TRANSIT POLICY
FELLOWSHIP
Want a chance to work on some of the most innovative regional transit policy and funding issues? We need
your analytical and communication skills at the premiere transit organization in Northern Virginia.
As part of its Transit Fellows program, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) seeks a
Policy Fellow, full time for a term of six months, renewable for up to a year. This fellowship provides a
professional development opportunity for mid-career transportation specialists as well as college graduates
and graduate students. Successful applicants will gain in-depth knowledge of transit policy and funding
issues and will serve a key role in tracking and analyzing federal and state policy including legislation, policy
and planning. The Policy Fellow will draft issue briefs, prepare presentations, as well as write policy
memorandum, newsletter articles, web content and special reports for the Commission and its stakeholders.
Specific activities include: supporting briefings of policy makers on key transit issues, analyzing legislation
related to transit and the Commission, participating in the planning and execution of NVTC’s annual briefing
of the General Assembly and NVTC Commission Meeting in Richmond in February, and staff support of the
Executive Director. The responsibilities will include local travel and some evening commitments.
MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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College graduates, graduate students or mid-career professionals;
Bachelor’s Degree in policy, government, journalism, transportation planning, public administration,
economics, policy or related area;
Demonstrated interest in public transportation or transportation planning and policy development;
Strong writing and analytical skills; and
Ability to work in a small office/team oriented environment.
DURATION
Duration of the appointment is six months and is a renewable for six months. Priority will be given to
applicants who can begin their fellowship quickly.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Fellowships are awarded to professionals with a strong understanding of transportation policy, finance and
transportation funding and/or public outreach. Graduate students and mid-career professionals are
encouraged to apply.
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www.novatransit.org
COMPENSATION
The Fellow will receive compensation consistent with compensation guidelines of the Department of Rail and
Public Transportation and will be eligible for transit benefits.
HOW TO APPLY
Send cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample to Colethia Quarles at transitfellows@nvtdc.org. The
cover letter should describe the applicant’s objectives in pursuing the fellowship. Please highlight particular
skills, knowledge or interests as it relates to a demonstrated interest in the Commission’s work, familiarity
with federal or state legislative and policy issues, and experience or knowledge in public outreach. Please
note your availability at the top of the cover letter.
Applications can also be mailed to:
Colethia Quarles
Transit Fellowship Program
2300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 620
Arlington, VA 22201
DEADLINE
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until a candidate is selected.
ABOUT NVTC
NVTC has a small staff located in offices in the vibrant Court House area of Arlington. NVTC is a leading
expert on performance metrics and transit finance, coordinates regional planning studies and evaluations,
partners with other regional entities including the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, the Potomac
and Rappahannock Transportation Commission and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
NVTC encompasses six cities and counties, a commuter rail service, six bus systems including MetroBus,
Metrorail and the Vanpool Alliance.
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www.novatransit.org