Senior Transportation Program Manager

Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates is seeking a highly organized, independent, and motivated staff member for our nationally recognized multimodal planning practice in the Bay Area. This is an outstanding opportunity to support our corporate commute management practice in the Bay Area. We are seeking an individual with at least ten years of experience and a strong interest in integrated, multimodal transportation planning as well as background in corporate commute program management.

Nelson/Nygaard offers a dynamic and self-directed work environment that is fast-paced, congenial, and supportive. This is your opportunity to work with one of the most innovative groups of planners and engineers, including highly talented junior and support staff. Our office culture is built upon diversity and creativity.

About Us

For nearly 40 years, Nelson/Nygaard has led the transportation planning field with our values-driven approach. We've always been guided by the principle of putting people first-designing transportation systems for people, not just cars. This also extends to how we operate as a firm. We were founded by two women who believed in the benefits of a more egalitarian workplace, where leadership and creativity can blossom at all levels and where diversity is a core strength.

Today, we are 170 talented and dedicated people in 15 offices across the U.S. and Canada who continue to live by those values. What unites us at Nelson/Nygaard is our steadfast commitment to make the world more just, more sustainable, more connected, and more beautiful.

About You

• You're resourceful, curious, communicative, and enthusiastic.
• You're passionate about how transportation can make the world a better, more equitable place.
• You bring energy and a commitment to your teams and clients to do great work, together.

Responsibilities

The Senior Transportation Program Manager position is a fully embedded position at one of our corporate clients in the Bay Area. The core responsibilities are outlined below.

Strategy & Program Leadership

• Develop and maintain multi-year transportation and mobility strategies, including commuter programs, shuttles, parking, active transportation, and TDM initiatives
• Define program goals, success metrics, and roadmaps aligned with organizational priorities and sustainability or mode-shift objectives
• Advise senior leadership on transportation risks, opportunities, and investment tradeoffs using clear, outcome-focused analysis

Transportation Demand Management (TDM)

• Design and oversee TDM programs that reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips and encourage transit, carpooling, biking, and walking
• Partner with municipalities and regional agencies to implement TDM plans and compliance strategies
• Track and analyze mode shift, utilization, and participation metrics, and adjust programs based on performance insights

Vendor & Contract Governance

• Manage transportation vendors through SOWs, KPIs, and performance reviews, ensuring services meet contractual, safety, and service quality standards
• Review invoices, budgets, and forecasts; monitor spend and identify cost-saving or optimization opportunities
• Support RFPs, vendor evaluations, and contract negotiations in partnership with senior leadership, procurement and legal teams

Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate transportation operations using data analysis, benchmarking, and surveys to measure effectiveness and inform decisions
• Develop executive-ready dashboards and reports on utilization, cost, risk, customer experience, and program outcomes
• Identify process improvements and lead cross-functional initiatives to improve efficiency, experience, and scalability

Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support senior leadership when collaborating between internal and external teams
• Represent the organization on regional, state, or industry transportation committees as needed
• Lead communication strategies and change management for new or modified transportation programs

Core Competencies

• Strategic program management and governance
• Transportation demand management and commuter behavior
• Data analysis, KPI development, and performance reporting
• Vendor, contract, and financial oversight
• Executive-level communication and stakeholder management

Qualifications and Requirements

Above all, we are looking for someone who:

• Has a passion for sustainable transportation planning
• Is an inquisitive self-starter and a natural problem solver
• Understands the connection between transportation and equity and is committed to incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion into their work
• Possess proven experience in managing programs to meet client expectations within budget
• Work successfully with clients, program partners, and project teams
• Excellent written, verbal, and other communication skills, including facilitation of public workshops
• The ability to manage complex projects on time and on budget
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

The candidate should meet the following qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in transportation planning
• A bachelor's degree in transportation planning, economics, public policy, or engineering. A master's degree in one of these fields is looked upon favorably. Demonstrated experience or expertise in lieu of precise educational attainment may also meet this requirement.

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary range equivalent for this position is $156,000 - $187,000, depending on qualifications and years of experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, pre-tax transit and bicycling benefit, a 401(k) program, life insurance, and paid time off.

Applying for the Position

To apply, please click on the 'Apply Online' link. Qualified and interested candidates must submit the following items:

• Cover letter
• Resume

At Nelson/Nygaard we believe that inclusion spurs creativity, and that innovation is born from an engaged culture of diverse people and ideas. By moving beyond barriers and stereotypes of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status, we are committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of ethnic minorities. We're committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to hear from anyone who is passionate about our work.


#LI-DNI

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.