Research Program, Manager

ABOUT COMMUTE SEATTLE

Commute Seattle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Transportation Management Association (TMA) founded in 2004 with a mission to make it easy for everyone across Puget Sound to walk, bike, ride, or roll to Seattle’s opportunities. We are supported by local governments and public agencies and are part of the Downtown Seattle Association and the Metropolitan Improvement District. We partner with employers, destinations, and institutions to implement sustainable transportation options and trip reduction strategies that improve commute behavior, enhance quality of life, and support economic and environmental goals.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Program Manager, Research is a key part of a team supporting a nationally recognized Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program in a city known for its cutting-edge multimodal transportation systems. This role advises transportation decision-makers and Commute Seattle staff on transportation trends, leads data collection efforts, and identifies policy opportunities. The Program Manager will lead biennial commute survey design and data analysis, using research and storytelling to inform Commute Seattle’s policy priorities and strategic direction.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop Commute Surveys and Business Reporting Requirements (60%)

• Oversee strategic direction and project management for Commute Seattle’s survey and data collection processes, coordinating with government partners.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law and related metrics.
• Manage business reporting requirements and survey design for employers and property managers.
• Develop reports and dashboards to communicate survey findings and provide business insights to decision-makers.
• Train staff on data processing, management, and workflow improvements.
• Support contract deliverables and meet regularly with business clients.
• Coordinate with the City of Seattle to collect survey data for major institution master plan requirements.
• Build relationships with transportation coordinators and manage business accounts.
• Collaborate with partner organizations (Downtown Seattle Association, King County Metro, WSDOT, and the City of Seattle) to represent transit pass products, services, and policies accurately and professionally.

Lead Transportation Research (35%)

• Develop and maintain the Commute Seattle Executive Dashboard, working closely with the Executive Director to advise decision
• makers
• Identify new data collection opportunities and strengthen partnerships with organizations that collect local transportation data.
• Research and monitor transportation policy issues affecting Seattle residents.
• Provide support for data-informed storytelling and communications efforts through copy writing, analysis, etc. enabling staff to measure our work against key metrics related to affordability, mode-split, and climate-impact as set out in the Strategic Plan

Organizational Development and Professional Growth (5%)

• Serve as a senior team member, helping to guide the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Participate in professional development opportunities (trainings, conferences, networking).
• Contribute to team culture through planning and attending staff meetings and team-building events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 3 years of related experience in data analysis, research project management, survey design, business intelligence, client management, transportation demand management, commute trip reduction, or transportation planning.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel), Power BI, and data tools like R, Python, or mapping software.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage customer relationships, meet deadlines, and handle complex projects with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team on sensitive issues with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Passion for walking, biking, transit, sustainability, and affordability.
• Experience presenting persuasive information to groups and public speaking.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Experience working with multicultural audiences, especially BIPOC, immigrant, and ESL communities.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp, WordPress, Zoom webinars, or mapping software.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS

• Curious and investigative — motivated to uncover insights and solutions.
• Empathetic and responsive — listens actively and communicates thoughtfully with clients and partners.
• Equity-focused — understands the role of race, ability, gender, and other identities in shaping transportation access and outcomes.
• Adaptable and collaborative — thrives in a dynamic environment and works well with cross-functional teams.
• Creative storyteller — able to translate data into meaningful narratives that drive action.

COMPENSATION

We are committed to internal and market equity. The salary range for this position is $78,624 – $117,936 annually, depending on the candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. We tend to hire on the low to mid range of the compensation range due to internal and market data, salary ranges, and the candidate's job-related qualifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ACCESSIBILITY

Commute Seattle is committed to providing a supportive and accessible work environment. This position is full-time in office with the exception of 96.00 hours (12 days) of remote work per year. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities or medical conditions.

Key physical requirements include:

• Ability to work comfortably at a workstation, with options for ergonomic accommodation (e.g., adjustable chairs, standing desks).
• Proficiency in using computer input devices such as keyboards and mice, with alternative input methods available if needed.
• Capability to access and interpret information from computer screens.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and clients via email, phone, and video conferencing.
• Ability to work in person at our downtown Seattle office multiple days a week. The office environment has moderate noise levels and occasional interruptions; quiet workspaces and noise-canceling headphones are available upon request.

If you need accommodation during the application process or while performing the essential functions of this role, please inform us of your needs.

Commute Seattle is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to recruiting, selecting, training, and promoting employees without regard to sex, race, religion, creed, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political ideology or activity, disability, or veteran status. All applicants are carefully evaluated based on their skills, experience, and work record. Commute Seattle also prohibits discrimination based on genetic information in employment-related policies and health benefits coverage.