Full-time, Salaried | Reports to: Director of Partnerships

Location: This position is remote (accommodation for a hybrid schedule will be discussed if you are in the Atlanta, GA area); regular (ex: quarterly or semi-annual) in-person meetings with supervisors will be required.

Schedule: Monday - Friday

About The Ray: The Ray is a nonprofit organization that reimagines transportation infrastructure to be safer, cleaner, and more productive. We began as an innovative 18-mile stretch of I-85 in Georgia and have grown into a nationwide partner transforming mobility systems. We partner with all levels of government to drive innovation in energy, mobility, safety, and sustainability — improving capacity, production, and resilience.

Through public–private–philanthropic partnerships, we help transportation leaders fast-track innovation and give industry partners a launchpad to scale real-world impact. From safety technologies and energy generation to geospatial analysis, natural capital, and waste reduction, The Ray demonstrates how to turn highway right-of-way into a proving ground for cleaner, safer, and more resilient transportation.

About the Role: The Programs Associate plays a key role in supporting The Ray’s transportation agency partnerships nationwide. Working alongside the Partnerships & Project Managers, the Specialist helps enable innovative, transportation agency-led projects by conducting research, developing materials, coordinating communications, and ensuring consistent follow-up with partners.

This is a partner-facing role: Associates often participate in meetings with transportation agencies, technology providers, and other stakeholders, helping to track discussions, document next steps, and ensure follow-through. Associates also provide research and analysis that informs The Ray’s technical assistance, ranging from policy scans to technology best practices.

This position is ideal for someone early in their career who wants to deepen their experience in sustainability, transportation innovation, and public-sector partnerships while contributing directly to impactful projects.

Partnership Support

• Coordinate scheduling and planning for partner meetings, workshops, and events, and participate in these engagements as an active contributor.

• Document key takeaways, decisions, and follow-up tasks from meetings with transportation agencies and partners, ensuring accountability.

• Prepare materials, briefings, and communications for transportation agency partners, with increasing responsibility for presenting and following up directly.

• Maintain accurate partner contact records and project information in The Ray’s tracking systems.

• Provide support for transportation agency-led projects and initiatives, including those that scale The Ray’s technologies, best practices, and innovations.

• Develop deliverables — such as communications, presentations, outlines, and mapping assets — that strengthen partnerships and project outcomes.

Research & Analysis

• Conduct and synthesize research on transportation programs, policies, technologies, and funding mechanisms at the national, state, regional (MPO), and municipal levels.

• Analyze agency priorities in environment, climate, energy, sustainability, and intelligent transportation systems to identify opportunities for partnership.

• Evaluate multi-modal funding resources, procurement pathways, and delivery methods that partners can leverage.

• Research and assess planning methods, tools, and best practices that can be applied to multi-modal use cases.

• Track and interpret transportation agency programs, funding opportunities, and national trends, providing context for The Ray’s work.

• Develop briefing materials, presentations, and summaries to prepare The Ray team — and at times, to present directly in partner discussions.

• Translate research findings into actionable insights and recommendations for Managers, Leads, and Coordinators.

• Create forecasting tools to evaluate financial, societal, and environmental outcomes of transportation technologies, policies, and programs.

• Maintain and update “living documents” that capture partner questions, challenges, and opportunities, ensuring continuity across engagements.

Communication & Coordination

• Ensure consistent and timely follow-up on internal and external tasks, maintaining accurate contact and project records in The Ray’s systems.

• Draft emails, memos, and updates under the guidance of senior staff, and help develop communications and materials that strengthen partnerships.

• Coordinate across The Ray team to share partner feedback, lessons learned, and research findings, ensuring information is communicated consistently.

• Contribute to internal knowledge management by organizing files, notes, and research, and by refining documents, processes, and procedures to improve team effectiveness.

• Support information requests related to The Ray’s projects and initiatives, preparing concise materials as needed.

• Participate in regular staff meetings, reporting on project status and supporting alignment across the team.

• Attend partnership meetings with transportation owners and operators as requested, providing documentation, follow-up, and support for ongoing engagement.

• Share updates with the Executive Director and other senior staff as warranted.

Other

• Other duties as needed or assigned.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (planning, public policy, sustainability, transportation, environmental studies, or similar) or equivalent experience.

• 2 years minimum professional experience in research, project coordination, or public-sector/partner-facing roles.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

Preferred

• Experience working with or within a DOT, MPO, transit agency, or other transportation organization.

• Familiarity with government procurement or permitting processes.

• Experience supporting public-sector partnerships, sustainability initiatives, or infrastructure projects.

• Basic knowledge of GIS or data analysis tools.

• Graduate degree in planning, public administration, environmental policy, or related field.

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who:

• Is enthusiastic about sustainability and transforming transportation.

• Thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

• Brings curiosity, adaptability, and a positive attitude to problem-solving.

• Values clear communication, professionalism, and follow-through.

• Is eager to grow their skills and advance into leadership roles over time.

Please email your application materials to Christen Sindone at csindone@hillcoadvisors.com. Thanks!