Application Guide
How to Apply for Director, Strategic Partnerships- Western US
at Via Transporation
🏢 About Via Transporation
Via Transportation is at the forefront of transforming public transit with cutting-edge software that makes systems more efficient, affordable, and sustainable. Unlike traditional tech companies, Via partners directly with cities and transport authorities to reshape mobility networks, offering a rare blend of impact and innovation. Working here means contributing to tangible improvements in how people move, while being part of a mission-driven team that values autonomy and data-driven decision-making.
About This Role
As the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Western US, you will be the face of Via in the region, building and closing high-impact partnerships with city governments, transit authorities, and private operators. This role is critical to Via's growth, as you'll own the go-to-market strategy, navigate complex public-sector procurement cycles, and create data-driven business cases that demonstrate Via's value. Your work directly shapes the future of transit networks and improves ridership, efficiency, and sustainability across the Western US.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual meeting with a city transit agency to discuss a pilot program, followed by analyzing ridership data to build a business case for a new partnership. Afternoon could involve preparing a proposal for an RFP, then a call with a private operator to explore a joint venture. The day ends with a strategic review of the pipeline and a quick check-in with the broader partnerships team on regional priorities.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Via Transporation Is Looking For
- A seasoned deal-maker with 10+ years in sales, business development, or strategy, who has a proven track record of winning complex, multi-stakeholder deals—preferably in public-sector or mobility contexts.
- A master storyteller who can translate data and policy into compelling narratives for diverse audiences, from city council members to transit agency executives.
- A self-starter who thrives in ambiguity and can turn a high-level strategy into concrete action plans, managing multiple complex deals simultaneously.
- A relationship builder who can act as a trusted advisor to city leaders, understanding their pain points and aligning Via's solutions with their long-term goals.
📝 Tips for Applying to Via Transporation
Tailor your resume to highlight specific wins in public-sector partnerships or mobility-related deals—quantify impact (e.g., 'Secured $5M contract with city X, increasing ridership by 20%').
In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of Via's technology and how it solves real transit problems—mention specific cities or projects Via has worked on.
Showcase your ability to navigate procurement processes (RFP, RFQ, etc.) and multi-year funding cycles—include examples of how you've managed these before.
Prepare a one-page data-driven case study of a past partnership you closed, including the stakeholders, challenges, and measurable outcomes—attach it as a supplement.
Research the Western US transit landscape—identify a specific city or agency that could benefit from Via's platform and propose a brief partnership idea in your cover letter.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your experience with complex, multi-stakeholder deals—especially those involving government or public agencies.', 'Highlight your ability to turn data and policy into compelling narratives that persuade diverse audiences.', "Show that you understand Via's mission and how your skills can directly contribute to expanding their impact in the Western US.", 'Mention your familiarity with the Western US transit market and any existing relationships with key stakeholders.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Study Via's existing partnerships—especially in the Western US (e.g., Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver)—to understand the types of deals they've closed and the value they delivered.
- → Read Via's blog and press releases to learn about their latest product updates and strategic focus areas.
- → Research the transit funding landscape in the Western US, including federal grants (e.g., FTA programs) and state-level initiatives.
- → Familiarize yourself with key competitors (e.g., Moovit, TransLoc) and how Via positions itself differently.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid being too generic about your partnership experience—focus on public-sector, multi-stakeholder deals with measurable outcomes.
- Don't underestimate the importance of storytelling—ensure your application and interviews include compelling narratives, not just data.
- Avoid appearing rigid or unable to adapt—show that you can navigate ambiguity and tailor your approach to different stakeholders.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Via Transporation!