Safety Program Manager

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 the Center 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.
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 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 Qualifications
* BA/BS plus at least 4 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal 8 years
Preferred Qualifications
* 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

The Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) conducts transportation research, education, and engagement in a broad number of areas, including transportation policy and planning, infrastructure engineering, connected and automated vehicles, and safety. These activities are carried out through relationships with University faculty, government agencies, and private industry, including an extensive advisory committee structure. An annual operating budget is provided by the state legislature to support a base level of research, education, and engagement services. This operating support is supplemented by other grants that CTS attracts.

Pay Range: $36.06-$40.87/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Time Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Work Profile: The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and the Center for Transportation Studies endorse 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 work Profile 4 (work fully remotely with the exception of required attendance for on-site activities); 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.

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online Application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. This position is not eligible for H-1B or green card sponsorship.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).