Title: Connected & Automated Vehicles Program Manager

State Role Title: Prog Admin Specialist III

Hiring Range: $87,841- $142,741

Pay Band: 6

Agency: VA Dept of Transportation

Location: Dept of Transportation

Agency Website: https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/home

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

What drives you? Knowing your work makes a difference, having an outstanding work/life balance, working on exciting and challenging projects, leading innovation, and championing change, or simply working with a great group of people committed to your professional development...At the Virginia Department of Transportation, we have something for YOU!
Our Central Office - Traffic Operations Division represents a collection of heroes who keep people and goods moving safely through the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our Central Office - Traffic Operations Division is a paradise for those who love the outdoors, history, arts, urban life, and nearby river and ocean vibes. What makes working here fulfilling is the ability to make a difference by improving congestion and delays through efficient traffic management. Less time sitting in traffic equals an enhanced work/life balance for all Commonwealth citizens and the traveling public. The Central Office -Traffic Operations Division consists of over 70 heroes who all contribute to operating 57,867 miles of roadway through some of Virginia’s most highly traveled routes. Our heroes are offered abundant, exciting work and projects to participate in.

The Traffic Operations Division has an exciting opportunity for a driven and dedicated leader to serve as the Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) Program Manager. The CAV Program Manager will lead, direct and manage the strategic approach of VDOT to developing an integrated, safe, and efficient CAV system. Serve as VDOT's subject matter expert and program champion for connected and automated vehicle technologies and provide technical guidance and direction for the planning, design and implementation of CAV technologies and data, policies and standards throughout the department enabling VDOT to be early adapters of the most beneficial aspects of CAV technology and related data.

Our most qualified CAV Program Manager will exhibit knowledge of Connected and Automated Vehicle technologies, policies, standards and applications. Knowledge of traffic engineering principles, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), traffic signal systems and technologies and data management. Skill in strategic planning, policy development, operations management, including planning and managing large scale systems and programs. Ability to analyze complex financial data, work with detailed numerical data, reach logical conclusions and generate reports.

Position specific responsibilities and duties of the Statewide CAV Program Manager include but are not limited to:

Champion for Connected Autonomous Program: Serve as VDOT’s Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV)AV Program Champion by leading outreach, education, and stakeholder engagement. Represent VDOT on committees and working groups supporting CAV initiatives, research, and deployment. Support TSMO goals, provide technical guidance, and promote public understanding and adoption of CAV technologies through strategic partnerships.

Facilitate Use of Connected Autonomous Vehicle Data: Facilitate the use of CAV data by making it accessible for safety, planning, and performance analysis, and by providing tools, training, and guidance. Identify internal opportunities to leverage CAV data and advocate for its use to enhance operations and safety.

Manage the Connected Autonomous Vehicle Program: Oversee the planning, design, and implementation of CAV systems and supporting infrastructure to enhance safety and operational performance. Lead multidisciplinary teams, develop work plans, and schedule activities to meet program goals. Prepare budgets, determine staffing needs, and identify specialized skill sets and funding sources. Prioritize and manage multiple projects to stay on schedule. Develop and update policies, procedures, and guidelines for statewide implementation, ensuring consistent application across the department. Communicate policy changes to staff and stakeholders. Collaborate with a broad range of partners to secure resources, promote innovation, and implement cooperative processes and procurement strategies that support a sustainable, statewide CAV program at VDOT.

Integrate and Advance CAV Technologies Across the Commonwealth: Support the integration of CAV program needs and opportunities into the strategic plans and operations of VDOT divisions and other Virginia agencies to enhance transportation safety and efficiency. Collaborate with partners to develop processes that embed CAV technologies into core business functions. Provide technical leadership in CAV-related areas, applying sound judgment to address stakeholder concerns, reduce complaints, and resolve issues. Proactively identify and manage challenges within the program and escalate matters as needed to ensure alignment with VDOT’s mission and vision.

Develop and Oversee Long and Short-term Strategies: Lead the development and execution of VDOT’s Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Plan, incorporating both short- and long-term strategies for deploying and integrating advanced vehicle technologies into the transportation network. The plan will include technology, risk, ROI assessments, and research gaps. It will also outline work plans for both specific projects and broader programs. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, other state agencies, and local jurisdictions to implement and maintain Virginia’s Connected Vehicle Program Plan, ensuring alignment with VDOT’s vision, mission, and goals. Set and communicate objectives and priorities to support agency-wide initiatives, adjusting as needed to meet evolving needs.

Subject Matter Technical Expert: Act as VDOT’s subject matter expert on Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technologies, including related federal and state laws, policies, and standards. Stay current on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. Provide guidance in the development of legislation, policies, standard operating procedures, and technical guidelines. Deliver training and instruction as needed to support policy updates. Leverage advancements in technology to guide program direction and ensure VDOT remains a thought leader in CAV implementation, maximizing early safety and operational benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of Connected and Automated Vehicle technologies, policies, standards and applications.
  
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations and contract management techniques.
  
• Skilled in effective communications, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and engage with stakeholders at all levels.
  
• Knowledge of traffic engineering principles, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), traffic signal systems and technologies and data management.
  
• Ability to work in a matrixed environment to leverage existing resources across the Agency.
  
• Ability to develop effective relationships at all organizational levels.
  
• Skill in strategic planning, policy development, operations management, including planning and managing large scale systems and programs.
  
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, a diverse workforce, and manage multiple assignments.
  
• Knowledge of systems engineering methodologies.
  
• Skill in management of complex projects.
  
• Knowledge of project management principles.
  

Additional Considerations

• Experience of connected vehicle (CV) technologies, including DSRC, C-V2X, and related radio communications, experience with hardware deployment, including roadside units (RSUs), onboard units (OBUs), and sensor integration. Familiarity with networking and internet security protocols relevant to CAV deployments.
  
• Experience in data collection, storage, and management systems and ability to analyze and interpret large datasets to identify trends, measure performance, and support strategic planning.
  
• Demonstrated ability to apply technical expertise to troubleshoot system issues, optimize hardware deployment, and enhance data use in CAV applications.
  
• Experience and skill in consultant management.
  
• Experience developing or leading performance management efforts, conducting risk assessments, or in developing returns on Investment.
  
• Experience working in the traffic engineering field or supporting a transportation agency.
  
• Experience in deploying or managing a connected vehicle system.
  
• Experience representing an organization in external committees or working groups.
  
• Experience communicating technical material effectively with executive management and non-technical audiences.
  
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or professional engineer's license (PE).
  
• A combination of training, experience or education in systems engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering or related field desired.
  
• Experience conducting, reviewing or applying research and basic understanding of statistical analysis and the ability to effectively communicate the results.
  
• Experience in the design of relational databases and in the development of technology solutions.
  
• Experience implementing large scale programs within a large, multi-site organization, especially a state DOT, especially new programs.
  

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Once onboarded, this position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration of telework shall be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth telework policy. (only for eligible positions)

We are a “Virginia Values Veterans” (V3) official certified company and state agency that provides hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application.

VDOT utilizes a market-based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.

VDOT is an emergency operation agency. Positions physically working within Central Office locations may be designated upon request with coordination among the respective District Engineer or Administrator and Chief. Assignments are updated annually. Not all designated employees are provided with an emergency operations assignment.

Contact Information

Name: Candace Raigns

Email: candacelraigns@vdot.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.