Head of Programme Management

Program Development Director, Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP)In this senior-level strategic role with no direct supervisory responsibilities, the Program Development Director, Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP), leads the development, coordination, and delivery of applied transportation research produced through ACRP. ACRP is sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and managed by the Transportation Research Board. The role exercises substantial independent judgment, manages a portfolio of complex and high-visibility research projects, and engages extensively with senior volunteers, sponsors, and stakeholders across the transportation community.Prepare analyses, options, and recommendations to support oversight committee deliberations and approval of research projects.Oversight Committee Meeting Planning & SupportLead planning and coordination of oversight committee meetings, including agendas, schedules, materials, and decision frameworks, in cooperation with the Director.Develop executive-quality briefing materials, background papers, program updates, and decision documents.Document committee decisions, track action items, and coordinate follow-up to support timely implementation.Stakeholder Engagement & Environmental ScanningIndependently engage with federal, state, local, and private-sector stakeholders to identify emerging research needs, trends, issues, and concerns.Conduct environmental scanning of transportation policy, practice, technology, and research developments.Program & Portfolio ManagementManage an assigned portfolio of complex research projects approved by the oversight committee.Manage selected complex or high-profile research projects personally, including contractor oversight and delivery of final products.Oversee contractor performance, schedules, budgets, and deliverables with minimal supervision.Identify and resolve project-level issues independently and escalate strategic, fiscal, or reputational risks as appropriate.Governance, Quality & Compliance AlignmentEnsure adherence to TRB and National Academies policies governing committee operations, peer review, ethics, and conflicts of interest.Work closely with centralized CRP quality, compliance, contracting, and training functions to ensure projects meet institutional standards.Communication & InfluencePrepare concise, decision-focused written materials for senior volunteers, sponsors, and leadership.Communicate clearly and confidently with oversight committee members, stakeholders, contractors, and colleagues.RequirementsRequired Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of cooperative or committee-driven research programs and familiarity with transportation research sponsors and policy environments.Understanding of the National Academies' mission, structure, and culture.Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex portfolios and competing priorities.Ability to negotiate funding and manage high-risk or complex research initiatives.Ability to solve complex problems involving significant variety and to serve as a resource to others in resolving issues.Minimum Education/Training Requirements:Ph.D. in a discipline relevant to transportation, public policy, research management, or a closely related field; or a master's, or bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with significant professional experience demonstrating advanced subject matter expertise, leadership in complex projects or programs, and independent research, analysis, or policy development responsibilities.Demonstrated impact on the advancement of science or policy through the successful completion of National Academies' activities or equivalent outside activities and through effective dissemination of these activities.Significant experience managing applied research projects or programs.Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: NoneAny qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.or International Airport Professional (IAP) designationOther DetailsSupervisory Responsibilities/ControlsReports to the Division Director. Mental and Physical CapabilitiesAbility to be visible on camera for meetings when remote.Ability to use a computer and applicable hardware/software to perform responsibilities.Ability to use multiple technology collaboration platforms, including collaboration tools. Examples: Microsoft Teams, Asana.Ability to lift/carry laptop and other mobile devices between work and home.Ability to travel between National Academies' facilities and offsite sponsor/partner locations.Ability to work in different time zones, when travel is outside of current location, e.g., when traveling internationally.Work EnvironmentHybrid office/telecommute environment; Occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. Equal Opportunity EmployerIt is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability