Senior Transportation Program Manager

Nelson\Nygaard•Oakland, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Nelson Nygaard Consulting Associates is seeking a highly organized, independent, and motivated staff member for our nationally recognized multimodal planning practice in the Bay Area. This is an outstanding opportunity to support our corporate commute management practice in the Bay Area. We are seeking an individual with at least ten years of experience and a strong interest in integrated, multimodal transportation planning as well as background in corporate commute program management. Nelson Nygaard offers a dynamic and self-directed work environment that is fast-paced, congenial, and supportive. This is your opportunity to work with one of the most innovative groups of planners and engineers, including highly talented junior and support staff. Our office culture is built upon diversity and creativity. For nearly 40 years, Nelson Nygaard has led the transportation planning field with our values-driven approach. We’ve always been guided by the principle of putting people first—designing transportation systems for people, not just cars. This also extends to how we operate as a firm. We were founded by two women who believed in the benefits of a more egalitarian workplace, where leadership and creativity can blossom at all levels and where diversity is a core strength. Today, we are 170 talented and dedicated people in 15 offices across the U.S. and Canada who continue to live by those values. What unites us at Nelson Nygaard is our steadfast commitment to make the world more just, more sustainable, more connected, and more beautiful. About You You’re resourceful, curious, communicative, and enthusiastic. You’re passionate about how transportation can make the world a better, more equitable place. You bring energy and a commitment to your teams and clients to do great work, together. The Senior Transportation Program Manager position is a fully embedded position at one of our corporate clients in the Bay Area. The core responsibilities are outlined below.

Requirements

Has a passion for sustainable transportation planning
Is an inquisitive self-starter and a natural problem solver
Understands the connection between transportation and equity and is committed to incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion into their work
Possess proven experience in managing programs to meet client expectations within budget
Work successfully with clients, program partners, and project teams
Excellent written, verbal, and other communication skills, including facilitation of public workshops
The ability to manage complex projects on time and on budget
Demonstrate advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
10+ years of progressive experience in transportation planning
A bachelor’s degree in transportation planning, economics, public policy, or engineering. A master’s degree in one of these fields is looked upon favorably. Demonstrated experience or expertise in lieu of precise educational attainment may also meet this requirement.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in transportation planning, economics, public policy, or engineering.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain multi‑year transportation and mobility strategies, including commuter programs, shuttles, parking, active transportation, and TDM initiatives
Define program goals, success metrics, and roadmaps aligned with organizational priorities and sustainability or mode‑shift objectives
Advise senior leadership on transportation risks, opportunities, and investment tradeoffs using clear, outcome‑focused analysis
Design and oversee TDM programs that reduce single‑occupancy vehicle trips and encourage transit, carpooling, biking, and walking
Partner with municipalities and regional agencies to implement TDM plans and compliance strategies
Track and analyze mode shift, utilization, and participation metrics, and adjust programs based on performance insights
Manage transportation vendors through SOWs, KPIs, and performance reviews, ensuring services meet contractual, safety, and service quality standards
Review invoices, budgets, and forecasts; monitor spend and identify cost‑saving or optimization opportunities
Support RFPs, vendor evaluations, and contract negotiations in partnership with senior leadership, procurement and legal teams
Evaluate transportation operations using data analysis, benchmarking, and surveys to measure effectiveness and inform decisions
Develop executive‑ready dashboards and reports on utilization, cost, risk, customer experience, and program outcomes
Identify process improvements and lead cross‑functional initiatives to improve efficiency, experience, and scalability
Support senior leadership when collaborating between internal and external teams
Represent the organization on regional, state, or industry transportation committees as needed
Lead communication strategies and change management for new or modified transportation programs