Airport Research Program Director — Lead Strategy & Teams

National Academy of Sciences; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 126,880 - 198,250; Full time

Job summary

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine seek a Program Director - Airports for TRB/CRP in Washington, DC. The role provides senior leadership for a team delivering a complex portfolio of transportation research projects, balancing strategic priorities with day-to-day management and sponsor engagement.

This hybrid position requires guiding staff, ensuring research quality, and coordinating with volunteers and sponsors to deliver timely results across multiple topic areas.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a transportation, public policy, or related field; or a master’s/bachelor’s degree with significant leadership.
• Ten years of related professional experience, five of which were in supervision.
• Experience managing applied research projects or programs.
• Ability to train, develop, and support staff; strong communication and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for a diverse portfolio of applied transportation research projects.
• Directly supervise 5–6 professional staff and ensure workload balance.
• Translate division priorities into integrated work plans and monitor execution.
• Support volunteer committees and manage stakeholder engagement.
• Prepare executive-level summaries and decision memos.
• Oversee project tracking, reporting, and documentation.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Portfolio management

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Staff development

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in transportation/public policy/research management

Job description

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine seek a Program Director - Airports for TRB/CRP in Washington, DC. The role provides senior leadership for a team delivering a complex portfolio of transportation research projects, balancing strategic priorities with day-to-day management and sponsor engagement.

This hybrid position requires guiding staff, ensuring research quality, and coordinating with volunteers and sponsors to deliver timely results across multiple topic areas.