NDSU Opens Search for Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute Director
North Dakota State University has opened a search for the director of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, North Dakota’s premier transportation research and outreach organization. The position was posted Aug. 17, with review of applications beginning Sept. 13.
The university is seeking an accomplished, visionary leader with a demonstrated record of national recognition and leadership in transportation research, public policy, workforce development or a related field. NDSU invites both applications and nominations.
The director provides strategic leadership for all aspects of the institute, including research development, external funding, stakeholder engagement, organizational management and program growth. The director also works closely with the UGPTI Advisory Council, which strengthens the institute’s mission through stakeholder engagement, policy insight and strategic guidance.
The role calls for growing and diversifying the institute’s portfolio of externally sponsored grants and contracts; building partnerships with the North Dakota Department of Transportation, other state and federal agencies, Tribal governments, and local and regional jurisdictions; and engaging transportation providers, freight and logistics industries, agricultural and energy producers, and professional associations. The director oversees the institute’s budget and staff across its Fargo and Bismarck offices and advances education and workforce development programs that strengthen the transportation workforce. Regular statewide travel and extensive engagement with stakeholders throughout North Dakota and beyond are expected.
Minimum qualifications include a master’s degree and leadership experience in the transportation field; demonstrated success securing external funding and resources; administrative and supervisory experience, including budget preparation and management; and experience with public or private industry research programs.
A doctorate and at least 10 years of professional experience in transportation are preferred, along with experience in university academic programs; public policy and legislative issues at the federal and state levels; leadership in local, regional and national transportation organizations; accomplishments in transportation research and scholarly achievement; and work with the U.S. Department of Transportation and other state and federal agencies.
Applications should include a cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three professional references. The full position description and application portal are available here. Because North Dakota is an open records state, all nominations and applications are subject to public and media access.
Alan Kallmeyer, dean of the College of Engineering, chairs the search committee. Members are:
- Aaron Birst, executive director, North Dakota Association of Counties
- Raj Bridgelall, associate professor, finance, supply chain and transportation
- Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, commissioner, North Dakota Public Service Commission
- Ron Henke, director, North Dakota Department of Transportation
- Ying Huang, chair, civil, construction and environmental engineering
- Val Kettner, associate vice president, Sponsored Programs Administration
- Peter Oduor, professor, School of Design, Architecture and Art
- Cindy Breyer, associate director, Human Resources, ex officio
About the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute
Established under North Dakota Century Code 54-53 in 1967, the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute advances the safe, efficient and sustainable movement of people and goods through interdisciplinary research, technology transfer, education and workforce development. It addresses transportation challenges affecting North Dakota, the Upper Great Plains region and the nation while supporting informed decision-making among public- and private-sector stakeholders.
The institute operates with an annual budget of approximately $25 million, about 70% of which is funded through externally sponsored grants and contracts. It employs a professional staff of nearly 40 researchers, analysts, educators and support personnel. Its headquarters are on the NDSU campus in Fargo, with an additional office in the State Capitol complex in Bismarck.