staff supporting the WeGo Ride and Community Impact Partnership Programs.
- Ensure effective delivery of these community-facing programs in alignment with agency priorities and goals.
- Support strategic planning, program evaluation, and operational improvements for these initiatives.
- Engage with other departments to develop cross-functional partnership programs.
Cross-Agency Coordination & Chiefs Liaison - Represent the CEO as needed in internal and external meetings, working sessions, and public engagements.
- Facilitate leadership team communications and foster a culture of collaboration and accountability across the Chiefs.
- Lead or support cross-departmental projects and initiatives that advance WeGo's mission and strategic goals on behalf of the CEO.
Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives - Lead and manage special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by the CEO.
- Develop and monitor progress dashboards and tracking systems to support executive visibility on key priorities.
- Proactively identify opportunities to improve organizational performance, cross-functional collaboration, and the effectiveness of the Office of the CEO.
Qualifications - Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree in Public Administration, Business, Law, Public Policy, or a related field preferred.
- 8-12 years of progressively responsible experience in executive support, operations leadership, public agency administration, community relations and engagement or similar roles.
- Experience managing or supporting a Board of Directors or public governance body strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to lead and manage administrative staff and cross-functional teams.
- Strong organizational, project management, and operational leadership skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively with senior leaders, elected officials, external stakeholders, and the public.
- Demonstrated commitment to public service, equity, and community impact.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with the highest level of professionalism and discretion.
- Experience in or familiarity with the public transit or transportation sector is highly desirable.
Reporting Relationship - Reports to the Chief Executive Officer
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