The American Trucking Associations (ATA), the nation’s leading trade and lobby association representing the trucking industry, is actively seeking collaborative and analytical Director of Safety Policy.
This role is crucial in advancing driver, technology, and motor carrier safety policies, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and promoting ATA member interests. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in legislative and regulatory initiatives within the transportation industry and will play a key role in helping shape safety policies affecting the trucking industry.
This is a hybrid position, requiring in-office attendance at ATA headquarters at least 3 days per week, including Mondays and Tuesdays. This position does not include budgetary or supervisory responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as a staff specialist on driver and motor carrier safety issues, including medical requirements, drug and alcohol testing, licensing/CDL issues, vehicle safety technologies, and automated vehicle technologies.
- Provide expert guidance and answer inquiries from ATA members, state trucking associations, and related councils on compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).
- Prepare issue summaries, whitepapers, and other resources to assist members in understanding and complying with FMCSRs and support regulatory and legislative advocacy efforts.
- Draft comments on rulemakings, advocate ATA policies and positions on safety issues, and help prepare Congressional hearing testimony.
- Serve as staff liaison for ATA's Controlled Substances, Driver Health & Wellness Subcommittee, and support the Safety Policy and Hazardous Materials Policy Committees.
- Deliver presentations on safety issues and ATA policies to external organizations, provide technical assistance for media responses, and support press release preparation.
- Collaborate with ATA’s Legislative Affairs team to educate lawmakers on critical safety topics and advance legislative efforts.
- Additional responsibilities, as assigned. Professional growth and development is encouraged and supported.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) required; advanced degree in public policy/administration preferred.
- 7+ years of relevant experience in policy/advocacy within the government or commercial transportation industry.
Skills:
- Strong analytical skills to evaluate complex issues and develop practical, effective solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create clear reports, documents, and presentations for various audiences.
- Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and internal teams.
- Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality work.
- Ability to lead initiatives and projects with minimal supervision, demonstrating sound judgment and decision-making skills.
- Comfortable speaking to both small and large groups, conveying technical and non-technical information in an engaging and understandable way.
- Strong understanding of industry-specific regulations and standards, with an ability to provide expert advice on policy and compliance matters.
Why ATA:
ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation’s freight. We are a 90-year-old federation with state trucking association affiliates in all 50 states. We represent every sector of the industry, from LTL to truckload, agriculture, and livestock to auto haulers, and from large motor carriers to small mom-and-pop operations.
- ATA offers a competitive salary and benefits package
- Flexible hybrid work schedule
- Education assistance
- Various retirement plans with employer match
- Medical, dental & vision benefits at affordable cost
- HSA and FSA plans with employer contributions
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. The American Trucking Associations is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or other protected veteran status.