The NCST is one of many Centers and programs administered through ITS-Davis. The NCST is a part of the University Transportation Centers Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The NCST is led by UC Davis in a consortium made up of University of Southern California, Georgia Tech, University of Vermont, UC Riverside, California State University Long Beach, and Texas Southern University. Its goal is to transform the transportation system to improve environmental sustainability nationwide by mobilizing innovative and accomplished research teams and partnering with influential individuals and stakeholder groups. The NCST supports a wide array of activities in the areas of research, education, and engagement, and has an annual budget of $4 million in federal funding and $4 million in matching funds from state agencies and other sources. The PSR UTC is administered through the University of Southern California METRANS Transportation Center. The PSR UTC is also part of the US DOT University Transportation Centers Program. The PSR UTC is led by USC in a consortium made up of UC Davis; UC Berkeley; UC Irvine; UCLA; California State University Long Beach; the University of Hawaii; Northern Arizona University; University of Nevada Las Vegas; and Pima Community College. The goal of the PSR UTC is to improve the mobility of people and goods throughout the region. ITS-Davis supports the PSR UTC through an array of activities in the areas of research, education, and engagement. ITS-Davis receives an annual budget of approximately $250,000 in federal funding via USC, and $250,000 in matching funds from state agencies and other sources. In FY 2017-18, the Institutes of Transportation Studies of the UC system (UC ITS) began receiving an ongoing $5 million annual allocation as directed in the Road Repair and Accountability Act (SB1) passed April 2017. The UC ITS SB 1 funding is split roughly equally among the four ITS branches with ITS-Davis receiving approximately $1.3 million per year for the Statewide Transportation Research Program. ITS-Davis allocates approximately $700,000 per year for research projects and selects projects through a competitive RFP process. All proposed projects must address transportation policy questions in California and must identify a government agency champion.

Job Summary

Reporting to the faculty Director of the National Center for Sustainable Transportation (NCST), the faculty Director of the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS-Davis), and the UC Davis Associate Director of the Pacific Southwest Region University Transportation Center (PSR UTC), the Policy Director (PD) will have the primary responsibility for the external engagement activities of the NCST, ITS-Davis Statewide Transportation Research Program, and the PSR UTC at UC Davis, particularly linking policymakers to appropriate expert researchers at UC Davis and the NCST partners. The PD will be in charge of organizing and running policy forums, webinars, briefings, and symposia to deliver research findings to the policy-making community and practitioners. The PD will manage the development and dissemination of policy-relevant communication materials (e.g., policy briefs) and research reports. The PD will contribute to various websites and social media accounts. The PD will work closely with NCST funders to ensure Center research benefits their agency and the broader policy-making and practitioner community.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Lifting Requirements - Up to 25 Pounds (Light) - Occasionally

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work may occur outside standard 8AM-5PM schedule. Some in-state and out-of-state travel required.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Broad understanding of and professional experience with transportation systems, policies, and challenges.
• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with various partners such as stakeholders, Universities, industry, government, non-profit sector and the community.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation experience. Experience complying with reporting requirements.
• Excellent writing skills and experience creating and/or writing presentations, informational documents, and correspondence.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Previous successful program and project management. Basic computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentations, electronic mail, and internet.
• Strategic planning and evaluation skills to analyze, define, and assess problems, issues, and needs, and define needed actions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Masters degree in engineering, planning, geography, policy, public administration, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional experience in the transportation field in the public and/or private sector.
• Extensive experience with transportation stakeholders such as state departments of transportation, metropolitan planning offices (MPOs), and transit agencies.
• Direct experience and familiarity with the university research culture and public agency research culture, and ability to bridge them effectively.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) :

• Expertise in using social media and other policy / engagement platforms.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.

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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.