Category: 
Job


Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Assistant Director – Mobile GR

Salary: $104,212.00 - $132,991.00 Annually

Closing: 8/14/25

Position Overview
Are you a collaborative and visionary leader who’s passionate about building equitable, sustainable, and innovative transportation systems? The City of Grand Rapids is seeking a people-first Assistant Director to help lead the Mobile GR Department—a team that’s reimagining how people move throughout our vibrant and growing community.

In this crucial leadership role, you'll help advance strategic mobility initiatives that center equity, improve quality of life, and connect residents, businesses, and visitors to opportunity.

What You'll Do
As Assistant Director, you’ll work alongside the Mobile GR Leadership Team to guide and oversee key areas of our transportation network, including:

  • Parking System Operations & Management
  • Transportation System Planning & Operations
  • Sustainable Mobility Initiatives

You’ll lead diverse teams, engage internal and external stakeholders, and champion strategic planning, policy development, and project implementation—all while upholding our city’s core values and the department’s guiding principles.

What We're Looking For
We’re seeking a dynamic, values-driven leader who brings both technical expertise and a people-centered approach to public service. The ideal candidate demonstrates:

  • A commitment to equity, accountability, customer service, sustainability, collaboration, and innovation
  • Leadership that builds trust, shows respect, and promotes team-building and diverse contributions
  • The ability to communicate clearly, follow through on decisions, and foster cross-sector partnerships
  • A curiosity-driven mindset and the empathy to lead with integrity and inclusion

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, transportation planning/engineering, public administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
  • At least five (5) years of relevant experience, including supervisory or management responsibilities
  • Michigan driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in municipal or public-sector transportation management, with a strong understanding of government operations, budget development, and policy implementation
  • Proven experience leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams and fostering an inclusive, equitable work environment
  • Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement and community outreach, particularly with historically underrepresented communities and small local businesses
  • Familiarity with smart mobility technologies, data-driven decision-making tools, or ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems)
  • Certification as a Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or Professional Engineer (P.E.) and/or Professional Transportation Operations Engineer (PTOE),
  • Track record of implementing sustainable transportation solutions, such as TDM strategies, multimodal access plans, and EV infrastructure
  • Strong skills in strategic communication, public speaking, and interdepartmental collaboration
  • Experience managing grant-funded projects or securing external funding for mobility initiatives
  • Knowledge of Vision Zero, Safety Action, Complete Streets, or similar safety and mobility frameworks and their implementation in an urban environment
  • Experience navigating unionized environments or labor-management partnerships

How to Apply
Visit the City of Grand Rapids careers page to view the full job posting and apply today: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/grandrapids/jobs/4998254/assistant-
mobile-gr-director