Job Description

Role Overview

The Manager of Transportation plays a critical role in ensuring safe, timely, and family-centered transportation services for all KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools. As the day-to-day operational lead, the Manager manages routing logistics, customer service, vendor communication, and compliance activities that directly impact thousands of student riders.

This full-time, year-round role supports the strategic vision of the Director of Transportation by maintaining high-performance standards in execution, while ensuring that families, drivers, and school teams receive timely and accurate support. The Manager of Transportation supervises the daily work of bus drivers, supports driver onboarding and training, and maintains communication systems to ensure smooth daily operations.

Key Responsibilities

Routing & Daily Logistics

• Design and maintain student bus routes using routing software, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance.

• Oversee stop assignments, timing adjustments, and mid-year routing changes based on student enrollment or address updates.

• Coordinate dispatch and tracking of the transportation fleet each day, resolving routing issues in real time.

• Monitor and manage daily on-time arrival data to ensure route performance meets defined KPIs.

Family & School Communication

• Communicate directly with families about route changes, delays, and safety expectations.

• Coordinate with school front office teams to ensure shared visibility on student riders, transportation assignments, and family-facing messages.

• Track and resolve family service complaints, and escalate trends or recurring issues to the Director of Transportation.

Compliance & Safety

• Lead scheduling and documentation for transportation safety drills, including evacuation drills in partnership with the bus vendor.

• Ensure compliance with all transportation-related policies, contracts, and government regulations.

• Maintain transportation records to support audits and vendor contract requirements.

• Conduct and participate in internal safety audits and vendor safety meetings.

Vendor & Fleet Support

• Coordinate daily communication with the bus vendor to ensure consistent service and performance.

• Track bus cleanliness, maintenance scheduling, and report incidents or issues to the Director for resolution.

• Monitor execution of driver and monitor expectations, including timeliness, student management, and professionalism.

People Support & Team Culture

• Support the Director of Transportation in the hiring, onboarding, and training of drivers and monitors.

• Help set a strong culture of service, accountability, and joy among all transportation team members.

• Provide on-site coaching and feedback to drivers as needed, particularly during route launches or service interruptions.

Key Success Metrics

• 100% of bus routes staffed and launched on time each school day

• 95% of family communications about route changes sent within 24 hours of update

• 100% completion of required safety drills, documentation, and reports submitted on time

• <2% error rate in routing accuracy as measured by internal audits (wrong stop, timing, or student assignment)

• 95%+ of front office teams rate transportation communication as “Effective” or higher in internal quarterly pulse surveys

Qualifications

Required

• CDL, in the event one must operate a school bus

• 3+ years of experience in school transportation, logistics, or related operations role

• Knowledge of routing software and transport management systems

• Strong communication skills with both internal and external stakeholders

• Experience managing or supporting frontline staff

• Ability to work flexible hours aligned with school schedules and operational needs

• Strong organizational and project management skills with keen attention to detail

Highly Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in logistics, business, or a related field

• Experience in school-based transportation or public sector fleet operations

• Familiarity with bus behavior policies, transportation compliance, and vendor oversight

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay is commensurate with experience

• Access to individual health benefits (medical, dental, and vision)

• 403(b) retirement program with employer match

• Ongoing professional development and coaching
  All benefits and compensation elements are subject to change each school year.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, year-round position based at the Transportation Office. While core hours are 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., the Manager of Transportation must be available during school arrival/dismissal times, emergencies, and high-volume routing periods.

APPLY
Please complete an application and upload a resume via our job board. No applicants will be considered who submit resumes through other job postings. Link here: https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/KIPP/jacksonville

NOTE: If you're a current KIPP Jacksonville team member and are interested in applying, you should 1) let your current manager know that you're interested and 2) complete the application in its entirety online.

QUESTIONS

If you have questions about this position at KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools, please email the recruiter who is most aligned with your interests.

K-6 Elementary - Jessica at jreplogle@kippjax.org.
7-12 Middle/High School - Lashawnda at landerson@kippjax.org

Please understand that resumes and/or cover letters are not accepted via email and you will be redirected to apply via the website.

KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying for employment at our schools. KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation or national or ethnic origin.