Application Guide
How to Apply for Strategic Proposals Lead
at Via Transporation
🏢 About Via Transporation
Via Transportation is a global leader in transforming public mobility through cutting-edge software, partnering with cities and transit agencies to build efficient, affordable, and sustainable networks. Unlike traditional transit operators, Via uses a technology-first approach to dynamically route vehicles and optimize shared rides, making it a pioneer in the mobility-as-a-service space. For someone passionate about using technology to solve urban transportation challenges, Via offers a mission-driven environment with real-world impact.
About This Role
As the Strategic Proposals Lead, you will own the end-to-end proposal process for high-stakes commercial bids, crafting compelling narratives that win multi-million dollar contracts. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, writing, and project management, requiring you to synthesize input from cross-functional teams (Partnerships, Operations, Finance) into a cohesive, winning document. Your work directly shapes Via's growth by securing new partnerships and expanding its global footprint.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a stand-up with the Partnerships team to review a new RFP released overnight, then shift to a deep-dive session with Operations to clarify technical specs. Afternoon is dedicated to drafting proposal sections, coordinating with Finance for pricing inputs, and reviewing competitor analysis with senior leadership. You'll juggle multiple deadlines, ensuring each proposal tells a compelling story that aligns with Via's strategic goals.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Via Transporation Is Looking For
- An exceptional writer with at least 5 years of experience creating long-form proposals, publications, or complex documents, preferably in a consulting, government, or tech procurement context.
- A strategic thinker who can distill complex technical and operational details into a clear, persuasive narrative tailored to diverse evaluators (e.g., transit officials, finance teams, community stakeholders).
- A project management pro who thrives in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple concurrent deadlines and coordinating inputs from senior leaders across departments.
- A commercial-minded individual with strong judgment, able to balance detail orientation with big-picture thinking to identify win themes and competitive advantages.
📝 Tips for Applying to Via Transporation
Tailor your resume to highlight specific examples of leading complex proposals or long-form writing projects, quantifying outcomes (e.g., win rates, contract values).
In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of Via's technology and mission by referencing recent partnerships or deployments (e.g., Via's work in Arlington, TX, or its partnership with the City of London).
Submit a writing sample that showcases your ability to structure a persuasive argument under tight constraints—ideally a proposal excerpt or a strategic memo.
Research the competitive landscape: mention how Via differentiates from rivals like Uber Transit, Moovit, or traditional RFPs in your application.
Use the application to show you can manage multiple priorities: briefly outline how you'd approach a hypothetical RFP timeline with competing deadlines.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your track record in winning competitive procurements or similar strategic writing, with concrete examples of how your narrative drove success.', 'Highlight your ability to collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, as the role requires constant coordination with Partnerships, Operations, and Finance.', "Show passion for Via's mission of transforming public transportation, and connect your personal values to Via's goal of making transit efficient, affordable, and sustainable.", "Demonstrate commercial judgment by discussing how you would identify win themes in a competitive RFP, balancing customer needs with Via's capabilities."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Via's case studies and press releases to understand its value proposition in different markets (e.g., microtransit, paratransit, school buses).
- → Review recent RFPs from transit agencies that Via has won (e.g., Los Angeles Metro, City of West Sacramento) to understand the evaluation criteria.
- → Familiarize yourself with Via's technology platform (e.g., ViaVan, Remix) and how it differentiates from competitors.
- → Study the competitive landscape: key players like Uber, Moovit, and traditional transit contractors (e.g., Transdev, MV Transportation).
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Via's specific technology or recent wins—this signals lack of genuine interest.
- Focusing only on writing skills without demonstrating project management or strategic thinking—the role requires both.
- Ignoring the remote-first culture: failing to mention experience with distributed teams or asynchronous communication could raise concerns.
📅 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!