Program Director - Airports, Cooperative 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

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement and savings benefits

Paid holidays

Education assistance

Job summary

The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is seeking a leader for applied transportation research projects in Pasadena, California. The ideal candidate will manage complex portfolios, supervise professional staff, and engage with varied stakeholders.

This role requires a Ph.D. and a minimum of ten years of experience, with responsibilities that include oversight of project progress and facilitating discussions among diverse technical perspectives.

The position also offers a compensation range of $126,880 – $198,250, alongside various benefits.

Qualifications

• Ten years of related professional experience, five in a supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated impact through successful completion of National Academies' activities.
• Ability to operate with substantial independence and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for transportation research projects.
• Supervise approximately 5–6 professional staff.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for sponsors and stakeholders.

Skills

Knowledge of cooperative or committee-driven research programs

Strong organizational and analytical skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to negotiate funding

Ability to work effectively in team-based settings

Education

Ph.D. in transportation, public policy, or relevant field

Job description

Job Description Summary: NOTE A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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, 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, 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, leadership in complex projects or programs, and independent research, analysis, or policy development responsibilities.
• Minimum Experience Ten years of related professional experience, five of which were in a supervisory capacity. Demonstrated impact on the advancement of science or policy through the successful completion of National Academies’ activities or equivalent outside activities and through effective dissemination of these activities. 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. Compensation will be based on the candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. This is a benefits‑eligible position. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, paid holidays, paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The National Academies is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

Location & Contact

City/State: Washington, District of Columbia.

Job Family: PROG Employee Type: Employee Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5.