Washington, DC-based trade association seeks a Senior Director–Publications and Passenger Transport to play a key role in advancing APTA’s strategic presence within the public transportation industry across print and digital platforms. This position provides overall strategic direction for Passenger Transport-including the Passenger Transport News Center website, the weekly Passenger Transport Express e-newsletter, and conference-edition print issues-encompassing business policy, budgeting, editorial content, visual design, advertising, production, and day-to-day activities.   

In addition, the incumbent oversees the strategy, production, and dissemination of other APTA communications publications, with responsibility for related policy, budget, editorial, design, and production activities. This role also includes supervision of the Director of Publications & Senior Managing Editor, and the Passenger Transport Digital Content Manager & Graphic Designer. 

Duties include but are not limited to: Supervise the Managing Editor in setting the strategic direction for Passenger Transport; Develop editorial, design, and production policies for Passenger Transport and other APTA communications publications; Manage the Graphic Designer in producing materials for Passenger Transport and other APTA publications; Oversee APTA’s Career Center operations; Consult with APTA and public transportation industry leaders to identify and analyze emerging trends; Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders; Establish and manage relationships with external vendors; Coordinate with production vendors at APTA conferences; Cover sessions and write articles during APTA conferences; Perform writing, reporting, and other editorial duties; and Complete other duties as assigned.  

Successful candidate will possess: Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, with demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, and publication management; Proven experience supervising editorial and design staff, including oversight of an editor and graphic designer; Deep understanding of the full publication production process, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality; Intellectual curiosity, with an energetic, imaginative, collaborative, and team-oriented approach; Strong judgment and political acumen, with the ability to work effectively within a membership-based trade association; Outstanding organizational and project management skills; and Willingness to travel as needed to support APTA meetings and conferences. 

Compensation and Benefits: APTA offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability insurance; paid time off; a 401(k)-retirement plan; professional development opportunities; and commuter benefits to assist with public transportation costs. The annual base starting salary is expected to range between $129,000 to $171,999. 

Work Location and Schedule: This position is based in Washington, D.C., with a hybrid work schedule. Employees are required to be in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the flexibility to select a third in-office day. The remaining two workdays can be remote. Please note that this schedule may be subject to change based on the needs of the Association. 

For more information or to apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Human Resources at aptajobs@apta.com.  Principals Only?  

To view the full position description, visit Careers at APTA. 

APTA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. 

About American Public Transportation Association

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,600 public and private sector member organizations. Benefits to our members include advocacy for federal funding and policies, research, technical expertise and consulting services, workforce development programs, educational conferences and seminars, and 135 subject-matter working committees. APTA is the only association in North America that represents all modes of public transportation, including bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne services, and intercity and high-speed passenger rail. More than 90 percent of the people using public transportation in the United States and Canada ride APTA member systems. Our membership is engaged in every aspect of the industry – from planning, designing, financing, constructing and operating transit systems to the research, development, manufacturing and maintenance of vehicles, equipment and transit-related products and services. Additionally, academic institutions, transportation network companies, transit associations and state departments of transportation are APTA members.

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