Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority

South West Transit Association; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority (YVRTA) in Craig, Colorado, seeks its first Executive Director to lead a startup regional transportation authority. The ED will establish the organization’s culture, strategic direction, and operating framework, building financial and administrative systems to deliver regional service.

The role requires entrepreneurial leadership, political savvy, and the ability to navigate multi-jurisdictional governance.

Qualifications

• Executive Director will lead a startup regional transportation authority.
• Based in Craig, Colorado with frequent travel across Routt and Moffat counties.
• Requires entrepreneurial leadership and strong collaboration with multiple jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the YVRTA from start-up to operating agency.
• Establish culture, strategy, governance, and organizational systems.
• Oversee financial planning, administration, and service delivery.
• Represent the agency to communities, partners, and stakeholders.

Job description

Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority

By SWTA Director

8/13/2026

Organization: Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority

Position Title: Executive Director

First Review: September 8, 2026

Salary Range: $150,000 to $180,000

The Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority in Craig, Colorado is seeking its first Executive Director to lead this newly formed public transportation agency. Located roughly three hours northwest of Denver, the Yampa Valley is a scenic mountain region shaped by the Yampa River and home to nearly 39,000 people. Sitting at an elevation of roughly 6,700 feet across Routt and Moffat counties, the valley is characterized by working ranchlands, mountain towns, rugged peaks, and broad stretches of public land.

THE YAMPA VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

The Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority (YVRTA) is a newly established regional transportation authority serving communities across Routt and Moffat Counties in northwest Colorado.

Created under Colorado statute, its mission is to provide sustainable, equitable, and efficient transportation connecting residents, workers, and visitors throughout the Yampa Valley.

Following voter approval in 2025, YVRTA was formed through an Intergovernmental Agreement among its six constituent members: Routt County; the Towns of Hayden, Yampa, and Oak Creek; and the Cities of Craig and Steamboat Springs. The Authority is governed by a six-member Board of Directors, with one representative from each member jurisdiction, reflecting its collective intent to foster collaboration and consensus-based governance. The Executive Director will be YVRTA’s first employee and will build the organization’s operational, financial, and administrative foundation. YVRTA anticipates serving approximately 34,000 residents across a potential network spanning roughly 110 miles of roadway.

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Reporting to the YVRTA Board of Directors, the Executive Director will serve as the Authority’s founding chief executive and lead the organization from start-up. Working closely with the Board, the Executive Director will establish YVRTA’s culture, strategic direction, administrative systems, financial framework, and approach to regional service delivery. The position is based in Craig and requires frequent travel and sustained engagement throughout the service region.

WHY APPLY

This is a rare opportunity for an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader to lead one of Colorado’s most exciting new regional initiatives. YVRTA’s first Executive Director will build a regional transportation system from scratch, shape mobility across one of Colorado’s most beautiful and dynamic regions, and make a lasting impact on community equity, economic vitality, and quality of life for northwest

Colorado. This role blends startup leadership with public-sector expertise and requires a builder’s mindset, political savvy, and the ability to navigate multi-jurisdictional governance. Known for its strong community identity and collaborative spirit, the Yampa Valley is ready for transformative transit—and the Executive Director will lead the way.

More Information: GMP Consultants is assisting Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority with this search. YVRTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. First Review is