Director of Cooperative Research Programs - Transportation Research Board

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

Keck Center

National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine

<br /><br />The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provide independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the benefit of society. We marshal knowledge and expertise across disciplines to study complex and sometimes contentious issues, reach consensus based on the evidence, and identify the best path forward. https://www.nationalacademies.org/

keywords: about the board,about the opportunity,innovation,vision,experience,knowledge,skills,education

Full time

$152,940 - $238,965

Overview: Requisition Number: R0002247<br /> <br /> The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies) are private, non-profit institutions that serve as the nation&rsquo;s premier source of independent, objective, and expert advice on some of the most pressing challenges facing the nation and the world. Each of the Academies (the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Medicine) consists of members elected by peers in recognition of distinguished achievement in their respective fields. Academy members are among the world's most distinguished scientists, engineers, physicians, and researchers, with more than 300 members counted among Nobel laureates.<br /><br /><br />ABOUT THE BOARD<br /><br />The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is one of seven divisions of the National Academies and provides leadership in transportation improvements and innovation through trusted, timely, impartial, and evidence-based information exchange, research, and advice regarding all modes of transportation. TRB mobilizes expertise and knowledge to anticipate and solve complex transportation challenges accomplished through the hard work and dedication of more than 8,500 volunteers and a staff of 120 professionals.<br /><br />Through its Cooperative Research Program division, TRB manages over 600 research projects at any given time in the areas of highways, transit, airports, and behavioral traffic safety. TRB publishes approximately 800 peer-reviewed research papers per year and maintains the largest transportation research bibliographic database in the world with over 1.3 million records.<br /><br />Sponsors of TRB include: State Departments of Transportation; the U.S. Department of Transportation and its agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Research and Technology, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration; the Department of Energy; the Environmental Protection Agency; and a number of transportation related foundations and non-profit organizations.<br /><br /><br />Position Summary:<br /><br />This is a pivotal time to join TRB as the National Academies embark on transformational changes to better serve the nation while preserving their firm commitment to and reputation for being the gold standard for quality. The Director of Cooperative Research Programs (CRP) reports to the Executive Director of TRB and has overall responsibility for the management, efficiency, and success of the division&rsquo;s research activities. This role oversees the division&rsquo;s research programs, funding, fiscal management, sponsor and volunteer relations, human resources management, and external communications. The Director&rsquo;s senior team of Program Officers oversee a 65 member staff in Highway, Transit, Airport, Traffic Safety and Program Operations.
Responsibilities: <ul> <li>The successful candidate will be a visionary research leader who conveys a passion for the TRB&rsquo;s values and public service mission, possesses commensurate general management experience, and can demonstrate a proven record of achievement/success within a transportation research or scientific institution, corporation, government organization, private foundation, non-governmental organization, or university.</li> <li>The National Academies seek an innovative leader with strong project management skills who can champion and implement a culture of collegiality and transparency while developing powerful relationships and deep collaborations with internal stakeholders across the TRB, other National Academies divisions, and across the multi-modal TRB community.</li> </ul>
Requirements: <ul> <li> <p>A distinguished leader with at least 12 years of experience including six years in a management capacity within a complex research organization, corporation, government organization, foundation, nongovernmental organization, or university.</p> </li> <li> <p>Master&rsquo;s degree in a discipline relevant to the TRB mission; Ph.D. desirable.</p> </li> <li> <p>An understanding and experience in the TRB volunteer community is desirable.</p> </li> <li> <p>The ideal candidate will bring many of the following professional qualifications, skills, and experiences:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Extensive Research management experience working with government agencies.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience with leading or staffing volunteer committees and volunteer efforts in research programs.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience in building consensus among volunteers with disparate views.</p> </li> <li> <p>Demonstrated fiscal management experience.</p> </li> <li> <p>Demonstrated performance management experience.</p> </li> <li> <p>Demonstrated experience in managing an organization through challenging times.</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <p>Demonstrated track record of program development and management in one or more of the following areas: cooperative research in highway, transit, airport, behavioral traffic safety, and innovations deserving exploratory analysis.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience working with several of the following government agencies: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Research and Technology, and a number of transportation related foundations and non-profit organizations.</p> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Personal Characteristics Desired:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Proven business acumen, a results-oriented approach, and a track record of delivering results with a thorough understanding of and experience leading strategic planning.</p> </li> <li> <p>Understanding of transportation issues from a researcher&rsquo;s and a practitioner&rsquo;s perspective.</p> </li> <li> <p>Ability to communicate a compelling vision for an organization and embrace and implement change.</p> </li> <li> <p>Ability to attract and retain a diverse, highly accomplished staff and volunteer network by working collaboratively, inspiring and motivating colleagues, and building trust within the organization.</p> </li> <li> <p>A creative approach to strategic innovation and intellectual curiosity to stay abreast of emerging trends and future opportunities.</p> </li> <li> <p>A keen understanding of how to engage in partnerships with government agencies, foundations, industry, and academia, and experience building collaborative enterprises with those stakeholders.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience enhancing professional development for individuals and creating high-performing teams by communicating guiding goals, giving useful feedback, delegating appropriately, and promoting transparency.</p> </li> <li> <p>A thoughtful approach to navigating and problem-solving in a consensus-driven organization.</p> </li> <li> <p>Ability to cultivate an environment that fosters excellence through teamwork and entrepreneurialism.</p> </li> <li> <p>Adherence to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical standards.</p> </li> <li> <p>Ability to provide high-level leadership to the team, including ensuring the training and development of staff and planning for succession across key roles.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience holding teams accountable to complete projects on time, within budget, and of high quality.</p> </li> <li> <p>Ability to communicate clear expectations and be able to lead volunteer experts from many disciplines who serve on study committees.</p> </li> </ul> <br /> <p><strong>Compensation Range:</strong> The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support equity, fairness, and transparency in our compensation programs. An estimated compensation range for this position is $152,940 - $238,965. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate&rsquo;s relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The National Academies&rsquo; Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:</strong></p> <p>We, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies), value diversity among our staff, members, volunteers, partners, vendors, and audiences. We recognize that talent is broadly distributed in society and that many perspectives enhance the quality of our work and drive innovation and impact.</p> <p>We pledge to cultivate a workplace culture and climate that promotes inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and anti-racism; upholds equity; and values the participation of all who are engaged in advancing our mission. By embracing the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our programs, institutional policies and practices, and products, we will be able to better advise the nation on the most complex issues facing society and the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>