images of construction and train rendering within 2022 numbers

LEAD THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION: Become the Next CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority

Join Us in Shaping the Nation’s First High-Speed Rail System
and Transforming California’s Future

The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Board of Directors is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the Authority in completing construction of the largest transportation project in the U.S. — the nation’s first fully electrified high-speed passenger rail system.

The Authority is responsible for planning, designing, building and operating the first high-speed rail system in the nation. California high-speed rail will connect the megaregions of the state, contribute to economic development and a cleaner environment, create jobs, and preserve agricultural and protected lands.

When completed, Phase 1 of the high-speed rail system will run from San Francisco to the Los Angeles basin in under three hours at speeds capable of exceeding 200 miles per hour. The system will eventually extend to Sacramento and San Diego, totaling 800 miles with up to 24 stations. In addition, the Authority is working with regional partners to implement a statewide rail modernization plan that will invest billions of dollars in local and regional rail lines to meet the state’s 21st century transportation needs.

For Additional Information, Please Contact: CEORecruitment@hsr.ca.gov

A Career-Defining Opportunity: To Lead the Future of Transportation as the Next CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority

Are you ready to spearhead a monumental transformation in transportation? The California High-Speed Rail Authority is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This is not just a leadership role—it’s an opportunity to leave an indelible mark on the state and the nation by driving forward the development and implementation of one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in modern history.

As the CEO, you will:

  • Shape Policy and Influence Decision-Making: Represent the Authority at the highest levels of government and engage with stakeholders to champion the vision and objectives of the high-speed rail program.
  • Architect the Future: Develop comprehensive plans and strategies for the planning, construction, and operation of California’s statewide high-speed rail network, ensuring alignment with broader transportation goals and societal needs.
  • Ensure Excellence in Execution: Oversee the meticulous planning, execution, and management of all facets of the program, from procurement and construction to operations and maintenance, while adhering to strict timelines and performance metrics.
  • Forge Collaborative Partnerships: Foster strong relationships with internal teams, external contractors, government agencies, and international entities to foster collaboration, innovation, and successful project delivery.
  • Govern with Precision: Direct the Authority’s internal operations across various functional areas, including Administration, Finance, Legal, Communications, and Program Delivery, ensuring seamless coordination and operational efficiency.
  • Champion the Mission: Lead the charge in fulfilling the Authority’s mission of revolutionizing transportation in California through the development of a world-class high-speed rail system, while adhering to legal and procedural frameworks.
  • Become a Catalyst for Change: Take part in shaping history as we embark on the journey to build the nation’s inaugural high-speed rail network, positioning California as a trailblazer in sustainable, efficient, and accessible transportation infrastructure.

If you’re driven by a passion for innovation, public service, and making a tangible impact on the future, then seize this opportunity to be at the helm of a transformative project that will redefine the way Californians travel and connect. Join us in building the future of transportation for California.

Electrified high-speed rail train traveling at grade during the day.

In our next CEO, we are looking for:

  • Proven high-level experience delivering complex infrastructure projects within project timelines. Experience delivering rail projects preferred, but not required;
  • Experience in a high-level management position dealing with the development of multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects, including sensitivity to impacts on communities, agricultural resources, environmental justice issues, and other affected stakeholders;
  • Ability to establish working relationships at the highest level with local, state, and federal leaders, and international organizations to ensure collaboration and transparency;
  • Familiarity with innovative strategies to deliver infrastructure projects; and
  • Experience making financial programing decisions in an environment with dynamic goals and objectives.

Map of the high-speed rail alignment.

Benefits: Including Optional and Insurance Benefits

State employment offers you many exceptional benefits. The benefits listed below are available to eligible employees.

BENEFITS

  • CalPERS Retirement
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Basic Group Term Life Insurance
  • Eleven (11) State holidays
  • Vacation Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • Professional Development Days
  • Personal Holiday
  • Military Leave

ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL BENEFITS

  • Savings Plus 401k
  • Savings Plus 457(b)
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Cash-out Options for Medical/Dental
  • FlexElect Medical Reimbursement
  • FlexElect Dependent Care Reimbursement
  • Voluntary Personal Leave Program
  • Travel Expense
  • ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan
  • Student Loan Forgiveness (U.S. Dept. of Education)
  • Pre-Tax Parking
  • Group Legal Services

INSURANCE BENEFITS AVAILABLE

  • Long Term Care
  • Long Term Disability
  • Disability Insurance
  • Travel and Accident Insurance
  • Workers’ Compensation Program

How to Apply

You must submit a complete application package (see Required Application Documents below) to apply for the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Chief Executive Officer position. Complete application packages may be submitted via email to CEORecruitment@hsr.ca.gov.

You may also submit a hardcopy of your complete application package as follows:

Address for Mailing Application Packages:

CA High-Speed Rail Authority
Attn: Mahsa McManus- Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620 MS 4
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages:

Human Resources
Attn: Mahsa McManus
770 L Street, Suite 620 MS 4
Sacramento, CA 95814

Hours of operation: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Required Application Documents:

Please submit the following documents to apply for the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Chief Executive Officer position:

  1. Cover Letter;
  2. Resume;
  3. Statement of Qualifications (SOQ): The SOQ is a narrative discussion of your education, training, experience, and skills as it relates to the duties that are described in the duty statement. The SOQ reflects each candidate’s qualifications as well as his/her ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. The SOQ should be typed and no more than two pages in length. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ; and
  4. Three professional references, including contact information (phone number and email address).

Salary Information: $444,045- $457,407*
*This range may increase prior to appointment.

Position Location: Sacramento, California

Duty Statement:
View the Chief Executive Officer Duty Statement

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to hrhealthmanagement@hsr.ca.gov (Please do not submit application packages to this email address).

A Transformative Opportunity: To Build The Nation’s First High-Speed Rail System

Grant Award

In 2023, Received awards totaling $3.3 billion in federal funds to advance work on the initial operating segment between Merced and Bakersfield, a significant federal government reinvestment that renewed an important partnership.

Created Jobs

Exceeded 12,200 construction jobs and set records for the number of daily workers on the job sites.

Construction

We reached substantial completion of Construction Package 4, the southernmost section of construction, covering 22.5 miles in the Central Valley. In all, the Authority also completed a record 17 structures in 2023.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority makes every effort to ensure the website and its contents meet mandated ADA requirements as per the California State mandated Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Level AA standard. If you are looking for a particular document not located on the California High-Speed Rail Authority website, you may make a request for the document under the Public Records Act through the Public Records Act page. If you have any questions about the website or its contents, please contact the Authority at info@hsr.ca.gov.