Senior Director, Transportation Research & Planning (Hybrid)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Occasional travel

Job summary

The Transportation Research Board within the National Academies seeks a Program Director for Transportation Environment and Planning to lead the Cooperative Research Program (CRP). You will drive senior leadership of a diverse portfolio of applied transportation research projects, ensuring rigor, relevance, and timely delivery across multiple topics.

You will supervise approximately 5–6 professional staff, manage cross‑project risks, and engage with sponsors.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Research Portfolio Leadership & Accountability: Provide leadership and oversight for a diverse portfolio of applied transportation research projects spanning multiple subject areas.
• Team Leadership & People Management: Provide direct supervision to approximately 5‑6 professional staff, including senior‑level project managers.
• Program Execution & Strategic Alignment: Translate division and program priorities into integrated work plans for the team.
• Governance & Volunteer Leadership: Provide senior‑level support to volunteer committees and research panels, including facilitation of discussions and resolution of issues.
• Sponsor & Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a primary point of contact for sponsors and stakeholders on assigned portfolios.
• Communication & Collaboration: Prepare executive‑ready written materials and communicate clearly with staff, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, and leadership.
• Operational & Administrative Effectiveness: Oversee project tracking, reporting, and documentation for the team's portfolio.

Skills

Knowledge of cooperative or committee‑

Understanding of National Academies'

Organizational, analytical, problem‑

Written, verbal, interpersonal comms

Negotiate funding & manage high‑risk

Train, develop, and support staff

Independent judgment and discretion

Team collaboration across departments

Resolve complex problems & be resource

Work effectively in team‑based setups

Education

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

Master's or Bachelor's with significant relevant experience

Job description

The Transportation Research Board within the National Academies seeks a Program Director for Transportation Environment and Planning to lead the Cooperative Research Program (CRP). You will drive senior leadership of a diverse portfolio of applied transportation research projects, ensuring rigor, relevance, and timely delivery across multiple topics.

You will supervise approximately 5–6 professional staff, manage cross‑project risks, and engage with sponsors.