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ABOUT SAIPRC

The State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee (SAIPRC) is a multi-agency body whose members include 21 agencies in 18 states, Amtrak, and the Federal Railroad Administration.

SAIPRC is directed by Congress to facilitate collaboration among its members and to oversee implementation of a standard cost-sharing methodology for the State-Supported Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) Services—routes 750 miles or less outside the Northeast Corridor (which runs from Boston to Washington). Per federal statute, states are responsible for funding the costs of each state-supported route. The PRIIA 209 Methodology, developed by Amtrak and the states, guides how costs are shared among the State-Supported IPR Services across Amtrak’s national network.

By working together, SAIPRC’s members aim to improve the intercity passenger rail network—to support the growing demand for rail travel and to encourage economic growth. In 2018, SAIPRC hired its first Executive Director to oversee activities and to establish a small, highly productive team to support the implementation of SAIPRC’s annual work plan.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager of Cost Sharing and Policy will be responsible for a range of activities that are fundamental to SAIPRC’s mission. This position will be responsible for managing SAIPRC’s Cost Sharing Working Group, comprised of representatives from the states, Amtrak, and the U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administration. In coordination with the Working Group and the SAIPRC Executive Director, this position will identify, oversee, and execute projects aimed at refining the PRIIA 209 Methodology and supporting its continued implementation.

In this capacity, the position is expected to oversee a range of projects and activities, including identifying potential revisions to the existing PRIIA 209 Methodology, implementing improvements to cost reporting and transparency, and identifying new requirements for collaboration. In addition, the position will provide ongoing support to SAIPRC stakeholders, helping members understand cost sharing reports and assisting in the resolution of questions and disputes. The position will be responsible for executing activities independently, managing consultants, and/or a combination of both.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage SAIPRC’s Cost Sharing Working Group (WG), comprised of representatives from SAIPRC members, typically senior- and manager-level staff within each organization. Activities include developing the Working Group’s annual work plan, organizing regular meetings, developing meeting agenda, facilitating meetings, identifying action items, and ensuring progress on WG activities.
• Oversee and/or conduct research and analysis to improve cost sharing among Amtrak and the states, such as the development of new monthly cost reports, a compliance evaluation of the current cost sharing approach, a review and potential update to certain fixed fees, the identification and evaluation of potential alternative cost sharing approaches, a review of international best practices for cost sharing, and others, as identified by SAIPRC stakeholders. As appropriate, consultant contractors will be hired to supplement SAIPRC staff resources.
• Draft written policies and procedures, including amendments to the existing PRIIA 209 Methodology, related to cost-sharing and related activities. Work with the Cost Sharing WG to generate consensus on potential new policies and procedures.
• Develop and oversee a process for identifying and resolving questions and disputes related to cost sharing.
• Direct and lead groups of stakeholders in executing specific ad hoc activities related to cost sharing, including research activities, drafting new policy language, improvements to reporting, dispute resolution, etc.
• Support stakeholders in the interpretation of cost sharing results, by interfacing with Amtrak and state agencies, performing analysis, and preparing summary memos or presentations.
• Engage and manage consultants to supplement SAIPRC staff resources. Consultant management will include the development of scopes of work, estimation of project budgets, oversight and/or participation in the consultant selection project, and day-to-day management of projects to ensure that that deliverables are delivered on-time and on-budget.
• Support the Executive Director in the continued implementation of the SAIPRC annual work plan, including assisting in the planning and execution of SAIPRC’s Quarterly Meetings, performing outreach and communication to SAIPRC members, drafting material for public audiences, and delivering presentations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, urban and regional planning, transportation planning, economics, business, or a related field.
• At least five years’ experience working in transportation, government, public policy, accounting, finance, or a related field. (Note: Candidates with fewer than five years of experience may be considered for this position, with the alternate title of Transportation Analyst or Senior Transportation Analyst.)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment.
• Experience in stakeholder facilitation and coordination.
• Ability to translate technical analyses into meaningful and appropriate information for different audiences and purposes (staff-level coordination, executive-level action, education for elected officials and the public, etc.).
• Ability to multi-task effectively while remaining flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Office, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Experience managing consultants.
• Experience managing projects independently and as part of a team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience implementing or overseeing aspects of cost sharing/cost allocation, contracting, or payments for intercity passenger rail or commuter rail service(s)
• Direct experience in intercity passenger rail contracts, payments, accounting
• Experience directly managing one or more employee
• Knowledge of the rail infrastructure and operations associated with state-supported Amtrak service
• Familiarity with PRIIA Section 209 and/or best practices for cost sharing/cost allocation in the transportation sector (rail, transit, aviation, etc.)

LOCATION

SAIPRC’s office is currently located in New York City. However, this position may be based in New York, Washington, DC, or Philadelphia, PA.

TRAVEL

Up to 25%.

HOW TO APPLY

Email a resume and cover letter to jsteinemann[at]saiprc.com by March 1, 2019.