Program Development Director - National Cooperative Highway Research Program

National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 126,880 - 198,250; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive medical, dental, vision benefits

Transportation subsidies

Education assistance

Paid holidays and personal leave

Job summary

The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is seeking a Program Manager to provide senior-level, non-supervisory leadership in transportation research programs. This role involves coordinating with oversight committees, managing high-visibility research projects, and engaging with stakeholders.

Ideal candidates need a Ph.D. or equivalent experience, strong communication skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the transportation sector. Competitive benefits and a salary range of $126,880 – $198,250 are offered.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of cooperative or committee-driven research programs.
• Ability to negotiate funding and manage high-risk research initiatives.
• 10 years of related professional experience required.

Responsibilities

• Support program oversight committee in identifying research needs.
• Lead planning and coordination of oversight committee meetings.
• Engage with stakeholders to identify emerging research needs.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Written communication

Interpersonal communication

Education

Ph.D. in transportation, public policy, or research management

Job description

Job Summary

Program Manager provides senior-level, non-supervisory leadership for the development, coordination, and delivery of applied transportation research programs within the Cooperative Transportation Research Programs (CRP), including the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP), Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP), and Behavioral Traffic Safety Cooperative Research Program (BTSCRP). NOTE A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION Reporting to the Director and working closely with both the Director and Deputy Director, the Program Manager serves as a primary staff partner to the program oversight committee. The position ensures that oversight committee priorities, decisions, and guidance—together with external stakeholder input—are effectively translated into internal program delivery activities and coherent research portfolios. The role exercises substantial independent judgment, manages a portfolio of complex and high‑visibility research projects, and engages extensively with senior volunteers, sponsors, and stakeholders across the transportation community.

Responsibilities

• Oversight Committee & Program Development: Work in close cooperation with the Director and Deputy Director to support the program oversight committee in identifying, refining, and prioritizing research needs; prepare analyses, options, and recommendations; integrate oversight committee guidance, stakeholder input, and operational considerations; ensure decisions and priorities are clearly communicated and addressed through internal delivery activities.
• Oversight Committee Meeting Planning & Support: Lead planning and coordination of oversight committee meetings, including agendas, schedules, materials, and decision frameworks; develop executive‑quality briefing materials, background papers, program updates, and decision documents; document committee decisions, track action items, and coordinate follow‑up for timely implementation.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Environmental Scanning: Independently engage with federal, state, local, and private‑sector stakeholders to identify emerging research needs, trends, issues, and concerns; conduct environmental scanning of transportation policy, practice, technology, and research developments; synthesize stakeholder input and present insights to the Director, Deputy Director, and oversight committee.
• Coordination with TRB Committees & NASEM Offices: Serve as a primary liaison with relevant TRB standing committees, task forces, and panels; coordinate with other National Academies divisions and offices to leverage institutional expertise and avoid duplication; maintain awareness of related work across CRPs and NASEM to support integrated program delivery.
• Program & Portfolio Management: Manage an assigned portfolio of complex research projects approved by the oversight committee; oversee contractor performance, schedules, budgets, and deliverables; identify and resolve project‑level issues independently; coordinate high‑profile research projects personally, including contractor oversight and delivery of final products.
• Governance, Quality & Compliance Alignment: Ensure adherence to TRB and National Academies policies governing committee operations, peer review, ethics, and conflicts of interest; work closely with centralized CRP quality, compliance, contracting, and training functions to ensure projects meet institutional standards; support consensus‑driven committee processes with objectivity and professionalism.
• Communication & Influence: Prepare concise, decision‑focused written materials for senior volunteers, sponsors, and leadership; communicate clearly and confidently with oversight committee members, stakeholders, contractors, and colleagues; influence outcomes through expertise, analysis, and collaboration rather than formal authority.

Requirements

• 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; strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; 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; ability to solve complex problems and serve as a resource to others; ability to work effectively in team‑based settings; 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, research management, or a closely related field; or a master’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with significant professional experience demonstrating advanced subject matter expertise and leadership in complex projects or programs.
• Minimum Experience: Ten years of related professional experience; demonstrated impact on the advancement of science or policy through successful National Academies activities or equivalent; significant experience managing applied research projects or programs; demonstrated experience supervising and developing professional staff in a complex organization.
• Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.

Compensation & Benefits

• Estimated compensation range: $126,880 – $198,250 (based on relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience).
• Benefits‑eligible position offering competitive medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement and savings benefits; leave benefits such as paid holidays and personal leave; transportation subsidies; and education assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and veterans who are otherwise qualified.