Traffic Safety Program Manager

University of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) is a campus of the University of Arkansas System that serves a unique population of non-traditional students—certified law enforcement professionals who are actively employed within our State’s police departments and sheriff’s offices. The Institute is committed to making communities safer by supporting law enforcement professionals through training, education, resources and collaborative partnerships. Utilizing both classroom-based instruction and practical, hands-on application, CJI provides an educational experience designed to enhance the performance and professionalism of law enforcement in progressive areas of criminal justice, including law enforcement leadership and management, crime scene investigation, computer applications, traffic safety, illicit drug investigations and school safety. The Traffic Safety Program Manager is responsible for the overall administration, coordination, and execution of a statewide traffic safety training program funded through a grant from the Arkansas Highway Safety Office (AHSO). This position provides leadership and operational oversight for law enforcement training programs focused on impaired driving enforcement, standardized field sobriety testing, and drug recognition. The Program Manager ensures compliance with federal and state grant requirements, supervises program personnel, manages program deliverables, and serves as the primary liaison between the Criminal Justice Institute, AHSO, and law enforcement agencies. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
Extensive experience in law enforcement, traffic safety programs, or criminal justice training.
Demonstrated experience managing grants or federally funded programs.
Knowledge of impaired driving enforcement, SFST, ARIDE, and DRE programs.
Five years or more experience supervising staff and managing complex projects.
Proficiency in data management and reporting systems.
Strong attention to detail and compliance requirements.
Statewide travel required, including occasional overnight travel.
May require evening or weekend work for training events.
Required on-site attendance for the entire duration of off-site training classes.
Must comply with all AHSO and State of Arkansas travel and reimbursement policies.
Must successfully complete required AHSO training, including Project Management Course (if offered).
Must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Previous leadership experience, particularly direct supervision of staff.
Certification as a law enforcement instructor (CLEST or equivalent).
Experience with NHTSA training programs and standards.
Prior experience working with highway safety grants or AHSO programs.
Strong familiarity with DRE and SFST program administration.

Responsibilities

Oversee the planning, coordination, and delivery of statewide law enforcement training programs, including DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), DRE Instructor Development, Drugged Driving, SFST Instructor Development, SFST Refresher, Traffic Occupant Protection Strategies (TOPS), and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE).
Ensure all training programs align with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) curricula and standards.
Support instructor development initiatives and ensure adequate instructor coverage statewide.
Promote program participation by coordinating with law enforcement agencies across Arkansas.
Provide oversight of the statewide Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program.
Ensure proper administration of DRE training, certification processes, and instructor development.
Oversee the maintenance and integrity of the DRE data system in accordance with national standards.
Serve as a liaison with instructors, law enforcement agencies, and national organizations.
Manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Analyze program performance and implement improvements.