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Western Transportation Institute Assistant Director of Operations
The Western Transportation Institute (WTI) was founded in 1994 by the Montana and California Departments of Transportation and Montana State University, with the goal of spearheading applied research to solve the real-world transportation challenges in rural America. WTI currently has a staff of 20 professionals and averages approximately $5 million in annual research expenditures.
WTI’s research investigates and integrates key topics in rural transportation, including safety, mobility, infrastructure, sustainability, and winter maintenance. Research is complemented by technology transfer initiatives focused on practical guidance and deployment assistance, and educational initiatives that offer experiential learning to students.
WTI has twice been designated as a National University Transportation Center (UTC) under the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) since 1998 and has also twice been awarded Tier I UTCs. Current large programs include two USDOT ‘Safe Streets and Roads for All’ awards and a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program at approximately $4.7M, $5M and $6M, respectively. WTI also leads the Montana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), serves as a member of a regional Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP), and leads the National Center for Rural Road Safety, the Federal-Public Lands Transportation Institute, and the West Region Transportation Workforce Center. Additionally, WTI is a founding member of the Western States Rural Transportation Consortium and one of the two Member Research Institutions for the WSRTC.
WTI collaborates with federal, state, regional and local transportation and related agencies, and has led projects in nearly 40 states across the U.S. and numerous other countries. WTI also partners with other universities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private agencies, and maintains a strong national and international presence in the transportation research community, including longstanding leadership roles in the National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board (TRB). WTI also works closely with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT).
WTI’s research investigates and integrates key topics in rural transportation, including safety, mobility, infrastructure, sustainability, and winter maintenance. Research is complemented by technology transfer initiatives focused on practical guidance and deployment assistance, and educational initiatives that offer experiential learning to students.
WTI has twice been designated as a National University Transportation Center (UTC) under the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) since 1998 and has also twice been awarded Tier I UTCs. Current large programs include two USDOT ‘Safe Streets and Roads for All’ awards and a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program at approximately $4.7M, $5M and $6M, respectively. WTI also leads the Montana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), serves as a member of a regional Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP), and leads the National Center for Rural Road Safety, the Federal-Public Lands Transportation Institute, and the West Region Transportation Workforce Center. Additionally, WTI is a founding member of the Western States Rural Transportation Consortium and one of the two Member Research Institutions for the WSRTC.
WTI collaborates with federal, state, regional and local transportation and related agencies, and has led projects in nearly 40 states across the U.S. and numerous other countries. WTI also partners with other universities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private agencies, and maintains a strong national and international presence in the transportation research community, including longstanding leadership roles in the National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board (TRB). WTI also works closely with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT).
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide general guidance and support to the Director as needed. In coordination with the Business Manager, advise and assist the Director in the areas of personnel, resource allocation, and revenue generation. Provide input on strategic research and administrative issues.
- Assist the Director in coordinating with NACOE, VPRED, and MSU administration.
- Review, evaluate, and respond to transportation-related Notice of Funding Opportunities – must stay informed of US Department of Transportation (USDOT) funding priorities and how WTI strengths align and identify gaps in skillsets.
- Lead and coordinate research proposal development efforts for funding in line with WTI expertise. Effectively manage WTI and partners through technical coordination of proposal production and prospecting for new sources of funding.
- Provide input and advice to PIs to comply with NOFO requirements and amendments.
- Monitor proposal activity and ensure compliance with sponsor requirements and MSU Office of Sponsored Programs guidelines.
- Support project PIs in project reporting, report compliance (Section 508 Standards), and various communications with funding agencies for deliverables.
- Supervisory responsibility of WTI operations staff, including recruitment, hiring, staff development, training, and performance management.
- Delegate WTI operations staff members and provide guidance in prioritizing and assigning work to maintain WTI operational efficiency and productivity.
- Assist the WTI Director in developing strategies for new external research funding through federal, state, and local government agencies, and private industry.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and EEO requirements.
- Develop and coordinate written materials, resources, reports, and articles in collaboration with PIs, WTI operations staff, and others for marketing purposes.
- Supervise WTI operations staff members in creating and maintaining newsletters, websites, media announcements, and other outreach and publicity activities.
- Manage quality control and serve as clearinghouse for communications, including proofing, editing, and fact checking.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or an equivalent amount of education and/or experience.
- Strong technical writing skills and experience with writing proposals and reports for federal agencies.
- Experience preparing reporting content in compliance with Section 508 Standards. Familiarity with federal requirements, including Buy America provisions, labor standards (Davis-Bacon), and NEPA environmental reviews.
- Experience engaging and coordinating with stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple overlapping projects involving multiple staff.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Experience creating Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) and using transportation data to justify projects
- Experience reviewing and responding to USDOT Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs).
- Familiarity with specific USDOT grant programs (e.g., RAISE, ROUTES, SS4A, UTC).
- Experience identifying and securing non-federal matching funds.
- Experience drafting and submitting applications via Grants.gov or BEACON.
- Experience aligning proposed project ideas with US DOT priorities (e.g., safety, outreach, workforce development).
- Experience managing post-award reporting and oversight compliance.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Strong verbal communication skills.
- Work with multiple PIs to produce high quality competitive proposals.
- Ensure efficient operations through management of operations staff.
- Oversee effective communications of WTI’s work and mission.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This position is contingent upon continued grant funding.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or with reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on May 12, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
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