Director, Research (Full-Time) - Posted 11/18/2009

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Summary:
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is a national nonprofit organization advocating healthier lifestyles by creating a nationwide network of public trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Founded in 1986, RTC is one of the most respected trail advocacy organizations in the nation with more than 100,000 members and supporters. After helping create more than 15,000 miles of rail-trail over the last 23 years, RTC has an ambitious goal for the future: by 2020, 90 percent of Americans will live within three miles of a trail system. RTC is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. 
 
Job Location:
This position is located in RTC's national office in the West End/Foggy Bottom area of Washington, D.C., and is easily accessible by Metro's Red, Orange and Blue lines.

Job Duties:
The Director of Research is responsible for managing all aspects of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's research initiatives. Primary functions are to:
 
1. Maintain cutting-edge understanding of existing research on active transportation and identify leveraged opportunities to catalyze or conduct new research that will fill priority information gaps relative to RTC's mission.                
 
2. Support the National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (NTEC), a program sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and RTC, which tracks spending patterns under the nation's top source of funding for trail, bicycle and pedestrian projects.
 
3. Find creative ways to use research findings to educate the public and shape policy discourse. Produce Web content. This may also include generating media interest, publishing articles, addressing opinion leaders and meeting with decision-makers.
 
4. Assist RTC program staff with quick-response technical assistance to buttress policy work for active transportation or urban trail building and promotion.
 
5. Assist the working group of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program, a program facilitated by FHWA. 
 
6. Secure grants and contracts to support research activities.
 
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position will be responsible for directing two NTEC program staff, and research interns when available. The Director of Research reports to the Vice President of Policy.

Job Requirement/Qualifications: The Director of Research should hold a Masters Degree in a relevant field such as urban or transportation planning, environmental sciences or public health. Ph.D preferred. Minimum three years relevant professional work experience. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as quantitative and qualitative research skills. Background in national policy and familiarity with transportation, health and climate legislation a plus. Seek excellent database skills, including understanding of GIS.

Work Environment:
Normal office setting with low to moderate noise level.
 
Employer's Rights:
RTC reserves the right to revise, change or reclassify this job description at any time in accordance with RTC's business needs. This job description is by no means an implied contract.

How to Apply: (choose one form of transmitting your resume; no phone calls please)
Mail, fax or e-mail resume and cover letter as soon as possible to: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Attention: Human Resources, 2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor, Duke Ellington Building; Fax: 202.223.9257; e-mail: Elton@railstotrails.org. RTC is an equal opportunity employer and seeks qualified candidates regardless of race, color, gender, disability or national origin. Women and diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.