Executive Director
City of St Joseph, Traverse City, MI, United States
Help shape the future of transportation in Northern Michigan.
The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) provides more than 500,000 rides annually, connecting residents and visitors across Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties to work, school, healthcare, recreation, and to each other.
The organization is poised for its next phase of leadership and impact with a strong internal team, a state-of-the-art facility, a forward-looking board, and new regional opportunities through the MPO designation. This is not a role defined by quick wins. The foundation is in place. The next phase requires thoughtful, innovative leadership to expand impact, strengthen partnerships, and guide long-term strategy.
We are looking for a leader who thrives in that space, someone who can create a vision, navigate complexity, build alignment, and help define what transportation looks like for this region in the years ahead.
With strong infrastructure, a committed team, and growing regional relevance, BATA is well-positioned for what comes next.
If this speaks to your talents and personal interests, we would love to hear from you.
Please include why you are interested in your cover letter along with your resume.
Candidates desiring confidentiality as allowed under Michigan law should make this request in the cover letter.
We are accepting applications through Wednesday, April 22, 2026. We will begin contacting candidates by May 5, 2026.
What You’ll Do Lead the Vision
Set and execute a forward-looking strategy aligned with community and regional priorities
Position BATA as a key mobility partner across the region
Build & Lead a Strong Organization
Develop and support a high-performing team
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Drive Performance
Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery
Use data and metrics to guide decisions and improve outcomes
Partner with the Board
Serve as a trusted advisor
Provide clear, timely communication
Support strong governance and alignment
Engage Regionally
Build relationships with local, state, and federal partners
Navigates a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment
Strengthen Financial Sustainability
Lead funding strategy across local, state, and federal sources
Engage in MPO/TIP processes and identify new funding opportunities
Key Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (business, public administration, transportation, or related field), or equivalent.
5+ years leading a complex organization (operations, budget, staff)
Background in public-sector or regional collaboration environments
Experience with public or transportation funding (federal/state/MPO) preferred
Experience working with a governing board
Strong partnership and community engagement skills
Driver’s license and ability to pass a criminal background check
Why This Role
Lead a respected, community-centered organization
Help shape how a growing region connects and moves
Work with a committed board and strong internal team
Step into a modern, purpose-built facility designed for the future
Influence long-term regional outcomes, not just day-to-day operations
Live in Northern Michigan -an exceptional quality of life, with four seasons, abundant outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community
What We Offer Please see our website for more information on our benefits. Key benefits include:
Health Insurance – includes medical, dental, vision and prescriptions
Generous Paid Time Off
Pension plan through MERS (defined benefit retirement plan)
Pre-tax retirement savings plan (457)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
A positive, team-oriented work culture
Childcare cost-sharing (we participate in Tri-Share)
Short- and Long-Term Disability
Life Insurance
Paid Holidays
Automobile and cell phone stipends
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) provides more than 500,000 rides annually, connecting residents and visitors across Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties to work, school, healthcare, recreation, and to each other.
The organization is poised for its next phase of leadership and impact with a strong internal team, a state-of-the-art facility, a forward-looking board, and new regional opportunities through the MPO designation. This is not a role defined by quick wins. The foundation is in place. The next phase requires thoughtful, innovative leadership to expand impact, strengthen partnerships, and guide long-term strategy.
We are looking for a leader who thrives in that space, someone who can create a vision, navigate complexity, build alignment, and help define what transportation looks like for this region in the years ahead.
With strong infrastructure, a committed team, and growing regional relevance, BATA is well-positioned for what comes next.
If this speaks to your talents and personal interests, we would love to hear from you.
Please include why you are interested in your cover letter along with your resume.
Candidates desiring confidentiality as allowed under Michigan law should make this request in the cover letter.
We are accepting applications through Wednesday, April 22, 2026. We will begin contacting candidates by May 5, 2026.
What You’ll Do Lead the Vision
Set and execute a forward-looking strategy aligned with community and regional priorities
Position BATA as a key mobility partner across the region
Build & Lead a Strong Organization
Develop and support a high-performing team
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Drive Performance
Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery
Use data and metrics to guide decisions and improve outcomes
Partner with the Board
Serve as a trusted advisor
Provide clear, timely communication
Support strong governance and alignment
Engage Regionally
Build relationships with local, state, and federal partners
Navigates a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment
Strengthen Financial Sustainability
Lead funding strategy across local, state, and federal sources
Engage in MPO/TIP processes and identify new funding opportunities
Key Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (business, public administration, transportation, or related field), or equivalent.
5+ years leading a complex organization (operations, budget, staff)
Background in public-sector or regional collaboration environments
Experience with public or transportation funding (federal/state/MPO) preferred
Experience working with a governing board
Strong partnership and community engagement skills
Driver’s license and ability to pass a criminal background check
Why This Role
Lead a respected, community-centered organization
Help shape how a growing region connects and moves
Work with a committed board and strong internal team
Step into a modern, purpose-built facility designed for the future
Influence long-term regional outcomes, not just day-to-day operations
Live in Northern Michigan -an exceptional quality of life, with four seasons, abundant outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community
What We Offer Please see our website for more information on our benefits. Key benefits include:
Health Insurance – includes medical, dental, vision and prescriptions
Generous Paid Time Off
Pension plan through MERS (defined benefit retirement plan)
Pre-tax retirement savings plan (457)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
A positive, team-oriented work culture
Childcare cost-sharing (we participate in Tri-Share)
Short- and Long-Term Disability
Life Insurance
Paid Holidays
Automobile and cell phone stipends
#J-18808-Ljbffr