news-hero-image

News

Now hiring: State Transportation Program Manager

By Smart Growth America,

Smart Growth America is seeking a transportation professional with 7-10 years of experience to lead elements of our state transportation reform program.  Experience must include work with state department of transportation policy development and implementation and knowledge of smart growth issues. Responsibilities The position will be accountable for providing senior transportation policy development expertise and leadership. This position:
  • Contributes senior transportation policy expertise to development of state transportation policy proposals in a wide diversity of transportation settings.
  • Provides senior technical support and advice to technical teams and advisory committees on policy option and implementation steps.
  • Provides technical guidance to other projects as needed, while also taking leadership roles on designated projects.
  • Researches new transportation policy innovations and their support of smart growth outcomes to further understanding in the field.
  • Develops advanced transportation planning techniques and models, ensuring compliance with state and federal standards, policies and procedures.
  • Drafts reports and presents to state officials, transportation trade audiences, and smart growth leaders on transportation innovations and smart growth.
  • Contributes as a member of a program team, providing a senior level of transportation policy expertise, identifying and recommending action on project risks and opportunities, based on analysis of transport data, trends, and issues.
  • Collaborates with leaders and professionals across the organization as needed.
  • Develops and manages relationships with external stakeholders to understand needs, keep them informed and resolve moderate issues.
  • Oversees contractors and consultants, providing work direction and monitoring contract compliance.
Smart Growth America is the only national organization dedicated to researching, advocating for and leading coalitions to bring smart growth practices to more communities nationwide. From providing more sidewalks so people can walk to their town center to ensuring that more homes are built near public transit or productive farms remain a part of our communities, smart growth helps make sure that people across the nation can live in great neighborhoods. Qualifications The competencies for the position would typically be acquired through a Master’s degree in planning, engineering or a related discipline, and 7-10 years’ experience providing an advanced level of expertise and leading projects in a state department of transportation or similar agency specializing in planning or transportation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Certification as a planner and/or engineer preferred. Technical Requirements
  • Advanced knowledge of principles, policies, budgeting and practices of transportation planning and project development at the state level.
  • Knowledge of smart growth, sustainable development and increasing transportation choices for urban, suburban and rural communities.
  • Sound understanding of the interactions of state government agencies, NGOs and associations to achieve new transportation policies.
  • Sound knowledge of state DOT decision-making including its strategic context and typical organizational and governance structure.
  • Experience developing proposals and implementing multi-modal transportation plans and how they connect with land use decisions.
  • Detailed policy expertise of innovative transportation alternatives to implement transportation plans in support of smart growth outcomes.
  • Leadership skills to provide a senior level of technical guidance and expertise to other professionals and to lead projects.
  • Analytical skills to identify and assess the impacts of transportation planning and project-related risks and opportunities in an integrated, multi-disciplinary environment; includes skills to analyze transport data, trends and issues.
  • Communication skills to write and deliver well-prepared reports and presentations.
  • Interpersonal skills to build trust by consulting with others and applying a team approach as needed to achieve solutions. Includes negotiation skills as they pertain to contracts and conflict resolution at an intermediate level of risk and complexity.
  • Decision-making skills to resolve transportation planning and project-related issues, and to make recommendations on policy priorities.
Compensation Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Smart Growth America has a generous benefits package. Equal Opportunity Employment Equal opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at Smart Growth America. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law. How to Apply Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, references and two short writing samples (no more than five pages) to [email protected]. No phone calls or letters please.  Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Job is available immediately.

Upcoming public events: Join us!

View event schedule
image
logo
1350 I St NW Suite 425 Washington, DC 20005
[email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter

Livable places. Healthy people. Shared prosperity.

© 2025 Smart Growth America. All rights reserved

Accessibility