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.

QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES

• 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.

Benefits Include:

• Health Insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of VT and MVP
• Includes Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) that covers deductible or the maximum out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• BJ’s Membership

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.

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.