Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Account Executive, Central US

at Via Transporation

🏢 About Via Transporation

Via Transportation is unique as a mobility technology company that partners directly with cities and transit agencies to redesign public transportation systems, rather than operating its own fleet. They combine cutting-edge software with a public service mission to make transportation more efficient, equitable, and sustainable. Someone might want to work there to be at the intersection of technology, urban planning, and social impact while solving complex transportation challenges.

About This Role

This Senior Account Executive role involves identifying and building revenue-generating partnerships with cities, transit agencies, and private-sector clients across the Central US, requiring strategic navigation of government procurement and funding landscapes. You'll act as a thought partner to clients, developing regional transit plans and funding mechanisms while championing Via's mission through local marketing and thought leadership. The role is impactful because you'll directly shape how communities move by implementing Via's technology to transform public transportation systems.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching transportation funding opportunities in Midwestern states, preparing a data-driven business case for a city considering microtransit solutions, and presenting to transit agency stakeholders about how Via's platform could increase ridership and reduce costs. You might also spend time developing thought leadership content about mobility trends in the Central US, coordinating with Via's implementation team on a current project, and building relationships with city planners or elected officials through virtual meetings and industry events.

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🎯 Who Via Transporation Is Looking For

  • Has 8+ years in consultative sales or business development with public sector or B2G experience, specifically navigating government procurement, RFPs, and funding mechanisms for transportation or infrastructure projects.
  • Is a data-driven storyteller who can research complex transit challenges in Central US markets and build compelling business cases using metrics like ridership, cost savings, and equity outcomes.
  • Thrives as a thought partner who educates clients (from mayors to transit directors) on mobility solutions and enjoys the long sales cycles typical of government and institutional sales.
  • Is comfortable being the 'face of Via' in the Central US region, with experience speaking at conferences, leading local marketing campaigns, and building durable relationships with diverse stakeholders.

📝 Tips for Applying to Via Transporation

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with government/transit agency sales cycles, including examples of navigating RFPs, procurement processes, or public-private partnerships in the Central US region.

2

In your application, reference specific Via projects in cities like Austin, Columbus, or Chicago to demonstrate you've researched their implementation model and understand their approach to transit transformation.

3

Quantify your achievements in previous roles using metrics relevant to this space: revenue from public sector contracts, number of government partnerships secured, or impact metrics like reduced vehicle miles traveled or increased transit ridership.

4

Showcase any thought leadership you've demonstrated in the mobility/transit space, such as conference speaking, published articles, or participation in urban planning initiatives that align with Via's mission.

5

Demonstrate your understanding of Central US transportation challenges by mentioning specific issues like suburban sprawl, rural connectivity, or equity gaps in transit access that Via's technology could address.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your experience building durable relationships with government officials and transit agencies, specifically in the Central US region, and how you've navigated complex procurement processes.", "Examples of using data and research to build compelling business cases for transportation or technology solutions, highlighting specific analytical approaches you've used.", "Your philosophy on consultative sales and being a thought partner, with concrete examples of how you've educated clients and developed collaborative solutions.", "Why Via's specific mission of transforming public transit (not just ride-sharing) resonates with you, and how you see yourself championing their technology in Central US markets."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Via's current partnerships in Central US cities (like Arlington, TX or West Sacramento, CA) to understand their implementation models, funding structures, and measurable outcomes.
  • → Research the specific transportation challenges and funding landscapes in Central US states, including federal infrastructure bill allocations, state DOT priorities, and major transit initiatives in cities you'd cover.
  • → Understand Via's technology differentiators from competitors like Uber or traditional transit consultants, particularly their on-demand transit software, integration capabilities with existing systems, and data analytics offerings.
  • → Review Via's thought leadership content, including blog posts, whitepapers, and executive interviews, to understand their perspective on mobility trends and public transit transformation.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would approach identifying and building relationships with prospective partners in a specific Central US city, considering the unique political and transportation landscape.
2 Describe a complex sales cycle you managed with a government entity or transit agency, including how you navigated procurement, built consensus among stakeholders, and used data to make your case.
3 How would you develop a regional transit plan and identify funding mechanisms for a mid-sized Central US city considering Via's platform?
4 Tell me about a time you had to be a thought leader or educator for a client in a technical or complex field, and how you balanced education with sales objectives.
5 Via emphasizes sustainable and equitable transportation. How would you approach a sales conversation with a city that has significant transit equity challenges, and what metrics would you focus on?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on private-sector sales experience without demonstrating understanding of government procurement, public funding mechanisms, or working with elected officials.
  • Presenting as purely transactional rather than consultative - this role requires being a thought partner who develops long-term transit plans, not just closing deals.
  • Showing limited knowledge of transportation/mobility industry trends, public transit challenges, or Via's specific niche in transforming existing transit systems rather than providing ride-hailing services.

📅 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!

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Good luck with your application to Via Transporation!

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