Application Guide

How to Apply for Account Director

at Via Transporation

🏢 About Via Transporation

Via Transportation is revolutionizing urban mobility by transforming traditional transport systems into efficient, affordable, and sustainable networks using cutting-edge software. Unlike typical tech companies, Via partners directly with cities and public agencies to create integrated solutions that serve entire communities, making this role uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, public service, and urban planning. Working here means contributing to tangible social impact while operating at the forefront of transportation innovation.

About This Role

As Account Director at Via, you'll be the primary strategic partner for city and agency leaders, owning the success of Via-powered transportation systems in their communities while driving revenue growth through renewals and expansions. This role goes beyond traditional account management by requiring you to act as a trusted advisor who identifies challenges, offers data-driven solutions, and negotiates complex multi-year agreements that deliver long-term value. Your work directly impacts how communities move and thrive, making this a high-impact position at the intersection of public service and technology.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing performance data from multiple city partnerships to identify improvement opportunities, then leading strategic calls with city transportation directors to discuss system optimizations and expansion possibilities. You'll spend significant time preparing for complex contract negotiations, collaborating with Via's product and operations teams to address partner challenges, and developing presentations that demonstrate the measurable impact of Via's systems to government stakeholders.

🎯 Who Via Transporation Is Looking For

  • Has 7+ years of client-facing experience in consulting, customer success, or high-growth tech companies, specifically with experience navigating politically sensitive situations with city governments or public agencies
  • Is an entrepreneurial relationship builder who can remain calm and collected while managing complex stakeholder dynamics across government entities, community groups, and internal teams
  • Is quantitatively-inclined and data-savvy, able to draw quick insights from complex datasets to inform strategic decisions and demonstrate measurable impact of transportation systems
  • Possesses experience negotiating complex, multi-year agreements with public sector partners and can identify expansion opportunities within existing partnerships

📝 Tips for Applying to Via Transporation

1

Highlight specific experience working with city governments, public agencies, or in public-private partnerships - Via needs someone who understands the unique dynamics of public sector procurement and relationship management

2

Quantify your impact in previous roles using metrics related to revenue growth, partnership renewals, or system expansion - Via values data-driven results and wants to see how you've delivered measurable outcomes

3

Demonstrate your ability to navigate politically sensitive situations by describing specific scenarios where you managed competing stakeholder interests while maintaining strong relationships

4

Research and reference Via's specific city partnerships (like their work with Arlington, TX or West Sacramento) to show you understand their implementation model and can speak knowledgeably about their approach

5

Emphasize your consultative approach to problem-solving rather than just transactional account management - Via wants strategic advisors who can identify challenges before they become problems

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience managing complex public sector relationships and navigating politically sensitive environments', "Specific examples of how you've used data to drive strategic decisions and demonstrate partnership value", 'Your approach to being a trusted advisor rather than just an account manager, with examples of proactive problem-solving', "Why you're passionate about Via's mission to transform urban mobility and create sustainable transportation networks"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Study Via's specific city partnerships and implementation models - understand how they work with different types of municipalities and what challenges different partnerships have faced
  • Research the current state of public transportation innovation and the specific pain points cities face that Via addresses
  • Learn about Via's technology platform and how it differs from competitors like Uber or traditional transit systems
  • Understand the funding models for public transportation partnerships and how Via structures its agreements with cities

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you managed a politically sensitive situation with a government partner and how you maintained the relationship while achieving business objectives
2 How would you approach identifying expansion opportunities within an existing city partnership that's already running Via's transportation system?
3 Walk us through how you would use data to demonstrate the impact of a Via-powered system to a skeptical city council member
4 Describe your experience negotiating complex, multi-year agreements with public entities - what strategies have worked best?
5 How would you balance the needs of multiple stakeholders (city officials, community groups, Via's internal teams) when a partnership faces challenges?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on private sector experience without demonstrating understanding of public sector dynamics and procurement processes
  • Presenting as purely transactional rather than strategic - Via wants advisors who think long-term about community impact
  • Failing to show quantitative orientation - even if you're not a SQL expert, you need to demonstrate comfort with data analysis and metrics-driven decision making

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Via Transporation!