Director of Infrastructure, Transportation

Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy whose core objective is to maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We are dedicated to tackling some of the most pressing problems in the United States. We invest in sustainable change, building it from the ground up based on research, deep thinking, and a strong foundation of evidence. We drive public conversation, craft policy, and inspire action through education and advocacy.

Position Overview

As communities face severe housing shortages and increasing housing costs, rapidly changing energy needs, and aging roads and transit, Arnold Ventures’ (AV) Infrastructure portfolio aims to bolster the country’s ability to build the necessary infrastructure faster, better, and at lower cost. This includes supporting policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels to craft and implement solutions; identifying and removing barriers that unnecessarily slow down building timelines and add costs; and working to enhance the capacity of government to effectively support delivering on the promise of major infrastructure investments. The team works with experts from inside and outside government to reform the infrastructure system through evidence generation, policy development, communications, technical assistance, and advocacy to support policy change.

Arnold Ventures’ transportation portfolio focuses on advancing scalable solutions to lower costs and shorten construction timelines so that our nation can build and operate the transportation systems necessary to support economic growth, access to the goods and services people need, and to promote public health. 

The Director will be responsible for helping to identify, analyze, and pursue new, high-leverage philanthropic opportunities, as well as managing current investments and partnerships. This position will be in the Washington, DC office. 

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the strategic direction for the portfolio by conducting research and analysis to identify grantees and inform strategy; developing policy recommendations and strategically-aligned projects; and developing and managing relationships with grantees, key stakeholders, and experts
• Identify and develop charitable investment and grant recommendations for the Arnold Ventures’ Board of Directors; oversee investments and grants; and reflect on prior and existing investments and grants to inform strategy and future recommendations
• Collaborate with Advocacy and Communications teams to help drive advocacy and issue campaigns
• Actively contribute to team meetings regarding projects, including suggesting ideas and brainstorming; and participate in meetings with government officials, researchers, and other stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• 8 years of relevant work experience, preferably including experience with federal or state policy 
• Demonstrated understanding of transportation policy and project implementation in the United States 
• Demonstrated knowledge of the intersection between land use and zoning issues, housing policy, and transportation policy
• Strong policy analysis and research skills; ability to understand technical and theoretical concepts
• Strong leadership, people management, and relationship-building skills 
• Exceptional strategy development, project management, and organizational skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate key takeaways to diverse, nontechnical audiences

The salary range for this position will be $145,000-$200,000.

Benefits Overview

Arnold Ventures is committed to providing a robust and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our current benefits package includes 100% paid employee premiums for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance; 20 days of paid time off, 16 paid holidays (including a winter break from December 24 to January 1), and a ⁹⁄₈₀ schedule from Memorial Day to Labor Day; paid parental leave; a 401k retirement savings plan with an employer match, profit-share contribution, and immediate vesting; pre-tax transit benefits; a professional development stipend; a charitable giving stipend; and an employee assistance program.

Our Culture and Core Values

Our culture seeks to inspire and empower our people to innovate and develop bold ideas that will help Arnold Ventures achieve lasting impact. Our culture, and the core values that support it, should create an environment that spurs our team to think outside the box, feel comfortable pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and signal confidence in our team’s ability to make change happen through our philanthropic efforts. Although not an exhaustive list, below you’ll find examples of Arnold Ventures’ work culture. 

• We are adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity 
• We are intellectually curious, open-minded, objective, humble, collegial, and receptive to feedback
• We are action-oriented with strong self-direction and self-motivation skills with the ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects
• We are able to interact confidently and collaboratively with team members and navigate relationships with external experts, government leaders, advocates, and individuals 

Arnold Ventures’ values reflect who we are as an organization, help us accelerate our strategic goals, strengthen our resolve, anchor us to our mission, and guide our decision-making. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following core values that inspire the Arnold Ventures team to make a difference.

• Respect for Ourselves & Others
• Audacious Action
• Collaborative Engagement
• Depth of Thought
• Clear Communication

Arnold Ventures is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/​veteran status, or any basis prohibited by applicable law. 

Acknowledging the importance of diverse perspectives, Arnold Ventures is committed to employing individuals from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of experiences. Members of historically marginalized communities and candidates who have been impacted by the systems we are seeking to change are strongly encouraged to apply.