Transportation for America—a program of Smart Growth America—is seeking a skilled, motivated, passionate individual with knowledge and interest in transportation policy who wants to shape the future of transportation. This position will work across our full policy portfolio but has the opportunity to lead on passenger rail and roadway safety. This position reports to the Senior Policy Manager.
The ideal candidate will be: A compelling writer with something to say on transportation who is excited to have the outlet; familiar with the federal surface transportation reauthorization process, a relational person who already has or is eager to make connections with Hill offices and staffers, coalition partners, and advocates; well-versed in federal transportation policy and practice; a self-starter who doesn’t wait to be told what to do; and a team player who wants to be part of a team of passionate transportation nerds working to advance T4America’s principles and advancing our mission.
As part of the T4America policy team working on our full policy portfolio, this position will also serve as the lead for our passenger rail work, including direct support for local partners such as the Southern Rail Commission, management and oversight of federal rail grants, the development of new passenger service on various corridors, and working with longstanding champions in Congress to shape the rail provisions and funding in the next reauthorization. This associate may also serve as the lead on roadway safety policy, working with the National Complete Streets Coalition to build their policy knowledge in this area and focusing on building streets that are safe for all users.
Responsibilities:
- Support and communicate about T4America’s platform
- Understand and explain T4America’s three priorities and the underlying policies required to turn them into reality.
- Conceive and write regular blog posts, contribute to reports, conduct research, and collaborate with the T4America communications team to produce engaging content on our priorities.
- Effectively communicate T4America’s priorities and policies in person, online, and in various mediums.
- Understand, analyze, synthesize, and develop policy
- Read and stay plugged in to the world of transportation policy at all levels.
- Analyze policy developments closely and produce insights to share with others through memos, briefings, presentations, blog posts, and other external content.
- Develop new policy ideas or legislative language in support of T4America’s platform
- Serve as the passenger rail lead
- Manage relationships with passenger rail stakeholders, make presentations, maintain and develop relationships with key Capitol Hill champions and stakeholders, support the senior policy advisor, administer rail grants, write and communicate about rail policy developments, and vision.
- Be a successful advocate
- Strategically identify local, state, and federal policymakers to educate and persuade.
- Build relationships on Capitol Hill with individual offices, notable caucuses, committee staff, and members of Congress by making frequent in-person (and online) outreach and regular connections.
- Equip advocates (T4A members, supporters, coalition members, like-minded organizations) with the information and tools they need to engage in the process of policy reform.
- Communicate to T4America members and partners about opportunities to impact transportation actions in Congress as well as best practices in local and state policy.
- Communicate effectively
- Draft portions of and edit reports (new and future editions) like Dangerous by Design, The Congestion Con, Divided by Design, and Driving Down Emissions
- Write memos and other content for T4America members, clients, and advocacy purposes;
- Effectively communicate on organization priorities, especially equity, climate and public health; and
- Participate in panels, conferences and other collaborations to present T4America’s priorities and reports.
- Help develop and deliver education and training content for technical assistance offerings focused on equity in transportation.
- Contribute to Smart Growth America’s overall vision
- Support SGA’s broader policy work across housing, transportation, land use, zoning, economic development, placemaking, and environmental protection.
- Support the National Complete Streets Coalition’s policy work.
- Contribute to technical assistance engagements with states, counties, and cities across the country.
Required skills:
- A college degree and at least 3-4 years of work experience.
- The ability to think strategically and work across partisan lines.
- Excellent written, verbal, and research skills—you should be a sharp writer.
- Ability to execute advocacy strategies and projects, including policy research and partner outreach and engagement.
- Excellent time management and the ability to complete multiple tasks with a high volume of work and minimal supervision.
- Comfortable working in a collaborative team environment and have strong interpersonal skills.
Compensation and location
The salary range for this position is $59,000-$65,000. A candidate for the top of this range would have an advanced degree in public policy, transportation, planning or other related field; experience working on Capitol Hill, in a state legislative body or city council or previous experience in local, state, or federal transportation agencies; tangible experience with passenger rail policy development or implementation; and/or experience managing federal grant processes and demonstrated administrative excellence and experience.
Benefits include fully paid medical insurance, optional dental and vision coverage, 401 (k) contributions, life and disability insurance, three weeks of vacation in the first year, and 12 paid annual holidays. This position reports to the Senior Policy Manager and is based in Washington, DC. SGA staff work in the office at 1350 Eye St. NW, Tuesdays-Thursdays. No relocation assistance is offered at this time.
How to apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@smartgrowthamerica.org with “T4America Senior Policy Associate” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please indicate how you’ve learned of this opportunity.
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Smart Growth America and Transportation for America are committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds, including candidates of color. 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.
About Smart Growth America
Smart Growth America 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. We empower communities through technical assistance, advocacy, and thought leadership to realize this vision of livable places, healthy people, and shared prosperity.
About Transportation for America
Transportation for America is a national nonprofit made up of local, regional, and state leaders who seek a transportation system that safely, affordably, and conveniently connects people of all means and ability to jobs, services, and opportunity through multiple modes of travel.
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