Description: WAVE Transit seeks an Executive Director. In order to assist residents in the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County and surrounding areas WAVE transit provides cost effective transportation and resources to meet the mobility needs of the community while also promoting the use of public transportation. Initially created in 1974, the Wilmington Transit Authority set out to provide quality public transportation to the local Wilmington area. In 2002, the organization adopted the name Wave, and gained more positive recognition in the coastal area. In 2004, the WTA merged with New Hanover Transportation Services and officially became the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority, while still maintaining the name of Wave Transit. Wilmington, New Hanover County and surrounding areas of southeastern North Carolina serve as popular spots for vacationers while also being comprised of multiple historic districts. With the local beaches attracting many and the ever-growing business district, there truly is something for everyone. Centrally-located Wilmington is also home to the University of North Carolina – Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College. Other attractions that draw residents and tourists alike are Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, multiple museums, parks, stages, and many film sites for popular television shows and movies. The Cape Fear Region is a fast developing area that offers growth, education and entertainment value to all who reside.

Duties and Responsibilities: The Executive Director position works with the Board of Directors (BOD), comprised of representatives of multiple governing boards, to facilitate the best decisions in advancing the transit services as well as programs that are offered to the citizens of the Cape Fear Region. This position also works to maintain an effective relationship with the Federal Transit Administration, in addition to other appropriate agencies.

Qualifications: Qualified candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area, with 5 – 10 years of public transportation experience in municipal/state and/or private background, including some or all of the following:

• Customer centric thinking
• Technologically savvy
• Data driven
• Transportation matters
• Contract negotiations

Qualified candidates must have the ability to lead and develop staff, possess strong communication skills both written and verbal, maintain the ability to manage challenges and issues in a well-organized manner, and accept ownership and accountability of the work to be achieved. 

Successful candidates should be able to think flexibly, anticipate change as the situation warrants, manage both internal and external resources, and develop community connections that will be helpful in the promotion of ridership.

The ideal candidate would have an MPA, MBA or master’s in business, economics or related field, a proven track record of success, and experience with crises such as natural disasters.

Successful candidates should have a sense of political acumen, serve as a trusted and accessible advisor to BOD and staff, display strong business acumen in order to understand the balance of cost and operational efficiency, and be able to work well with boards and commissions.

Application Procedure: To submit an application, visit https://www.wavetransit.com/employment/.

Attach resume and cover letter, then submit to wave@wilmingtonnc.gov.