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Transit Executive Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Executive Director

Craig, CO · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Known for its strong community identity and collaborative spirit, the Yampa Valley is ready for transformative transit--and the Executive Director will lead the way. View the full position profile ...

Executive Director

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... transit buses. Rolling Start's mission is to empower and educate people with disabilities to ... The next Executive Director will inherit an organization with a proud history of advocacy, direct ...

Executive Director

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... transit buses. Rolling Start's mission is to empower and educate people with disabilities to ... The next Executive Director will inherit an organization with a proud history of advocacy, direct ...

Executive Director

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... transit buses. Rolling Start's mission is to empower and educate people with disabilities to ... The next Executive Director will inherit an organization with a proud history of advocacy, direct ...

Executive Director Location: The Residence at Kenilworth Park, Washington, DC 20019 Type: Full-time ... Centered on a transit-oriented design (TOD), it will emphasize its connection to the greater ...

The Executive Director is responsible for advancing the organization's mission, strategic vision ... transit withholding. Employees receive 10 paid vacation days in their first year, as well as 13 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Transit Executive Director information

See salary details

$21.5K

$77.7K

$159K

How much do transit executive director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for transit executive director in the United States is $77,651.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $96,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a transit executive director?

Transit Executive Directors are senior leaders responsible for overseeing the operations, planning, and management of public transportation agencies or systems. They set strategic direction, manage budgets, ensure compliance with regulations, and work with government officials and community stakeholders to improve transit services. Their role also includes supervising staff, implementing policies, and guiding long-term transit development. This position is critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and accessible public transportation for the communities they serve.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a transit executive director?

To thrive as a Transit Executive Director, you need leadership experience in transportation management, strategic planning skills, and a relevant degree such as in public administration or urban planning. Familiarity with transit operations software, regulatory compliance systems, and budgeting tools is typically required, along with certifications like AICP or PMP being advantageous. Outstanding communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving abilities set top candidates apart. These skills ensure effective oversight of transit systems, foster collaboration with diverse stakeholders, and drive service improvements for the communities served.

What are some common challenges faced by a transit executive director and how are they typically addressed?

Transit Executive Directors often navigate challenges such as balancing budget constraints with the need for service improvements, managing stakeholder expectations, and responding to changing transportation demands. Addressing these requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication with government officials, community leaders, and the public. Many directors also prioritize building collaborative teams and leveraging data-driven decision-making to optimize operations and secure funding for long-term growth.

What is the difference between Transit Executive Director vs Transit Operations Manager?

AspectTransit Executive DirectorTransit Operations Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in transportation, public administration, or related field; often a master’s degree is preferredUsually requires a bachelor’s degree in transportation, logistics, or related field; some roles may prefer experience over advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentOversees entire transit agency, including strategic planning and policy developmentFocuses on daily operations, staff management, and service delivery within specific departments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by public transit agencies, government transportation departmentsFound within transit agencies, focusing on operational efficiency and service quality

The Transit Executive Director holds a higher-level leadership role, responsible for overall agency strategy and policy, while the Transit Operations Manager concentrates on managing daily transit operations and staff. Both roles require relevant experience and industry knowledge, but the Executive Director has broader responsibilities and strategic oversight.

What are popular job titles related to Transit Executive Director jobs?

For Transit Executive Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Transit Executive Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,651 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

My Account
Job Openings >> Executive Director
Executive Director
Summary
Title: Executive Director ID: 1261 Organization: Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority Location: Craig, CO First Review : 09/08/2026
More about this job >
Description
View the Position Profile
Salary Range: $150,000 to $180,000 annually DOQ
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The Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority in Craig, Colorado is seeking its first Executive Director to lead this newly formed public transportation agency. Located roughly three hours northwest of Denver, the Yampa Valley is a scenic mountain region shaped by the Yampa River and home to nearly 39,000 people. Sitting at an elevation of roughly 6,700 feet across Routt and Moffat counties, the valley is characterized by working ranchlands, mountain towns, rugged peaks, and broad stretches of public land. 
THE YAMPA VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

The Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority (YVRTA) is a newly established regional transportation authority serving communities across Routt and Moffat Counties in northwest Colorado. Created under Colorado statute, its mission is to provide sustainable, equitable, and efficient transportation connecting residents, workers, and visitors throughout the Yampa Valley.  

Following voter approval in 2025, YVRTA was formed through an Intergovernmental Agreement among its six constituent members: Routt County; the Towns of Hayden, Yampa, and Oak Creek; and the Cities of Craig and Steamboat Springs. The Authority is governed by a six-member Board of Directors, with one representative from each member jurisdiction, reflecting its collective intent to foster collaboration and consensus-based governance. The Executive Director will be YVRTA's first employee and will build the organization's operational, financial, and administrative foundation. YVRTA anticipates serving approximately 34,000 residents across a potential network spanning roughly 110 miles of roadway. 
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Reporting to the YVRTA Board of Directors, the Executive Director will serve as the Authority's founding chief executive and lead the organization from start-up. Working closely with the Board, the Executive Director will establish YVRTA's culture, strategic direction, administrative systems, financial framework, and approach to regional service delivery. The position is based in Craig and requires frequent travel and sustained engagement throughout the service region.    
WHY APPLY

This is a rare opportunity for an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader to lead one of Colorado's most exciting new regional initiatives. YVRTA's first Executive Director will build a regional transportation system from scratch, shape mobility across one of Colorado's most beautiful and dynamic regions, and make a lasting impact on community equity, economic vitality, and quality of life for northwest Colorado. This role blends startup leadership with public-sector expertise and requires a builder's mindset, political savvy, and the ability to navigate multi-jurisdictional governance. Known for its strong community identity and collaborative spirit, the Yampa Valley is ready for transformative transit-and the Executive Director will lead the way. 


For questions on this position, please contact:
Malcolm Fleming  
GMP Consultants
mfleming@gmphr.com
 (780) 982-4121
Apply Now
 
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