Manager, Program Implementation

SAIPRC plans to hire a highly talented Manager of Program Implementation for our growing and productive team. We seek candidates with the skills to lead the execution of major ongoing initiatives, work with a diverse group of stakeholders, and manage complex technical projects built on large datasets. Applicants should be effective project managers with quantitative experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for advancing passenger rail in the United States. We offer competitive pay and benefits, flexibility including hybrid (in-office and remote) schedules, and an opportunity to engage with passenger rail decisionmakers in a trusted and highly visible role.

About SAIPRC

The State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee (SAIPRC) is a multi-agency body comprising representatives from Amtrak, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and 20 agencies from 17 States. SAIPRC’s staff is a small and growing team of highly motivated transportation professionals whose mission is to improve passenger rail service across the United States. Our focus is on the 28 State-supported rail services that connect major city pairs—like Los Angeles and San Diego, Seattle and Portland, Chicago and St. Louis, Washington and Charlotte, New York and Toronto, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, plus many more—and carry approximately half of all Amtrak riders.

Congress created SAIPRC and tasked it with overseeing how States make payments to Amtrak for their services; facilitating collaboration in areas like marketing, rolling stock planning, and reducing delays; and improving the data SAIPRC members use to make business decisions.

Position Summary

The Manager will oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of the new SAIPRC Cost Model, the foundation of SAIPRC’s ongoing work plan. The Cost Model is a database-driven process used to calculate over $900 million in State payments to Amtrak each year. It is a centerpiece of the State-Amtrak relationship and is critical to the continued growth and success of passenger rail in the United States.

The selected candidate will be highly organized program manager with experience managing complex technical projects involving participation from multiple stakeholders. The Manager will ensure the successful execution of all technical work related to the Model. The selected candidate will direct work by staff and consultants to ensure the Model is completed accurately and on time. Successful candidates will be creative problem-solvers, performing their own data analysis to design technical solutions, guide the work of other members of the team, and respond to stakeholder concerns.

The selected candidate will play a critical role in SAIPRC’s annual success and will influence passenger rail operations across the country. The Manager will be responsible for coordinating the participation of SAIPRC members in the annual implementation of the Cost Model. The selected candidate will develop new processes for collecting stakeholder feedback, forge relationships with and present updates to officials at Amtrak, USDOT, and State agencies, resolve disputes using creative problem solving and analysis, and help ensure the formal approval of the Model each year using consensus building strategies. Successful candidates will be highly organized, utilize effective project management tools, and ensure that all work is properly documented to the highest standards.

Specific tasks will include:

  • Manage the ongoing implementation of the SAIPRC Cost Model, overseeing the calculation of over $900 million in annual State payments to Amtrak;

  • Support the Committee’s annual approval of the Operating-Cost Model, by building relationships with officials at SAIPRC member organizations, assisting members in accessing and analyzing financial data, identifying and resolving disputes, and using creative problem-solving to help generate consensus among members;

  • Manage a team of staff and contractors, using performance management to drive continuous improvement and the on-time completion of all Model activities;

  • Represent SAIPRC staff participation in an independent review of the Model conducted by an outside auditing firm;

  • Design and oversee the execution of a stakeholder feedback collection and response system;

  • Oversee the development of online data repositories and data documentation for internal and external stakeholders;

  • Perform and oversee analysis of financial performance, cost trends, and rail operations to support Model review by member organizations and the identification of Model/Policy improvements;

  • Prepare and deliver reports, plans, presentations, and reference materials for internal and external audiences; and

  • Assist in planning and coordination regular SAIPRC stakeholder meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

  • At least four years of experience (8+ years preferred) working in transportation, consulting, public administration, or a related field;

  • High quality written, verbal, and visual communication skills for a wide range of audiences;

  • Experience in quantitative analysis with large datasets, including the ability to run queries;

  • Experience overseeing complex technical projects and managing consultants;

  • Ability to form relationships with staff at all levels among external stakeholders/clients;

  • Ability to develop highly effective presentations and compelling, clear visual communication materials;

  • Strategic thinking skills and the ability to develop solutions to new challenges, including the ability to “manage up” and sell ideas to SAIPRC leadership and member organizations; and

  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Urban Planning, Economics, Public Administration, Finance, Data Science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

  • At least eight years of experience working in transportation, public administration, or a related field;

  • Familiarity or experience with database and/or software development, including direct experience in (or ability to manage others in) data manipulation using SQL or other languages;

  • Exposure to accounting principles or familiarity with transportation operating costs;

  • Familiarity with Amtrak and federal passenger rail policy; and

  • Familiarity or experience with a Business Intelligence Platform (Tableau, Power BI, Zoho Analytics, etc.).

Location and Travel

SAIPRC currently has small, in-person offices in New York, NY, and Washington, DC. Hybrid or fully remote work schedules are available. Candidates from anywhere in the United States are encouraged to apply.

The position includes approximately 5% travel, although the selected candidate may have the opportunity for additional travel if desired. Off-site meetings (usually involving overnight stays) typically occur at least three times per year.

Compensation

Annual salary will range from $95,000 to $165,000 depending on experience, location, and other factors. SAIPRC also offers a competitive benefits package.

How To Apply

Email a resume and a cover letter to careers[at]saiprc.com. In your cover letter, describe why you are interested in working with SAIPRC, your strengths, and how your skills and experience will support SAIPRC’s goals. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis.

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SAIPRC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all to apply and do not discriminate against candidates based on personal characteristics protected by law—including but not limited to age, color/race, disability, gender and gender identity, marital or partnership status, national origin, religion/creed, salary history, sexual and reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, status as a veteran or active military service member, status of a victim (or family member of a victim) of domestic violence a sexual offense or stalking, and unemployment status.