Program Director - Transportation Administration & Innovation, Cooperative Research Program

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Travel opportunities

Education assistance

Job summary

The National Academies seeks a Program Director for Transit and Rail within the Cooperative Research Program. This senior leadership role oversees a diverse portfolio of applied transportation research, balancing portfolio performance with staff development and strategic direction.

The position requires a Ph.D. or equivalent leadership in complex projects, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to navigate consensus among stakeholders while advancing program goals.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or advanced degree with leadership in complex projects or programs.
• Experience managing applied research projects and supervising staff.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for a diverse portfolio of transportation research.
• Manage complex or high-profile projects and supervise staff.
• Ensure research meets standards of rigor, relevance, objectivity.
• Advise the Deputy Director on performance and resource needs.
• Prepare executive‑ready briefings, summaries, and memos.
• Collaborate with CRP teams and TRB units to integrate outcomes.

Skills

Cooperative research programs

Policy environments

Strong communication

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Independent judgment

Mentoring staff

Partnering across divisions

Education

Ph.D. in transportation/public policy/related field

Master/Bachelor with leadership experience

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Asana

Job description

Program Director – Transit and Rail, Cooperative Research Program (CRP)

The Program Director provides senior‑level leadership and management for a team responsible for delivering a complex portfolio of cooperative transportation research projects. The role combines people leadership, portfolio accountability, and hands‑on management of high‑visibility research projects.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 effective dissemination.
• Significant experience managing applied research projects or programs.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing professional staff in a complex organization.

Other Details

• Reports to the Division Director; independently establishes goals and objectives; supervises staff.
• Ability to be visible on camera for meetings when remote.
• Ability to use a computer and applicable hardware/software to perform responsibilities.
• Ability to use multiple technology collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Asana).
• Ability to focus, concentrate on tasks and multi‑task when needed.
• Begin work at the required time, per approved schedule.
• Ability to lift/carry laptop and other mobile devices between work and home.
• Ability to commute to work.
• Ability to travel between National Academies' facilities and off‑site sponsor/partner locations.
• Ability to work in different time zones when traveling internationally.
• Ability to perform work responsibilities onsite, where required.
• Ability to interact in‑person with multiple people and large groups.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and meet deadlines.

Work Environment: Hybrid office/telecommute; expected onsite percentage 60%. Occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off‑site meeting/sponsor locations.

Compensation & Benefits

Estimated compensation range: $126,880 - $198,250. This benefit‑eligible position includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement, leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The National Academies recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and administer all other personnel actions, terms, and conditions of employment in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Disclaimer

The above information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.

Job Family: PROG
Employee Type: Employee
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5
City/State: Washington, District of Columbia