Program Director - Transportation Administration & Innovation, Cooperative Research Program

Job Description

Summary:

NOTE A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION.

• Research Portfolio Leadership & Accountability

  Provide leadership and oversight for a diverse portfolio of applied transportation research projects spanning multiple subject areas. Manage selected complex or high‑profile research projects personally, including contractor oversight and delivery of final products. Ensure research activities meet TRB and National Academies standards for rigor, relevance, objectivity, and usefulness. Identify cross‑project risks, dependencies, and opportunities; implement corrective actions as needed. Advise the Deputy Director on portfolio performance, emerging issues, and resource needs.

• Team Leadership & People Management

  Provide direct supervision to approximately 5–6 professional staff, including senior‑level project managers. Assign work, set priorities, and balance workloads across the team’s portfolio. Establish clear performance expectations and hold staff accountable for results. Conduct performance evaluations and support professional development and succession readiness. Foster a collaborative, high‑performing team culture.

• Program Execution & Strategic Alignment

  Translate division and program priorities into integrated work plans for the team. Exercise independent judgment in resolving operational, project, and personnel issues. Escalate only strategic, fiscal, or reputational risks to the Deputy Director. Contribute to program planning, process improvement, and operational decision‑making.

• Governance & Volunteer Leadership

  Provide senior‑level support to volunteer committees and research panels, including facilitation of discussions and resolution of issues. Navigate consensus‑driven environments involving diverse technical and institutional perspectives. Ensure compliance with TRB and National Academies governance, ethics, and conflict‑of‑interest requirements.

• Sponsor & Stakeholder Engagement

  Serve as a primary point of contact for sponsors and stakeholders on assigned portfolios. Lead project‑level and portfolio‑level briefings, reviews, and follow‑up discussions. Address sponsor concerns and contractor issues independently within delegated authority. Coordinate with the Deputy Director on sensitive or high‑impact matters.

• Communication & Collaboration

  Prepare executive‑ready written materials, including project summaries, briefing notes, and decision memos. Communicate clearly and authoritatively with staff, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, and leadership. Collaborate across CRP teams and TRB units to support integrated program outcomes.

• Operational & Administrative Effectiveness

  Oversee project tracking, reporting, and documentation for the team’s portfolio. Ensure effective use of project management systems and collaboration tools. Identify and implement improvements to workflows, project management practices, and team processes.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of cooperative or committee‑driven research programs and familiarity with transportation research sponsors and policy environments.
  • Understanding of the National Academies’ mission, structure, and culture.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to manage complex portfolios and competing priorities.
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Ability to negotiate funding and manage high‑risk or complex research initiatives.
  • Ability to train, develop, and support staff.
  • Ability to operate with substantial independence, sound judgment, and discretion in a complex organizational environment.
  • Ability to solve complex problems involving significant variety and to serve as a resource to others in resolving issues.
  • Ability to work effectively in team‑based settings and build and sustain collaborative relationships across departments and stakeholder groups.
  • Ability to perform effectively in complex, high‑impact environments with multiple priorities and demands.
• Minimum Education/Training Requirements Ph.D. in a discipline relevant to transportation, public policy,…