Metro formally opened recruitment for its vacant chief operating officer position this week, with a glossy four-page flier recruiting an "approachable" leader who is "comfortable working at the level of regional convener and collaborator," and "who "demonstrates an ability to influence but refrains from acting unilaterally."
The application is open through June; as of Thursday afternoon, the job posting had been viewed more than 200 times.
"In recruiting for the new COO, the Metro Council's goal is to find a seasoned leader that keeps Metro on a trajectory of evolution and continuous improvement, collaboratively engages with our regional partners and effectively manages a uniquely complex organization," wrote Metro Council President Tom Hughes in an email on Wednesday.
In his email, Hughes said nearly 1,000 people were surveyed – through Opt In, stakeholder interviews, meetings with Metro councilors and staff – about attributes they want to see in a chief operating officer to replace Michael Jordan, who left in March to serve in the same role at the state level.
Candidates are required to have at least seven years of leadership and management experience, "preferably with a well-rounded background that includes a combination of public- and private-sector experience." Pay for the position starts at $169,000, but could be higher depending on a candidate's qualifications.
The flier includes ample background material about the agency and its mission, but the posting also encourages candidates who are "well versed in the complexities of regional issues in order to effectively lead a responsive organization."
According to Hughes' email, the council anticipates extending an offer on the position in September.