American Public Transit Association
Advance Transit is seeking a dynamic Executive Director with a passion for public service and a vision for the future of accessibility and sustainability.
Considering making an application for this job Check all the details in this job description, and then click on Apply. This role will serve as the chief executive of Advance Transit, reporting to the Board of Directors and leading all aspects of the organization’s operations, finances, partnerships, and strategic growth. This highly visible leadership role requires exceptional business acumen, political savvy, and the ability to inspire confidence among employees, elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders. The Executive Director will lead a highly developed Leadership Team and will have the opportunity to engage in a transitional onboarding period with the current Executive Director. We are eager to welcome a visionary and experienced leader to guide our organization into its next chapter of growth and innovation. About Advance Transit Advance Transit is a not-for-profit charitable organization providing fare-free public transit in Vermont and New Hampshire for over forty years. Our mission is to reduce traffic congestion, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life for the Upper Valley community. In the last fiscal year, we delivered over 716,000 fixed-route trips and 7,600 paratransit trips across a 34-square-mile service area spanning six towns in two states. With an average headcount of 63 employees and approximately $8 million in revenue, we are well positioned to continue serving our community. Our assets include a newly renovated operations facility; technology investments like a new, state-of-the-art website with an improved real-time tracking system; and a well-maintained fleet of 36 vehicles, including four all-electric buses. For over two decades, our innovative fare-free model and strong community partnerships have made us a recognized leader in the transportation industry. We are looking for a visionary Executive Director to build upon this legacy of success and lead us into the next chapter of growth and innovation. About the Role As Executive Director, you will serve as the chief executive of Advance Transit, reporting to the Board of Directors and leading all aspects of the organization’s operations, finances, partnerships, and strategic growth. You thrive in a highly visible leadership role requiring exceptional business acumen, political savvy, and the ability to inspire confidence among employees, elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders. You will lead a highly developed Leadership Team and will have the opportunity to engage in a transitional onboarding period with the current Executive Director. You are a visionary and experienced leader eager to lead our organization into its next chapter of growth and innovation. About the Upper Valley The Upper Valley is a distinctive micropolitan area spanning parts of Vermont and New Hampshire, blending a professional, academic atmosphere with a welcoming, small-town feel. It\'s home to major employers like Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) and Dartmouth College, which drive a strong, knowledge-based economy. The region offers a rich cultural and recreational life. The arts are a vibrant part of the community, with venues like Northern Stage, the Lebanon Opera House, and the Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth (The Hop) providing a diverse range of live theater, music, and performances. For those who love the outdoors, the Upper Valley provides year-round access to activities from hiking and skiing to kayaking and mountain biking, all set against a backdrop of scenic New England landscapes. An Amtrak station in White River Junction and frequent intercity bus service provided by Dartmouth Coach offer easy access to larger cities throughout the East Coast, including Boston and New York. Why Join Advance Transit? This is an opportunity to shape the future of transportation in the Upper Valley. The next Executive Director will guide a well-respected community institution while expanding access, embracing innovation, and ensuring sustainability for years to come. Advance Transit is in its strongest position financially in the organization’s history with a budget surplus and multi-year funding commitments. The fleet is mostly new and includes significant investments in their EV infrastructure and vehicles. Key Responsibilities General Transit Management Lead daily transit operations with a focus on safety, reliability, customer service, and cost efficiency. Oversee budgets, finances, and operational performance, ensuring strong fiscal management and effective cost-control practices. Serve as the lead on all federal and state grant applications, managing the full grant lifecycle from proposal development to reporting. Manage capital projects, maintenance programs, and future expansion initiatives. Direct marketing and public outreach to promote services and increase ridership. Internal Relationships Foster a collaborative and innovative organizational culture where employees feel empowered to create customer-focused solutions. Recruit, mentor, and support a strong senior leadership team, ensuring high performance and succession planning. Implement clear performance metrics to evaluate both individual and organizational outcomes. Promote a positive, fair, and safe workplace that encourages growth, accountability, and professional development. External Relationships Serve as the public face of Advance Transit, building trust and engagement with the community, elected officials, agencies, and partner organizations. Actively participate in regional mobility discussions, offering creative transit solutions aligned with the agency’s mission. Develop sustainable revenue streams, including public-private partnerships, to reduce reliance on grants and public funding. Advocate for funding and resources by understanding and addressing the diverse needs of municipalities across the Upper Valley. Maintain transparent communication with stakeholders, customers, and the public to strengthen confidence in the agency. Board Interaction Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the Board of Directors. Provide regular updates on financial status, operations, capital projects, and policy implementation. Translate Board policy into actionable strategies for staff and ensure effective execution across the organization. EEO Statement Advance Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. Preferred 10 years’ executive leadership experience in transit, transportation, or a similarly complex public/private organization. Bachelor’s degree in transportation, management, engineering, business, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Strong financial acumen with proven ability to manage budgets and identify efficiencies. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to build consensus, unify diverse stakeholders, and lead teams through change. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement.
