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Transportation Research Intern
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Paid, Part-time Internship | Reports to: Director of State Partnerships and Strategy
Location: This position is hybrid/remote (based in Atlanta, GA); flexible hours and days will be discussed at the time of hire.
Schedule: Up to 20 hours per week.
Compensation: $10/hour for undergraduate students; $15/hour for graduate students.
About the Role: The Transportation Research Intern is a key support role for the State Partnerships and Strategy team, focused on gathering insights to scale innovative technologies and methodologies across the U.S. This role centers on understanding the environmental, energy, innovation, and climate programs of transportation agencies nationwide.
As an intern, you will help The Ray turn research into action by investigating federal, state, and local policies, as well as emerging technologies like renewable energy infrastructure. You will produce executive summaries, technical memos, and ROI analyses that directly inform partnership strategies and project implementation. You will serve as a collaborative team member, working across the Geospatial Solutions and Communications departments to ensure projects align with The Ray’s mission to create a cleaner, safer, and more productive transportation system.
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Research and Communications
Agency Research: Investigate state DOT innovation, electrification, and sustainability programs, including their specific goals and performance metrics.
Policy Analysis: Research federal and local policies pertaining to the deployment of emerging transportation technologies.
Technical Reporting: Compile user-friendly executive summaries and technical memos to support transportation innovation in diverse communities.
Impact Modeling: Prepare quantitative and non-quantitative analyses of ROI, including financial and climate outcomes, for potential projects.
Team Collaboration: Attend team and partnership meetings to align research efforts with organizational strategies.
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Required
Education: Current undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in a related field.
Communication Skills: Strong written communication skills with the ability to summarize complex research for executive use.
Analytical Skills: Experience with research and analysis, including a basic understanding of policy, technology, and government.
Team Alignment: Self-motivated, flexible team player with a passion for the environment, sustainability, and circularity.
Industry Interest: Deep interest in innovative transportation and the evolution of highway right-of-way.
Preferred
Proficiency with Tableau, statistical analysis, and GIS tools.
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How to Apply: Please send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Ella Pruchniewski at ella@theray.org.
We offer hybrid and remote internship opportunities that are flexible based on funding models and graduation requirements.
Internships at The Ray are open to undergraduate and graduate students from all majors, particularly those interested in communications, data analysis, engineering, GIS, landscape, policy, or research. If interested, connect with us on LinkedIn.
Manager of State Partnerships & Strategy
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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 Role: The Project Manager is the primary relationship manager between The Ray and State Departments of Transportation (State DOTs) and other modal partners, which may include tollways, airports, seaports, and local governments. This role is focused on facilitating agency-led infrastructure and/or technology projects by catalyzing project concepts, providing technical assistance, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring effective communication and follow-through.
As a Project Manager, you will help transportation agencies turn innovation into action by connecting them with technology providers, producing and/or sharing research, modeling, analysis, and planning assets, advising on procurement and permitting, and responding to challenges that arise during project delivery. You will work with other team members to coordinate project delivery directly for certain programs of The Ray. You will serve as both a trusted partner to transportation agencies and a connector across The Ray’s team, ensuring projects align with our mission and deliver measurable impact.
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Partnership & Relationship Management
Serve as the primary liaison with State DOTs, tollway and turnpike authorities, MPOs, airports, transit operators, Native American tribes, local governments, and other transportation partners in your portfolio.
Respond to partnership inquiries and opportunities generated through The Ray’s staff, board, media presence, or external outreach, ensuring timely engagement and follow-up.
Proactively cultivate initial conversations and casual inquiries into structured partnership opportunities, guiding potential partners toward formal collaboration with The Ray.
Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with partner organizations through consistent communication, follow-up, and delivery of value.
Represent The Ray by delivering presentations and actively engaging in peer exchanges, association gatherings, and key or high-level meetings with the staff and leadership of partner organizations.
Leverage existing programmatic outreach and connections to cultivate new partnerships with other transportation owners and operators.
Collaborate with AASHTO, USDOT, State DOTs, and industry colleagues to influence key policy changes, procurement practices, and innovation
Project Facilitation & Technical Assistance
Support the implementation of agency-led projects by providing comprehensive technical assistance, including information-sharing, guidance on procurement and permitting, and direct connections to technology providers.
Provide consistent and timely information about The Ray’s technologies, best practices, innovations, and approaches to ensure partners have actionable resources.
Function as a technical resource and trusted advisor to partner agencies, supporting innovative project and program delivery.
Respond to partner questions, concerns, and implementation challenges with consistent, timely, solution-oriented guidance.
