CTS Job Openings

This position is responsible for supporting traffic safety programming, such as the Advisory Council on Traffic Safety (ACTS) and the Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) program. Both efforts aim to reduce fatal and serious-injury traffic crashes on Minnesota roads. The state of Minnesota contracts with CTS to provide outreach, administration, and planning and advisory committee support for a variety of traffic safety activities. 

The position will serve as program manager for safety efforts across the Center. Primary duties will include the management and delivery of an annual statewide TZD conference; management and delivery of TZD regional engagement activities held throughout the state; management and coordination of planning and advisory committee activities, including ACTS and its subcommittees; building and fostering relationships with partnering organizations; representing CTS in activities that enhance program visibility and strengthen relationships with the community; developing and managing project scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables; and designing and implementing systems and processes to enhance personal, team, and Center performance. This position manages multiple projects at any given time, interacts with a wide variety of stakeholders and funders, and performs a number of functions within the group. 

The salary range for this position is $36.06–$40.87 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Responsibilities

25% Program Management

Serve as program manager for the delivery of safety activities across the Center, primarily with the Toward Zero Deaths and Advisory Council on Traffic Safety programs. Tasks will include managing the work of students, project staff, and/or program partners; developing and independently managing budgets; alerting Leadership Team and clients if issues arise; creating and overseeing project plans and timelines; coordinating with the CTS communications team on development and delivery of communications products; proactively identifying and appropriately resolving and/or escalating issues that arise during the delivery of project and program tasks; solving problems while considering various stakeholders’ and participant needs to offer solutions in a timely manner; and working with University researchers, CTS staff, and external partners to develop and fund new projects and programs in the traffic safety topic area. 

30% Planning and Advisory Committee Activities

Provide program management for planning and advisory committees such as the Advisory Council on Traffic Safety and its subcommittees and working groups. Serve as a liaison and resource for sponsors and program participants by developing and managing complex stakeholder relationships and acquiring the appropriate level of technical knowledge. Interact with a wide array of external and internal stakeholders, funders, community organizations, and individuals to facilitate interaction on areas of common interest. Manage development and distribution of meeting materials, including agendas and notes. Lead and facilitate committee meetings. Coordinate follow up of action items as identified by stakeholder groups. Oversee maintenance of committee rosters, including membership transitions, and facilitate committee communication and correspondence. 

40% Outreach Services Activities

Lead event planning for traffic safety activities, including the TZD statewide conference, regional workshops, and quarterly stakeholder convenings. Utilize a broad understanding of the transportation safety arena, both internal and external to the University, to help design and develop event content. Build and strengthen relationships with sponsors, presenters, and participants; serve as a program representative and strategic and technical knowledge resource/liaison from the University to the transportation community. Provide event delivery expertise by managing abstract submission/call for presentations; working with external stakeholders to identify topics and speakers; managing venue selection and negotiation; providing expertise on selection and use of virtual platforms and/or technology needs; overseeing coordination with event sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and moderators; providing on-site support and resolving issues; and evaluating and reporting on the event.

5% Center-wide Programs and Services

Contribute as a team member in the administration of CTS programs. Assist in the design and implementation Center-wide initiatives and special projects as needed. Perform the role of PI or Co-I, including preparing budgets, developing contracts, monitoring financial performance, and leading quarterly reports for traffic safety contracts.

Required 

• BA/BS plus at least four years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years

Preferred 

• Experience in traffic safety research, education, and/or engagement activities, such as managing programs or projects, coordinating events, providing staff support to stakeholder groups or committees, facilitating meetings, developing and monitoring budgets, and working with multiple teams
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated record of establishing effective working relationships with diverse populations and functions, both internal and external to the organization
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written communication
• Strong problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and be flexible in a rapidly changing environment

How to Apply

Work Location

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and the Center for Transportation Studies endorses a “work with flexibility” approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. This position is designated as eligible for a work Profile 4 (work fully remotely with the exception of required attendance for on-site events); the successful candidate will have the option to be office-based or hybrid if fully remote is not preferred. 

Because the University of Minnesota is a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University, in most cases, expects employees to live in Minnesota. A University-configured laptop and software will be provided, but the successful candidate will need to provide their own reliable high-speed internet connection for a fully remote or partially remote work schedule. CTS management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Details regarding work schedule, work location, and other arrangements will be made upon offer of employment and a work schedule will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.