Position Overview

North Dakota State University (NDSU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI). The university seeks an accomplished and visionary leader with a demonstrated record of national recognition and leadership in transportation research, public policy, workforce development, or a related field.

Established in North Dakota Century Code 54-53 in 1967, the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute serves as North Dakota's premier transportation research and outreach organization. The Director works in close collaboration with the UGPTI Advisory Council, which strengthens its mission through stakeholder engagement, policy insight and strategic guidance, to advance the safe, efficient, and sustainable movement of people and goods through interdisciplinary research, technology transfer, education, and workforce development. The Institute addresses critical transportation challenges affecting North Dakota, the Upper Great Plains region, and the nation, while supporting informed decision-making among public and private sector stakeholders.

UGPTI operates with an annual budget of approximately $25 million, roughly 70 percent of which is funded through externally sponsored grants and contracts, and employs a professional staff of nearly 40 researchers, analysts, educators, and support personnel. UGPTI's headquarters are located on the NDSU campus in Fargo, with an additional office in the State Capitol complex in Bismarck.

The Director provides strategic leadership for all aspects of the Institute, including research development, external funding, stakeholder engagement, organizational management, and program growth. The successful candidate will bring a strategic vision for the future of transportation, a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, and the leadership skills necessary to advance UGPTI's mission of delivering innovative research, practical solutions, and workforce development programs that support transportation systems and economic vitality across the region. Regular statewide travel and extensive engagement with stakeholders throughout North Dakota and beyond are expected.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the Institute, including research development, external funding, stakeholder engagement, organizational management, and program growth
• Advance UGPTI's mission to promote the safe, efficient, and sustainable movement of people and goods
• Address critical transportation challenges affecting North Dakota, the Upper Great Plains region, and the nation, supporting informed decision-making among public and private sector stakeholders
• Set and sustain the Institute's vision for the future of transportation
• Partner with the UGPTI Advisory Council to develop the Institute's strategic plans, and lead their execution through measurable goals and regular progress reporting

Research, Funding, and Program Growth

• Grow and diversify the Institute's portfolio of externally sponsored grants and contracts
• Advance interdisciplinary research, technology transfer, and the delivery of practical solutions to transportation challenges
• Foster the continued growth of the Institute's research, education, and outreach programs

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with the North Dakota Department of Transportation, other state and federal agencies, Tribal governments, and local and regional jurisdictions
• Engage transportation providers, freight and logistics industries, agricultural and energy producers, and professional associations
• Represent UGPTI at the state, regional, and national levels, enhancing the Institute's visibility, influence, and impact

Organizational and Fiscal Management

• Oversee the Institute's approximately $25 million budget and its professional staff of nearly 40
• Provide effective management across UGPTI's Fargo headquarters and its Bismarck office
• Guide the Institute in close partnership with its advisory council

Education and Workforce Development

• Advance workforce development programs that prepare and strengthen the transportation workforce
• Support education and the transfer of research results to practitioners across the region

Hiring Range:

$200,000-$250,000 depending on qualifications and experience

Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master's degree and leadership experience in the transportation field
• Proven success in entrepreneurial efforts to secure external funding and resources
• Administrative and supervisory experience, including budget preparation and management
• Experience with public or private industry research programs

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the transportation field
• Previous experience working with university academic programs
• Proven ability to develop and maintain partnerships and business relationships beyond the university
• Previous experience with public policy and legislative issues at the federal and state levels
• Leadership experience in local, regional, and national transportation organizations
• Demonstrated accomplishments in transportation research and scholarly achievement
• Experience working with the U.S. Department of Transportation, and other state and federal agencies

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated success setting strategic direction for a research center, academic unit, or comparable organization, including developing a long-term vision and carrying it through to measurable results

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical and policy information persuasively to diverse audiences, including legislators, agency officials, industry partners, researchers, and the public

• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and analyze trends in policy

• Knowledge of multimodal transportation systems and uses of advanced technologies in transportation

Application Process

Applications should include a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred qualifications, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three professional references.

Please note that North Dakota is an open records state, and all nominations and applications are subject to public and media access.