Program Manager for Transit Policy

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials is currently hiring a Program Manager for Transit Policy, a full-time position located in our Washington, DC office.

Nature of Position:

The Program Manager for Transit Policy manages the policy and technical activities of the Council on Public Transportation, under the supervision of the Program Director for Multimodal Transportation. The Program Manager is responsible for developing and implementing public transportation task force(s) for the Council on Public Transportation and providing transit-related technical assistance to the member state departments of transportation (state DOTs) participating in AASHTO Transit Management (formerly Multistate Transit Technical Assistance Program). The incumbent is responsible for executing the Work Program, which is annually developed by the Council on Public Transportation and the AASHTO Transit Management Steering Committee with input from member states.

The incumbent coordinates communication for the Council on Public Transportation and its task force(s) and for AASHTO Transit Management members through preparation of quarterly newsletter and announcements/alerts as needed, maintenance of the website including update and maintenance of the state directory, and administration of monthly steering committee conference calls. In addition, the Program Manager supports AASHTO Transit Management’s technical activities in coordination with external partner organizations including the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), National Rural Transportation Association (RTAP), Community Transportation Association (CTAA) and Transportation Research Board (TRB).

The Program Manager working with the Program Director for Multimodal Transportation and the leadership of the Council on Public Transportation will recruit membership for various task forces in Public Transportation and provide support for and including facilitation of peer exchanges, webinars, and other communications with the task forces.

The Program Manager is responsible for ensuring robust membership recruitment, renewal, and satisfaction by developing membership kits, conducting satisfaction surveys, and administering travel and logistics for two national conferences and other meetings with input and assistance from the AASHTO Transit Management Steering Committee. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for monitoring the AASHTO Transit Management program budget and individual state Travel Accounts.

Additional activities may be assigned by the Program Director for Multimodal Transportation and/or by the Policy Director as necessary. The Program Manager also receives direction from the Council on Public Transportation and AASHTO Transit Management leadership and ensures responsiveness to members’ needs.

Position Requirements:

The successful candidate will have a minimum of six years of professional experience of progressively responsible, with experience working for a state DOT transit agency, Federal Transit Administration, public transit organization, or comparable transportation experience at the federal, state or local level is desirable.

In addition, a successful candidate will have prior experience in project management. A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in urban planning, public policy, public administration, or another transportation related field. Evidence of a higher degree of professional development, such as postgraduate education, is desirable.

The candidate must possess excellent written and oral communication, research and analysis skills, along with the ability to establish work program priorities and carry them out independently. The incumbent must be sensitive to the needs of multiple members and customers, and have a general understanding of the federal and state transportation policies, regulations, procedures and practices. Additionally, the incumbent must be proficient in word-processing software packages with experience in graphics, spreadsheets and the operation of conventional business equipment.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume by Friday, October 23, 2026.

Who We Are:

AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing transportation departments in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. We represent all transportation modes including: air, highways, public transportation, active transportation, rail, and water. Our goal is to foster the development, operation, and maintenance of an integrated national transportation system that is safe and efficient for every individual. We strive to educate the public and key decision makers about the critical role that transportation plays in securing a good quality of life and sound economy for our nation.

The culture displayed at AASHTO is one of inclusiveness. AASHTO fosters a supportive working environment for staff and focuses on both the professional and personal successes of employees. Additionally, employees benefit from a collective workplace that genuinely cares about them and what they do.

Perks and Benefits:

This position primarily reports out of our Washington, DC office located in Metro Center. AASHTO offers employees hybrid work schedules, with remote work up to 2-3 days/week.

The salary range for this position is $80,000 – $110,000.

Additionally, as a full-time employee, you are eligible for:

• A 403(b) plan with an automatic 3% employer contribution, and up to 9% match.
• Comprehensive health insurance benefits and complimentary employee assistance program (EAP).
• A monthly public transit benefit up to $325, covering most or all of your costs to get to and from the office.
• Generous leave accrual, starting at 13 days of vacation leave, 18 sick days, and 10 paid holidays – 3 of which can be used as floating holidays.
• Tuition assistance up to $7,500 per year for job-related programs and degrees.
• Access to an on-site fitness center at no cost to you, with workout classes offered throughout the week.
• Flexible work schedules.

AASHTO is an equal opportunity employer. AASHTO strives to foster an environment where our employees feel respected, valued and empowered. From our hiring practices through the entire employee experience, we embrace and celebrate the unique experiences, perspectives and cultural backgrounds that each employee brings to the workplace. All qualified applicants, including those with disabilities or veterans, will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected class under federal or local laws.