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Associate Director Alabama Transportation Policy Research Center - 527853
Job no: 527853
Position type: Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Location: Tuscaloosa
Division/Equivalent: Research
School/Unit: Economic Development
Department/Office: 750402 - Transportation Policy Research Ctr
Categories: Director/Executive
Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $93,900 - Midpoint: $126,800 (Salaried E14)
Department/Organization: 750402 - Transportation Policy Research Ctr
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Job Summary: The Associate Director Alabama Transportation Policy Research Center is responsible for defining and pursuing the Transportation Policy Research Center's (TPRC) core mission of serving the state of Alabama by providing high-quality policy research on transportation-related issues. Supports the legislature, ALDOT, ALEA, ADECA, and other state and local stakeholders through timely, substantive analysis rooted in transportation law and public policy. Oversees the development and dissemination of rigorous policy research beyond the applied state service component. Leads independent and collaborative research. Authors scholarly publications. Presents at peer-reviewed academic and professional forums.
Additional Department Summary: The Transportation Policy Research Center (TPRC) was established in conjunction with the Alabama Transportation Institute in 2017. The TPRC conducts policy research that serves the State Legislature. The TPRC functions as the flagship source of transportation policy research at The University of Alabama, and for the state. As such, TPRC was written into the original ATI charter and maintains its own dedicated funding through ATI. Additionally, the TPRC seeks external grant funding to support some its activities. The TPRC is expected to produce high-quality, high-impact scholarly products including but not limited to official reports, advisory memos to state legislators and other leaders, refereed journal articles, conference presentations, etc.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and eight (8) years of experience in legal, policy, or regulatory work related to transportation, law enforcement, or public affairs; OR master's degree and six (6) years of experience in legal, policy, or regulatory work related to transportation, law enforcement, or public affairs.
Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions.
Skills and Knowledge: Demonstrated ability to lead complex, interdisciplinary research initiatives. Strong working knowledge of current and emerging issues in transportation policy, including mobility, law enforcement, advanced technologies, and data governance. Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple responsibilities concurrently while meeting deadlines and adapting to shifting priorities. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex policy and legal frameworks.
Clear understanding of current technological challenges in transportation policy, such as cybersecurity, data privacy, and artificial intelligence. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present research findings effectively to a variety of audiences. Understanding of state and local government operations and legislative processes.
Ability to cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with internal collaborators and external stakeholders in government, academia, and industry. Demonstrated engagement in professional organizations or scholarly societies at the university, state, and national levels. Proven record of producing impactful scholarly publications related to transportation policy, law, or public governance.
Preferred Qualifications: Terminal degree and/or professional certification in a transportation-related field such as law, public policy, or public administration. At least 5 years of experience in academic or professional units—such as centers, departments, or research groups—focused on addressing transportation policy at the state or national level. Active professional licensure or certification in a relevant field (e.g., law, engineering, or planning) within the state of Alabama.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
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