Manager, Cost Model

SAIPRC is seeking a highly talented Manager for our growing and productive team. We seek candidates with the skills to manage the execution of the SAIPRC Cost Model and work with a diverse group of stakeholders. Applicants should be effective project managers with quantitative experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for advancing passenger rail in the United States. We offer competitive pay and benefits, flexibility including hybrid (in-office and remote) schedules, and an opportunity to engage with passenger rail decisionmakers in a trusted and highly visible role.

About SAIPRC

The State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee (SAIPRC) is a multi-agency body comprising representatives from Amtrak, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and 21 agencies from 18 States. SAIPRC’s staff is a small and growing team of highly motivated transportation professionals whose mission is to improve intercity passenger rail service across the United States. Our focus is on the 30 State-supported rail services that connect major city pairs—like Los Angeles and San Diego, Seattle and Portland, Chicago and St. Louis, Washington and Charlotte, New York and Toronto, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, plus many more—and carry approximately 44% of all Amtrak riders.

Congress created SAIPRC and tasked it with overseeing how States make payments to Amtrak for their services, and facilitating collaboration in areas like strategic planning, marketing, rolling stock planning, and improving stakeholder access to data to make business decisions.

Position Summary

The Cost Model Manager will oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of the SAIPRC Operating-Cost Model, the foundation of SAIPRC’s ongoing work plan. The Cost Model is a database-driven process used to calculate over $900 million in State payments to Amtrak each year. It is a center-piece of the State-Amtrak relationship and is critical to the continued growth and success of passenger rail in the United States.

The selected candidate will be a highly organized project manager with experience managing complex technical projects involving participation from multiple stakeholders. The Manager will ensure the successful execution of all technical work related to the Model. The selected candidate will direct work by staff and consultants to ensure the Model is completed accurately and on time. Successful candidates will be creative problem-solvers, performing their own data analysis to design technical solutions, guide the work of other team members, and respond to stakeholder concerns. Successful candidates will utilize effective project management tools and ensure that all work is properly documented to the highest standards.

Specific tasks will include:

  • Managing the ongoing implementation of the SAIPRC Cost Model, overseeing the calculation of over $900 million in annual State payments to Amtrak;

  • Supporting the Committee’s annual approval of the Operating-Cost Model, by building relationships with officials at SAIPRC member organizations, assisting members in accessing and analyzing financial data, identifying and resolving disputes, and using creative problem-solving to help generate consensus among members;

  • Managing a team of staff and contractors to ensure the on-time completion of Model activities;

  • Overseeing the development of online data repositories and data documentation for internal and external stakeholders;

  • Performing and overseeing analysis of financial performance, cost trends, and rail operations to support Model review by member organizations and the identification of Model/Policy improvements; and

  • Preparing and delivering reports, plans, presentations, and reference materials for internal and external audiences.

Minimum Qualifications

  • At least five years of experience working in transportation, consulting, public administration, or a related field;

  • High quality written, verbal, and visual communication skills for a wide range of audiences;

  • Experience in quantitative analysis with large datasets;

  • Experience overseeing complex technical projects and managing consultants;

  • Ability to form relationships with staff at all levels among external stakeholders/clients;

  • Ability to develop highly effective presentations and compelling, clear visual communication materials; and

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Transportation, Urban Planning, Economics, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Finance, Data Science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Eight years or more of experience working in transportation, consulting, public administration, or a related field;

  • Experience with inter-agency coordination or management of participation of diverse groups of stakeholders;

  • Familiarity or experience with database and/or software development, including direct experience in (or ability to manage others in) data manipulation using SQL or other languages;

  • Exposure to accounting principles or familiarity with transportation operating costs;

  • Familiarity with Amtrak and federal passenger rail policy;

  • Familiarity or experience with a Business Intelligence Platform (Tableau, Power BI, Zoho Analytics, etc.); and

  • Master’s degree in Transportation, Urban Planning, Economics, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Finance, Data Science, Business Administration, or a related field (while preferred, a Master’s degree is not required for this position, and we encourage applicants who meet minimum requirements to apply).

Location and Travel

SAIPRC currently has small, in-person offices in New York, NY and Washington, DC. Hybrid or fully remote work schedules are available. Candidates from anywhere in the United States are encouraged to apply.

The position includes approximately 5% travel, although the selected candidate may have the opportunity for additional travel if desired. Off-site meetings (usually involving overnight stays) typically occur at least three times per year.

Compensation

Annual salary will range from $120,000 to $160,000 depending on experience, location, and other factors. SAIPRC also offers a competitive benefits package.

How To Apply

Email a resume and a cover letter to careers[at]saiprc.com. In your cover letter, describe why you are interested in working with SAIPRC, your strengths, and how your skills and experience will support SAIPRC’s goals. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis.

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SAIPRC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all to apply and do not discriminate against candidates based on personal characteristics protected by law—including but not limited to age, color/race, disability, gender and gender identity, marital or partnership status, national origin, religion/creed, salary history, sexual and reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, status as a veteran or active military service member, status of a victim (or family member of a victim) of domestic violence a sexual offense or stalking, and unemployment status.