The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission is seeking to fill their Projects and Policy Manager position as well as interviewing for Transit Fellows on a rolling basis.
2015 Transit Fellowships with NVTC
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) needs your skills in public outreach, policy and financial analysis, and data visualization through infographics and other tools.
NVTC is preparing to interview candidates for its second group of Transit Fellows. This fellowship is to provide a professional development opportunity for mid-career transportation specialists as well as college graduates and graduate students. Successful applicants will gain in-depth knowledge of transit policy, planning and funding issues as well as an understanding of the policymaking process through conducting research under the guidance of NVTC staff, collaborating with transportation experts on publications, and assisting in the execution of programs conducted by NVTC. Transit Fellows will work on specific projects.
Over the next six months NVTC is particularly interested in Fellows interested in the following projects:
- Developing and executing a public outreach plan for transit expansion
- Conducting policy and legislative research
- Working with NVTC to develop a series of policy forums
- Developing infographics and other graphical representations of data related to transit usage and economic benefits of transit
- Analysis of regional gas tax collections
- Update of emergency planning in relationship to regional transit networks
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications of a Successful Candidate:
- College graduates, graduate students or mid-career professionals;
- Bachelor’s Degree in transportation planning, public administration, economics, policy or related area;
- Demonstrated interest in public transportation or transportation planning and policy development;
- Strong writing and analytical skills;
- Ability to work in a small office/team oriented environment; and
- Proficient in Excel, including pivot tables.
Duration
Duration of the appointment is variable with a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of six months with an option of extension. Start and end dates can be flexible as can schedules. Priority will be given to applicants who can begin their fellowship quickly. We anticipate appointing as many as three Transit Fellows to complete projects no later than June 30, 2015; consideration will also be given to applicants interested in fellowships from May 15 through September 15.
Who Should Apply
Fellowships are awarded to professionals with a strong understanding of transportation policy, finance and transportation funding and public outreach. Graduate students and mid-career professionals are encouraged to apply.
Compensation
The Fellow will receive compensation consistent with compensation guidelines of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation and will be eligible for transit benefits.
To Apply
Send cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to Kate Mattice at transitfellows@nvtdc.org. The cover letter should describe the applicant’s objectives in pursuing the fellowship. Please highlight particular skills, knowledge or interests as it relates to the project examples listed above. Please note your availability at the top of the cover letter.
Applications can also be mailed to:
Kate Mattice
Transit Fellowship Program
Northern Virginia Transportation Commission
2300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 620
Arlington, VA 22201
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until candidates are selected.
Projects and Policy Manager
NVTC seeks a resourceful, transportation professional skilled in bringing teams together across transportation agencies on technology projects and planning efforts. This position will work with NVTC’s jurisdictions which include Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church. Combine your skills in project management and knowledge of policy and planning to support regional efforts to expand capacity, improve connectivity and ensure high quality transit service in Northern Virginia. The Projects and Policy Manager will coordinate a regional working group on the New Electronic Payments Program, other contracts and state and federal grants as well as support regional planning activities.
Position Description
The position combines planning, coordination and project management of contracts and state and federal grants for six jurisdictions and the region as a whole. Existing projects include bus rapid transit (BRT), Metrorail station improvements, light rail and other multi-modal facilities. The position will develop funding strategies for ongoing and new initiatives as well as preparing all phases of funding applications. The Projects and Policy Manager will facilitate regional working groups, participate in planning activities of other regional working groups, and support the work of Commission. This position reports to the Director of Programs and Policy.
The ideal candidate will have experience with local or state government, project management, and transit and related fields including communications, research & analysis, regional transportation planning, and federal contracts and grants management. This position requires a college degree and at least five years of relevant experience supported with strong references. Excellent written and oral communication, experience in facilitation/meeting management, and skills in spreadsheets and graphics are mandatory.
Duties Include:
- Manage New Electronic Payments Program (NEPP) project including:
o Facilitating regional partners working group
o Serving as Project Manager for the regional Technical Assistance contract
o Staffing grant applications and procurements
o Serving as the liaison with WMATA and their contractor for NEPP - Manage other projects, which may include the following:
o Vanpool Alliance Program
o National Transit Database (NTD) - Represent NVTC on regional studies & with other regional organizations
- Develop partnerships on collaborative research and technology efforts
- Manage and/or provide oversight for approved NVTC contracts
- Identify new projects and develop applications for state/federal funding
- Draft requests for proposals and invitations for bids for new NVTC projects, direct selection and procurement, and manage contractor performance and payments
- Work with the Executive Director and board members on special projects
- Serve as DBE compliance officer.
- Prepare informative materials for commissioners, local staff, and regional partners on new and existing NVTC projects including memoranda, web content, and e-newsletter text
- Participate in ongoing strategic planning efforts and organize outreach efforts on behalf of NVTC and regional projects
Selection Criteria
Mandatory:
• Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, planning, transportation, economics, business management, civil engineering, or related field, plus five years of professionally progressive experience with project management in transit, planning, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in transit or rail project development, policy, or finance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in meeting management and facilitation.
• Skills in graphics and spreadsheets.
Desirable:
• Advanced degree in economics, public sector management/administration, public policy, planning, technology policy and law or related field;
• Additional work experience beyond the minimum five year requirement;
• Experience with FTA grant and contract requirements highly desirable;
• Experience in writing talking points, preparing presentations, meeting agendas, and drafting reports, analyses, and recommendations for board action and comments to legislative and regulatory agencies;
• Experience with local or state government;
• Experience with developing and making presentations to elected officials, business leaders and community groups;
• Experience in designing and/or conducting community outreach efforts; and
• Experience working closely in a small team environment.
How to Apply
The job will remain open until filled. NVTC is an equal opportunity employer. Please provide a complete resume including your salary history and requirements, as well as a letter describing your qualifications and interest in this specific position.
Please describe examples of your relevant experience, include links to or attachments of relevant work product:
Email: opportunities@nvtdc.org
Director, Programs and Policy
NVTC
2300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 620
Arlington, VA 22201
About NVTC
NVTC has a small staff located in offices in the Court House area of Arlington. NVTC is a leading expert on performance metrics and transit finance, coordinates regional planning studies and evaluations, partners with other regional entities including the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. NVTC encompasses six cities and counties, Virginia Railway Express (a commuter rail service), six bus systems including MetroBus, Metrorail and the Vanpool Alliance.
Salary and Benefits
Outstanding benefits are provided (life, health, dental, disability insurance; pension; pre-tax child care and medical cafeteria plan; free parking or parking cash-out; tax-free transit benefit). The competitive salary depends on experience and qualifications.
Additional Information
Business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additionally, work hours may vary based on business needs and may include evening and occasional weekend hours as necessary.
Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis. Interviews will be scheduled with those candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. The application process will close when the position has been filled or when a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.