The ad says“We’re looking for a seasoned business development and/or partnerships professional with experience in K-12 school districts, who is already known, and knows K-12 School District Leaders, including but not limited to Superintendents, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Chief Operating Officers (COOs), Business Officials, and Transportation Directors in IL and the Midwest and NY and the Northeast),who shape student mobility decisions”
The ad says“Strong consultative selling skills: ability to diagnose a district’s pressures and position Zūm CMX credibly”
The ad says“10+ years of partnerships, business development, sales, or government relations experience in student transportation, transit, or a closely related public-sector-facing industry”
The ad says“We’re looking for a seasoned business development and/or partnerships professional with experience in K-12 school districts, who is already known, and knows K-12 School District Leaders, including but not limited to Superintendents, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Chief Operating Officers (COOs), Business Officials, and Transportation Directors in IL and the Midwest and NY and the Northeast),who shape student mobility decisions”
The ad says“Demonstrated success managing long, multi-stakeholder public-sector sales cycles and competitive government RFP processes, including oral/interview presentations”
The ad says“Demonstrated success managing long, multi-stakeholder public-sector sales cycles and competitive government RFP processes, including oral/interview presentations”
This role is about relationships, not cold outreach
You’ll be on Zūm’s front lines - building the pipeline, shaping the strategy, and earning business that lets Zūm reach more students
Lead new-business growth for Zūm across a defined state or regional territory (e.g., New York or Illinois), building and executing a strategic account and government-relations plan
Build and personally maintain deep, durable relationships with Superintendents, district Transportation Directors, Business/Finance Officials, and state-level transportation or education officials
Represent Zūm in person — conferences, association events, district visits, and relationship-building engagements (dinners, site visits, industry functions)
Identify and qualify new business opportunities by tracking district budget cycles, contract expirations, RFP calendars, and state policy or funding shifts that create openings
Support competitive public-sector RFP processes, assembling and coaching internal teams through written responses and oral/interview presentations
Serve as the trusted advisor and go-to relationship for named accounts even after close, ensuring smooth handoff to Operations and protecting the relationship through renewal
Represent Zūm with state pupil transportation associations, school board associations, and relevant government affairs forums to build brand presence and credibility
Benefits
Medical, dental and vision benefits, including paid membership to One Medical
Unlimited vacation policy
Free daily catered lunches + fully stocked kitchen at HQ
Ability to have a huge impact at an early-stage, mission-driven startup
Fun office culture and a team you would be proud to work with
Preferred experience
We’re looking for a seasoned business development and/or partnerships professional with experience in K-12 school districts, who is already known, and knows K-12 School District Leaders, including but not limited to Superintendents, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Chief Operating Officers (COOs), Business Officials, and Transportation Directors in IL and the Midwest and NY and the Northeast),who shape student mobility decisions
You’ve spent time building relationships in the room with these stakeholders: at conferences, over dinner, on the phone at odd hours
You understand the rhythm of public-sector budget cycles and RFPs, and you know how to move a relationship from a handshake to a signed contract without coming across as transactional
Bachelor’s degree, though relevant relationship depth and track record will outweigh formal education requirements
Existing membership or active involvement in state pupil transportation associations (e.g., TAPT in Texas, NYAPT in New York) or national bodies (NAPT, NSTA)
Demonstrated success managing long, multi-stakeholder public-sector sales cycles and competitive government RFP processes, including oral/interview presentations
Strong consultative selling skills: ability to diagnose a district’s pressures and position Zūm CMX credibly
10+ years of partnerships, business development, sales, or government relations experience in student transportation, transit, or a closely related public-sector-facing industry
High degree of personal integrity and discretion. This role represents Zūm to public officials and must navigate procurement ethics rules and gift/hospitality policies correctly
Existing, active relationships with Superintendents, COOs, CFO / CBOs, Transportation Directors, and/or state transportation or education officials— this is a relationship-first hire, not a cold-start territory builder
