Transportation Associate

Regional Plan Association is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Transportation Associate to join our team. The Associate will conduct research and analyze data to help inform urban planning policy recommendations for passenger and freight mobility issues spanning the New York metropolitan region, which includes New York City, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Northern New Jersey, and Southwestern Connecticut. They will work on a variety of projects with a particular focus on transportation while supporting other important work as part of RPA’s traditional portfolio of projects.

The Associate should have a general interest in regional mobility infrastructure and transportation policy and exploring how each mode intersects with RPA’s core values of health, sustainability, equity, and prosperity. The Associate will have the opportunity to organize and participate in community engagement with stakeholders through external meetings and events. This position will report to the Vice President for Transportation and offer support on research efforts and advocacy campaigns.

We are looking for someone who shares our passion for fostering prosperous, equitable, healthy and sustainable communities. We encourage a challenging, collaborative, and fun work environment. We also believe in work-life balance.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to the Vice President for Transportation and staff throughout the organization on passenger and freight transportation projects and advocacy campaigns
• Support the analysis of plans, programs, data and reports on demographic and economic trends, regional land use, transportation, development, environmental and climate policy
• Conduct research on relevant transportation and infrastructure policy at local, state and federal levels
• Provide support in grant writing and project brainstorming for original research
• Assist in developing and executing public engagement efforts around regional planning issues
• Work with both RPA staff and project partners to organize meetings, forums, and events
• Maintain databases, mailing lists, website, and project management software
• Draft memos, meeting minutes, and reports

Qualifications

• Candidates should have a master’s degree in urban planning, geography, public policy or equivalent with demonstrated research experience. A bachelor’s degree and three or more years of professional experience will be considered in lieu of a master’s degree. Excellent organizational, analytical, writing and presentation skills, as well as experience working in teams, are essential.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google platforms is required.
• Advanced proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and at least one statistical programming package (Python, R, etc.) is essential.
• Candidates must demonstrate a basic understanding of political and civic stakeholders in the regional transportation network.
• Candidates should be able to take initiative and balance multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, design software, project management software or website design is a plus.

While this position is based in New York City, RPA offers a hybrid work schedule. All staff are expected to work from the office, at a minimum, of twice per week. Salary range is $60,000-$64,000, commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position. RPA provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.