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Considering making an application for this job Check all the details in this job description, and then click on Apply. This role will serve as the chief executive of Advance Transit, reporting to the Board of Directors and leading all aspects of the organization’s operations, finances, partnerships, and strategic growth. This highly visible leadership role requires exceptional business acumen, political savvy, and the ability to inspire confidence among employees, elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders. The Executive Director will lead a highly developed Leadership Team and will have the opportunity to engage in a transitional onboarding period with the current Executive Director. We are eager to welcome a visionary and experienced leader to guide our organization into its next chapter of growth and innovation. About Advance Transit Advance Transit is a not-for-profit charitable organization providing fare-free public transit in Vermont and New Hampshire for over forty years. Our mission is to reduce traffic congestion, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life for the Upper Valley community. In the last fiscal year, we delivered over 716,000 fixed-route trips and 7,600 paratransit trips across a 34-square-mile service area spanning six towns in two states. With an average headcount of 63 employees and approximately $8 million in revenue, we are well positioned to continue serving our community. Our assets include a newly renovated operations facility; technology investments like a new, state-of-the-art website with an improved real-time tracking system; and a well-maintained fleet of 36 vehicles, including four all-electric buses. For over two decades, our innovative fare-free model and strong community partnerships have made us a recognized leader in the transportation industry. We are looking for a visionary Executive Director to build upon this legacy of success and lead us into the next chapter of growth and innovation. About the Role As Executive Director, you will serve as the chief executive of Advance Transit, reporting to the Board of Directors and leading all aspects of the organization’s operations, finances, partnerships, and strategic growth. You thrive in a highly visible leadership role requiring exceptional business acumen, political savvy, and the ability to inspire confidence among employees, elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders. You will lead a highly developed Leadership Team and will have the opportunity to engage in a transitional onboarding period with the current Executive Director. You are a visionary and experienced leader eager to lead our organization into its next chapter of growth and innovation. About the Upper Valley The Upper Valley is a distinctive micropolitan area spanning parts of Vermont and New Hampshire, blending a professional, academic atmosphere with a welcoming, small-town feel. It\'s home to major employers like Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) and Dartmouth College, which drive a strong, knowledge-based economy. The region offers a rich cultural and recreational life. The arts are a vibrant part of the community, with venues like Northern Stage, the Lebanon Opera House, and the Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth (The Hop) providing a diverse range of live theater, music, and performances. For those who love the outdoors, the Upper Valley provides year-round access to activities from hiking and skiing to kayaking and mountain biking, all set against a backdrop of scenic New England landscapes. An Amtrak station in White River Junction and frequent intercity bus service provided by Dartmouth Coach offer easy access to larger cities throughout the East Coast, including Boston and New York. Why Join Advance Transit? This is an opportunity to shape the future of transportation in the Upper Valley. The next Executive Director will guide a well-respected community institution while expanding access, embracing innovation, and ensuring sustainability for years to come. Advance Transit is in its strongest position financially in the organization’s history with a budget surplus and multi-year funding commitments. The fleet is mostly new and includes significant investments in their EV infrastructure and vehicles. Key Responsibilities General Transit Management Lead daily transit operations with a focus on safety, reliability, customer service, and cost efficiency. Oversee budgets, finances, and operational performance, ensuring strong fiscal management and effective cost-control practices. Serve as the lead on all federal and state grant applications, managing the full grant lifecycle from proposal development to reporting. Manage capital projects, maintenance programs, and future expansion initiatives. Direct marketing and public outreach to promote services and increase ridership. Internal Relationships Foster a collaborative and innovative organizational culture where employees feel empowered to create customer-focused solutions. Recruit, mentor, and support a strong senior leadership team, ensuring high performance and succession planning. Implement clear performance metrics to evaluate both individual and organizational outcomes. Promote a positive, fair, and safe workplace that encourages growth, accountability, and professional development. External Relationships Serve as the public face of Advance Transit, building trust and engagement with the community, elected officials, agencies, and partner organizations. Actively participate in regional mobility discussions, offering creative transit solutions aligned with the agency’s mission. Develop sustainable revenue streams, including public-private partnerships, to reduce reliance on grants and public funding. Advocate for funding and resources by understanding and addressing the diverse needs of municipalities across the Upper Valley. Maintain transparent communication with stakeholders, customers, and the public to strengthen confidence in the agency. Board Interaction Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the Board of Directors. Provide regular updates on financial status, operations, capital projects, and policy implementation. Translate Board policy into actionable strategies for staff and ensure effective execution across the organization. EEO Statement Advance Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. Preferred 10 years’ executive leadership experience in transit, transportation, or a similarly complex public/private organization. Bachelor’s degree in transportation, management, engineering, business, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Strong financial acumen with proven ability to manage budgets and identify efficiencies. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to build consensus, unify diverse stakeholders, and lead teams through change. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement.
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