Route Ready Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Opportunities, Inc. seeks to ensure that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are provided chances to build a broad range of skills, gain new knowledge, interact with their community and, most importantly, be provided a variety of inclusive opportunities within the communities where they work, recreate, and live. We provide excellence in vocational, social, and adaptive skill development to help adults with disabilities achieve their fullest potential for independence and self-confidence.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Route Ready Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the organization’s grant-funded program, Route Ready. Route Ready is a travel training program focused on building utilization of fixed-route transportation options through the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). This position reports directly to the Director of Advancement . This role combines travel training expertise with leadership responsibilities, including oversight and continued development of the Route Ready Travel Training Program including supervising the Route Ready Specialists, coordinating travel training schedules with programs, coordinating travel training with people in services, ensuring grant compliance, and maintaining program quality across all travel training initiatives.

The Route Ready Program Manager will also lead the delivery of staff travel training to Opportunities Inc. staff and partner agencies participating in the grant initiative. This role is designed to build capacity across partner organizations by equipping their staff with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to provide effective travel training to the people they support. Through a train-the-trainer model, the Route Ready Program Manager will develop and facilitate engaging training sessions, offer ongoing technical assistance during the grant period, and ensure consistency and quality in how travel training is implemented across agencies. This approach expands the reach and sustainability of the program, empowering partner staff to support greater independence and community access for people with disabilities.

Grant-Funded Position Notice:
This position is funded through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) grant and is contingent upon continued funding. Employment duration is tied to the grant period and may be renewed based on future funding availability.

Office Location: Headquarters

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Salary: $70,000 - $75,000 annually

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Training & Capacity Building (Primary Focus)

• Deliver structured travel training to staff at Opportunities, Inc. and partner agencies through a train-the-trainer model, equipping them to effectively teach the people they support
• Develop training curriculum, tools, and resources that promote consistent, high-quality travel training across partner organizations
• Provide coaching, technical assistance, and follow-up support to partner agency staff to reinforce learning and ensure successful implementation
• Evaluate staff competency and provide feedback to strengthen training delivery and outcomes
• Support in-house travel training on an as-needed basis, in coordination with the Route Ready Specialists.

Program Leadership & Quality Oversight

• Lead the coordination and implementation of the Route Ready program at Opportunities Inc. and partner agencies
• Ensure consistency, quality, and fidelity of travel training practices in the program and across all participating organizations
• Collaborate with internal program teams and leadership to align travel training with organizational goals and person-centered outcomes
• Maintain expertise in travel training best practices, including maintaining Travel Training certification (CTTI) through Easter Seals Project Action
• Provide recommendations for program improvement, staff development, and quality assurance
• Provide formal and informal supervision, guidance and supports to direct reports including Route Ready Specialists
• Integrate the use of assistive technology into the Route Ready Program (apps, iPads, visual supports)

Grant & Partnership Management

• Manage travel training components of grant-funded initiatives, including tracking outcomes, deliverables, and reporting requirements
• Support the Director of Advancement in maintaining strong collaborative relationships with partner agencies participating in the COG grant
• Support the Director of Advancement in collecting data, success stories, and updates for grant reporting, compliance, and marketing
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation aligned with grant and program requirements

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and deliver presentations and outreach to partner agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders to promote the Route Ready program
• Build and strengthen partnerships to expand access to travel training and increase program reach
• Represent Opportunities, Inc. in community initiatives, coalitions, and events related to transportation and employment access
• Support broader community-based travel training efforts and special initiatives tied to the grant

QUALIFICATIONS AND DESIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field. Experience in relevant work will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Creativity related to implementation of services.
• Basic knowledge regarding the system of supports and waiver services offered through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
• Self-Starter with a proven track record taking initiative to complete tasks.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in an effective manner
• Strong organization and time management skills
• Effective and strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite.

• Understanding of, and ability to share, information regarding activities and resources in Montgomery County and/or Prince George’s County.
• Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting abilities; with strong data analysis acumen and focus on accuracy and attention to detail.

• A valid driver's license, clean driving record, reliable transportation, and a willingness to drive company vehicles when necessary.

• Certified Travel Training Instructor (CTTI) credential preferred, but not required
• 2–4 years of experience providing travel training, including experience mentoring or supervising others preferred
• Knowledge and experience utilizing public transportation systems
• Experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Works well within diverse populations, building appropriate rapport, while demonstrating cultural competence
• Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, databases, and email

• Demonstrated leadership and initiative
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills and ability to build rapport with diverse populations
• Commitment to promoting independence, inclusion, and positive outcomes for people we support

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A ROUTE READY PROGRAM MANAGER

• Hold a check-in meeting with Route Ready Specialists (travel trainers) to review participant progress and problem-solve (missed routes, safety concerns)
• Coordinate travel training schedules with internal programs and partner agencies
• Meet with Director of Advancement to align on grant priorities and reporting timelines
• Deliver a train-the-trainer session for staff at a partner agency, teaching how to instruct individuals on using fixed-route transit (e.g., trip planning, safety skills
• Update or refine training materials (presentations, manuals, travel checklists)
• Conduct or observe in-the-field travel training sessions
• Track program metrics for grant compliance (participation rates, outcomes, training hours)
• Meet with partner organizations to strengthen collaboration and address gaps
• Present the Route Ready program to a community group or stakeholder organization
• Answer participant and family questions about public transportation options
• Balance office work with time in the community and on transit systems

Opportunities, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer