Position Summary:
The National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) has an immediate opening for a Project Manager in its Alexandria, VA office. National RTAP is a technical assistance center funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and its mission is to address the training and technical assistance needs of rural and tribal public transportation providers and to support the State RTAPs. National RTAP is based in Woburn, MA and has a satellite office in Alexandria, VA. Learn more at www.nationalrtap.org.
The responsibilities of the Project Manager include overseeing the development and maintenance of trainings and technology tools, managing two biennial surveys, planning events, and managing the Alexandria office. National RTAP’s trainings are in hardcopy and eLearning formats, and cover topics such as safety, customer service, and financial management for public transit agencies. The technology tools range from web-based tools to Excel/Access files. One tool that the Project Manager may be involved in overseeing is the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS Builder), which assists agencies with getting their bus stop and schedule data into trip planners like Google Maps. Managing these training projects and technology tools often involves project scoping, procuring and overseeing a contractor, reviewing content, and marketing the product.
The two surveys are conducted biennially to collect information and feedback from Rural and Tribal Transit Managers and State RTAP Managers across the country. The Project Manager would oversee drafting and launching the survey, analyzing the data, and producing a report on the results. Events that the Project Manager will be involved in planning include webinars, conferences, and virtual and in-person meetings with FTA staff, partner organizations, and/or our Review Board.
The Project Manager will also be responsible for managing the Alexandria, VA office, where the Executive Director is based. Tasks will include overseeing office- and travel-related expenses, making travel arrangements, and managing the Executive Director’s calendar. The Executive Director travels monthly at a minimum and holds frequent meetings with staff and partner organizations on Zoom and in person. The Executive Director is a liaison with the FTA and other federal programs and centers, serves on research committees, and manages the direction and strategic partnerships for the program with the Assistant Director. The Project Manager would assist the Executive Director with setting up meetings as well as drafting Powerpoints, reports, and emails as needed.
Ideal applicants are organized, professional, detail-oriented and have strong writing and interpersonal skills. This role will involve both independent and collaborative work. A bachelor's degree and at least three years of professional experience is required. Knowledge or interest in public transportation, intercity bus, planning, rural issues, public health, or a similar field is very desirable. The Project Manager will report to the Executive Director and will also work closely with the Assistant Director, based in the Woburn, MA office.
Project Management Responsibilities
- Planning and hosting virtual meetings and webinars on Zoom
- Planning in-person events such as the two-day spring and fall Review Board meetings, networking and training events, and National RTAP’s biennial conference
- Manage product development, maintenance, and promotion for trainings and tools, such as Financial Management eLearning and the GTFS Builder Technology Tool
- Draft documents for internal or external communication, such as presentations, reports, flyers, or emails
- Manage the drafting, distribution, and data analysis for the biennial surveys of State RTAP Managers and Rural and Tribal Transit Managers
Office Management Responsibilities
- Manage the Alexandria, VA office, including overseeing the lease and subscriptions, maintaining records, keeping an inventory of equipment, and working with our IT company as needed
- Manage calendars and set up meetings for the Executive Director
- Make travel and accommodation arrangements for the Executive Director
- Track expenses and prepare travel expense reports
Work Location and Travel Requirements
- Based in National RTAP’s satellite office at 1800 Diagonal Rd, Alexandria, VA
- Travel approximately once every 1-2 months to the Woburn, MA office or to an in-person conference or meeting
- Potential for a hybrid work schedule with 1-2 days at home weekly, after a probationary period
Required Skills, Education, and Experience:
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Detail-oriented with both discretion and problem-solving skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Works well independently and collaboratively
- Bachelor's degree required
- Three (3) or more years of professional experience required
- Knowledge or interest in public transportation, intercity bus, community planning and development, rural issues, public policy, or a similar field is strongly preferred
- Experience with event planning and project management is a plus
- Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Microsoft 365 (SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams), and Zoom
Salary and Position Details:
- Salary range $70,000-$85,000 – commensurate with experience
- 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday
- Potential for travel on a weekend a few times per year
- Reports to the Executive Director
Benefits Include:
- 15 Paid Time Off (PTO) days and eight holidays including sick leave.
- Health Insurance through United Health Care. Participation is available on the first of the month following 60 days – TransAction pays 75% of a plan (including family). There is also a $2,000 deductible on an individual plan, of which TransAction would pay the second $1,000.
- A 401K plan is available after completing three months of employment. Employees may contribute an elective deferral of up to 15% of their compensation, and TransAction matches 100% up to the first 3% and 50% between 4 to 5%.
- Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel at the current IRS rate and any other out-of-pocket expense.
Other benefits available to employees at cost include:
- Dental Insurance is available through United Health Care at the employee’s expense
- Long-term Disability provides 60% of basic monthly pay, not to exceed $7,500 per month
- Life insurance
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
Application Question(s):
- What experience, knowledge, or interest do you have related to public transportation, community planning and development, rural issues, and/or public policy?
Education:
Experience:
- professional: 3 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Alexandria, VA 22314 (Required)
Work Location: In person