The State Smart Transportation Initiative (SSTI) is a joint project of COWS and Smart Growth America (SGA). It promotes transportation practices that advance environmental sustainability and equitable economic development, while maintaining high standards of governmental efficiency and transparency.
SSTI operates in three main ways:
- By supporting a community of practice where leaders of state transportation agencies can learn together and share experiences as they implement innovative smart transportation policies.
- By providing applied research and direct technical assistance to transportation agencies.
- By sharing resources and best practices with the wider transportation community.
As a nationally recognized think-and-do tank, COWS promotes “high road” solutions to social problems. These treat shared growth and opportunity, environmental sustainability, and resilient democratic institutions as necessary and achievable complements in human development.
SSTI staff are based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and report to SSTI’s managing director, while working closely with SGA staff in Washington, DC. SSTI is currently undertaking a variety of projects that involve technical assistance and knowledge-sharing to help modernize policy and practice at state and local transportation agencies. Successful applicants will be expected to contribute to the success of these efforts.
SGA is a national non-profit organization, headquartered in Washington, DC, that envisions a country where no matter where you live, or who you are, you can enjoy living in a place that is healthy, prosperous, and resilient. It empowers communities through technical assistance, advocacy, and thought leadership.
Responsibilities Include
COMMUNICATIONS and KNOWLEDGE-SHARING:
- Help develop and participate in virtual and in-person meetings, workshops, and training opportunities focused on transportation reform practices.
- Produce content for the SSTI website publicizing our work, as well as information from other sources.
- Provide other policy and communication support as needed, including development of webinars, publications, reports, and other online content.
PROJECT CONTRIBUTION:
- Help provide technical assistance for state agencies and other clients in concert with SSTI’s contracted technical assistance providers.
- Assist in original research projects, including data analysis, writing reports or technical memos, and producing visual materials.
- Serve as a secondary point of contact to partners and clients, as needed.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT:
- Assist the managing director in tracking projects, proposals, and other deadlines.
- Assist the managing director in identifying and approaching potential funders, preparing proposals, and reporting to funders.
Delivers and assists with planning outreach program activities, strengthens partnerships, ensures adherence to policy, and assists with program administration to promote stable and productive relationships between the university and local community. Strives to expand and ensure access to programs, facilities, and educational services to diverse audiences. May assist with tracking and managing the outreach program budget.
- 10% Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program
- 10% Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program
- 20% Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members
- 35% Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials
- 5% May assist with the monitoring of outreach program budget spending
- 20% Assist the managing director in identifying and approaching potential funders, preparing proposals, and reporting to funders.
Education
Bachelor’s in transportation planning, civil engineering, public policy, or a related field is preferred.
Required Skills
- A firm understanding of “high road” or “smart growth” transportation strategies (equitable, sustainable, and democratic).
- A high degree of professionalism and the ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with researchers, staff, partners, and clients, including but not limited to leaders at state Departments of Transportation.
- The ability to grasp complex policies or technical concepts and translate them for a general audience.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Independent problem-solving and time management skills.
Preferred Experience and Knowledge
- A basic understanding of data management and analysis, including the use of GIS for spatial analysis.
- Experience in project management and budget tracking.
- Experience in organizational strategic thinking and fundraising.
To apply for this position you will need to upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references, including your current supervisor. References will not be contacted without advance notice.
Cover letters will be used as a writing sample and to determine the best-qualified applicants. Thus your cover letter should address your qualifications as they pertain to the minimum number of years and type of relevant work experience listed above.
For questions on the position, contact: Jay Ferm, jferm@cows.org
Please click on the "Apply Now" button to start the application process.