Facilitate communication and coordination across agency staff, technology providers, and The Ray team to ensure effective collaboration.
Support the design, development, and execution of projects by transportation owners and operators that replicate and scale The Ray’s innovations in the U.S. and abroad.
Advance the implementation of The Ray’s Strategic Plans by aligning project outcomes with organizational priorities.
Communication & Team Coordination
Ensure consistent follow-up and clear communication with partners to maintain project momentum and alignment.
Maintain accurate partner and project records in The Ray’s systems.
Share lessons learned, partner feedback, and project outcomes with the broader team to strengthen organizational learning and impact.
Participate in and contribute to grant reporting, fundraising activities, and presentations for the Board of Directors and Corporate Advisory Council as needed.
Participate in regular staff meetings, remotely or in person, and provide regular status reports on partners and projects to other team members, the Executive Director, The Ray Board of Directors, and/or Corporate Advisory Board as needed.
Provide regular updates to the Executive Director and senior leadership and participate in cross-team planning and reporting.
Other
Other duties as needed or assigned.
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Required
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (transportation, planning, public policy, sustainability, engineering, or similar) or equivalent experience.
Minimum 12 years of experience working with or within a State DOT, transportation agency, or large public-sector organization.
Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with public-sector partners and facilitate complex projects.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations.
Experience coordinating across multiple stakeholders and departments within a transportation agency.
Familiarity with government procurement and permitting processes.
Preferred
15+ years of experience working with or within a State DOT, transportation agency, or large public-sector organization.
Direct experience with State DOT project delivery, procurement, or contracting.
Experience leading projects in sustainability, energy, transportation innovation, or climate resilience.
Advanced degree in planning, public administration, environmental policy, or related field.
Knowledge of multi-modal transportation systems.
Sustainability or climate-related certifications.
Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who:
Is enthusiastic about sustainability and transforming transportation.
Has a passion for spreading innovation.
Builds trust through integrity, professionalism, and follow-through.
Ability to strictly maintain discretion and confidentiality.
Thrives in an outgoing, collaborative, team-oriented environment.
Is initiative-taking, attention to detail, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities.
Brings curiosity and creativity to problem-solving with partners.
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Please email your application materials to Christen Sindone at csindone@hillcoadvisors.com. Thanks!
Programs Associate
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Please email your application materials to Christen Sindone at csindone@hillcoadvisors.com. Thanks!
Administrative Assistant & Projects Coordinator
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Full-time, Salaried | Reports to: Executive Director
Location: This position reports to The Ray office, located in Atlanta, GASchedule: 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 Ray is looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant & Projects Coordinator to manage specific programs and projects within the nonprofit, coordinating activities, resources and schedules, and ensuring the organization meets program goals. The ability to multitask, manage complex schedules, and meet changing deadlines is essential to the position.
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The Administrative Assistant and Projects Coordinator will be responsible for the following:
The Ray Alumni Group
Re-launch The Ray Alumni Group on social media channels, and create ongoing content that provides updates and insights from The Ray
Organize regular virtual meetings
The Ray Internship Program
Coordinate job applications and interviews for the organization, including post position descriptions online; act as the point of contact for receiving applications and answering questions, schedule interviews, draft decision letters
Coordinate timesheet, invoice, and request for reimbursement submittal and approval for all employees, including interns and contractors
Support onboarding of interns and new employees
Organize regular intern meetings
Team Operations
Participate in regular meetings of the staff, the staff and board, and the grants team
Contribute to a healthy team culture within The Ray headquarters
Research documents and resources and synthesize into high-level summaries, as needed
Administrative
Manage The Ray’s general administrative activities
Manage leadership calendars, coordinate and schedule meetings
Manage, coordinate, and arrange travel and travel-related activities, including booking hotels, transportation, and meals
Perform administrative and office support, including spreadsheet creation and maintenance of filing system and Every Action contact database
Format information for internal and external communication – memos, emails, presentations, reports
Screen email inquiries via www.TheRay.org and distribute correspondence
Oversee and order office supplies, including promotional materials
Other
Plan, organize, and schedule tours of The Ray Highway
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Required
Undergraduate degree in a related field
Strong written and oral communications skills
Meticulous attention to detail
Outstanding organization and time management skills
Experience and proven ability to lead teams and meetings
Ability to work independently
Personal Traits
Commitment and passion for environmental stewardship and sustainability
Dedication to The Ray’s mission
Person of integrity
Ability to strictly maintain discretion and confidentiality
Self-motivated, flexible team player with a positive attitude and ability to work independently
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Please send your resume and cover letter to Allie Kelly at allie@theray.org. Thanks!