Join Our Team

The State Smart Transportation Initiative (SSTI) is seeking a Transportation Partnership Specialist to strengthen our national network of state transportation leaders and help advance safer, cleaner, and more connected communities. SSTI works with State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) across the country to promote sustainability, equity, and transparent governance. We are based at the High Road Strategy Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and partner closely with Smart Growth America in Washington, D.C.

Why join our team? This role offers the chance to help shape state and national transportation policy while growing professionally in a vibrant university setting. Madison is frequently ranked among the most livable and bike-friendly cities in the U.S. As a UW-Madison employee, you will receive excellent benefits and retirement, flexibility to support work-life balance, and opportunities for professional development.

Job Duties:  

The Transportation Partnership Specialist will work closely with the Managing Director to grow and support SSTI’s network of state transportation officials across the U.S. Specific duties include:

• Plan and facilitate frequent virtual meetings for state DOT staff, including inviting guest speakers and preparing agendas, materials, and follow-up notes.
• Track participation and conduct targeted outreach to strengthen ongoing engagement and recruit new participants.
• Lead planning for at least one annual in-person convening of state DOT leaders, coordinating logistics with SSTI’s event coordinator.
• Develop and implement engagement strategies to improve participation in peer networks and expand relationships with agency staff, elected officials, partner organizations, and interest groups.
• Collaborate with researchers and technical staff to identify and prioritize network needs and help shape work products, tools, and trainings for DOT staff and leaders.
• Monitor relevant news, research, and emerging practices to inform network discussions and guide SSTI programming.
• Produce clear communication materials including blogs, policy briefs, webinars, meeting materials, and other written content.
• Support program development and strategic growth, including assisting with grant writing, fundraising activities, and other administrative tasks as needed.

We welcome candidates who bring strong perspectives on brand development, program design, and the strategic growth of SSTI and other programs at the High Road Strategy Center.

SSTI staff typically work onsite at UW-Madison. Hybrid and remote work may be considered. Some national travel is required.

Learn More and Apply

SSTI often seeks graduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to assist with projects and day-to-day operations, including our blog, newsletter, and webinars. We believe in helping students along their transportation-related career paths through hands on experience working directly with our research staff and with transportation professionals and government officials across the country.

Strong candidates should demonstrate:

• A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or a related field.
• An interest in sustainable and equitable transportation solutions, with some related experience.
• An ability to learn, adapt, and work in teams to produce reliable results on schedule.
• Good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Professionalism in working with researchers, transportation professionals, government officials, and other partners.

Technical skills such as GIS, R, Python, SQL, and statistical analysis are appreciated, but may also be learned on the job.

Graduate assistantships:

• Students are expected to work 20 hours per week and participate in staff meetings on a regular basis, but most responsibilities may be conducted remotely.
• Students are typically offered a workspace at the High Road Strategy Center, in the Sewell Social Science Building.
• Students are compensated and earn tuition remission, in accordance with UW policies.