TITLE: Program Manager
OPENING DATE: January 2023
CLOSING DATE: When position is filled
SUPERVISOR’S TITLE: Transportation Planning Director
Nature of Position: Under the leadership of the Transportation Planning Director, the Program Manager supports the Technical and Policy Committees, any subcommittees, and AMPO Working Groups, facilitates the selection of presentation proposals for the Annual Conference and Technical Symposium, supports AMPO’s federal grant related projects, and conducts various tasks on behalf of the membership.
The Program Manager assists the Executive Director and Transportation Planning Director to ensure AMPO members are cognizant of key technical, legislative, regulatory, and policy issues related to transportation planning. The Program Manager works closely with AMPO partners such as the United States Department of Transportation, Federal resource agencies, the American Association of State Highway Officials, the American Public Transportation Association, the Transportation Research Board, and various transportation industry associations.
In supporting AMPO’s federal grant related projects, the Program Manager works closely with the Transportation Planning Director to administer and facilitate several working groups. This includes organizing and facilitating the working group meetings, taking meeting minutes, and drafting materials associated with the working group efforts.
The Program Manager will work closely with the Transportation Planning Director to establish short and long-term program goals and objectives based on member needs, implementation strategies, promotion of AMPO’s services and products, and coordination of activities, programs, and projects with appropriate stakeholders. The Program Manager assists the Transportation Planning Director and Executive Director in overseeing the development of materials, webinars, website materials, workshops, and national conferences. In addition to this, the Program Manager will support the AMPO Research Foundation and provide administrative project management for ActivitySim. This includes but is not limited to leading project management meetings, ensuring invoices are paid, reviewing contracts, and assisting with project timelines.
The Program Manager, as directed by the Executive Director and/or Transportation Planning Director, will assist, represent, and promote AMPO’s goals and policies on behalf of the organization; prepare and deliver presentations; assist in drafting responses to requests from federal agencies, develop and manage surveys and tabulates responses, plan and facilitate conference calls, meetings, and conferences; disseminate informational materials to members, and perform other functions as needed.
EDUCATION: A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree is required, preferably in transportation planning, urban planning, or a related field. Evidence of a higher degree of professional development, such as a postgraduate education, is highly desirable.
SKILL REQUIREMENTS: Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to serve and represent members on councils, committees, subcommittees, and technical working groups. Broad understanding of the US transportation system, surface transportation policy, regulations, procedures, and state of the practice at federal, state, and metropolitan level preferred. Familiarity with and a capacity to further develop project management skills including planning and tracking project budgets and deliverables. Ability to be a strong contributor in a team environment. Capability to plan and organize activities and work independently to achieve desired results effectively and strategically. Strong experience in Excel, PowerPoint, and survey design. Demonstrated understanding of transportation research is preferred.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: A minimum of five to eight years of progressively responsible, professional experience preferably with trade and membership associations or Metropolitan Planning Organizations. An advanced degree in transportation policy, urban planning, engineering, or equivalent can substitute for professional experience. It is desirable that the candidate have experience, either through previous employment or education in transportation policy or planning. Prior experience in project management is preferred.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH:
Members: Maintains regular and frequent contact with members through telephone contacts, meeting attendance, conference calls, webinars, websites, newsletters, or other correspondence.
Governing Structure: The position involves frequent direct contact with the AMPO Technical Committee and its leadership. As directed by the Executive Director, the incumbent may communicate with the AMPO Policy Committee and Board of Directors.
Government: Incumbent establishes and fosters communications and partnerships with federal executive branch agencies such as the United States Department of Transportation and resource agencies.
Other organizations: The incumbent develops and maintains good working relationships with stakeholders and associations and works to identify potential partnership opportunities.
Association Office Personnel: In the event of illness or absence of other key Association members, the incumbent is expected to assist others in ensuring that programs are delivered on-time and appropriately.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Transportation Policy Formation: At the direction of the Executive Director or Transportation Planning Director, the incumbent may participate in the development, drafting, and editing of AMPO policy statements and resolutions related to relevant issues of interest to members, but may not establish such positions without approval of higher authority.
Planning: The incumbent will assist in program and project planning efforts pertaining to activities throughout the Association. The incumbent will be responsible for planning pertinent elements of the Association’s conferences and meetings.
Decision Authority: Participates in the development of transportation programs, membership programs, and may be included in the development of policy and regulatory positions, at the discretion of the Executive Director and/or Technical Programs Director.
Budgetary Responsibility: Responsible for assisting the Transportation Planning Director in developing and maintaining the budgets for assigned programs and projects.
Supervisory Responsibility: May supervise a transportation coordinator, consultants, or interns.
Supervision Received: Supervision is provided in terms of general objectives, rather than on a day-to-day basis. Significant decisions will be reviewed by the Executive Director.
Travel: This position will require travel to the AMPO Annual Conference, the AMPO Planning Tools & Training Symposium (Technical Conference), various AMPO Working Group meetings, and other events as needed.
Remote Work: This position is eligible for remote work with a minimum of quarterly in-person office visits required.
Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with a starting annual salary range of $75,000 – $85,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. AMPO offers a competitive benefits package including healthcare and a 401k plan.
To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to resumes@ampo.org.
