Job Description:

The Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC) invites applicants for an exciting position as the Industry Outreach Coordinator. The coordinator will help expand engagement between the SPTC and the transportation industry. Specifically, the individual will lead the effort to formulate and implement an overall strategy to engage different segments of the transportation industry, ranging from professional societies to material suppliers to contractors to construction companies and to build an industry-sponsored research consortium. The individual will engage state, regional, and tribal stakeholders in development and implementation of the strategy. This strategy will likely include developing and administrating surveys, calling companies, making site visits to gauge industry needs and interest, organizing a Transportation Industry and Workforce Development Symposium, leading roundtable discussions, and developing promotional materials. The coordinator will work closely with undergraduate and graduate students to enhance their educational experience through hands-on, real-life projects with industry and state DOTs as part of SPTC's Transportation Regional Internship Program (TRIP), outreach, and tech transfer activities. The coordinator will report to the SPTC Director. 

The SPTC is a consortium of 11 highly diverse and strong academic institutions: El Paso Community College (EPCC); Louisiana State University (LSU); Louisiana Tech University (LTU); Navajo Tech University (NTU); Oklahoma State University (OSU); Texas A&M University/Texas Transportation Institute (TAMU/TTI); Texas Southern University (TSU); University of Arkansas (UARK); University of New Mexico (UNM); University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP); and the University of Oklahoma (OU), which serves as the consortium lead. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Strategic Plan FY 2022-2026, our infrastructure is failing to keep up with growing transportation needs to maintain economic strength and compete in a global market. At the same time, climate change presents a significant and growing risk to the safety, effectiveness, equity, and sustainability of the transportation infrastructure and the communities it serves. Unprecedented developments in AI-based technologies and tools provide opportunities for data-driven solutions and engagement with the transportation industry. With $3 million from the USDOT and an equal amount in matching support annually, including significant support from ODOT, the SPTC provides a unique opportunity to develop comprehensive, cost-effective, and implementable solutions to critical infrastructure issues facing the transportation systems of the region and the nation, and to prepare transportation professionals for leadership roles.

Essential Duties

• Coordinates all activities related to the project(s). Ensures analysis, redesign, planning and implementing processes are developed, initiated, and supported to allow the department to achieve its financial, quality, and service goals on the project(s). Ensures all project processes and outcomes are consistent with the vision and values of the department.


• Responsible for assigned projects and develops planning for the department. Maintains department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, to include but not limited to process improvement plans, assist with operating budgets, and project methodology.


• Ensures the department has the infrastructure and resources to perform its role effectively and efficiently. Ensures resources are available and applied appropriately to achieve performance goals in a timely manner.


• Uses tracking tools for all projects and summarizes individual project progress to management.


• Maintains effective internal and external communication regarding project management efforts while providing information to management.


• Participates in meetings and committees. Assists with the development and implementation of communication plans.


• Develop strategy to expand SPTC engagement with the transportation industry.


• Solicit industry research need through meetings and roundtable discussions with industry stakeholders


• Connect researchers and students with industry partners for research and education projects.


• Organize biennial Transportation Industry and Workforce Development Symposium


• Lead SPTC Research/Industry Advisory Committee.


• Coordinate activities between SPTC and GCOE for the Transportation Pathways program.


• Serve as a liaison between SPTC and GCoE Associate Dean for Partnerships.


• Develop a strategic plan for creating an industry-funded research consortium


• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required Education: Bachelors Degree, AND:

• 48 months of project management experience. 

Equivalency Substitution: will accept 48 months related experience in lieu of the Bachelors degree for a total of 96 month experience.

 

Skills:

• 
  Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
  
  


• 
  Basic data analysis and general understanding of database concepts
  
  


• 
  Ability to organize and work in stressful situations to meet deadlines
  
  


• 
  Ability to work independently and as a team member
  
  


• 
  Detail oriented
  
  


• 
  Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
  
  

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Sit for prolonged periods. Communicate effectively and listen. Manual dexterity. Use of a computer.


• Standard Office Environment.

Department Preferences:

• Bachelor's degree in business/engineering/science/management/marketing/human relations/communications/or related field


• Proven record of experience in working with industry, DOTs and academia 


• Candidate with a strong network in the transportation industry are encouraged to apply

Certifications:

• Driver's License will be required - less than 25% of time will be spent visiting companies and stakeholders

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

Apply Now