Application Guide

How to Apply for Program and Policy Manager (Full-time Remote)

at Safe Routes Partnership

🏢 About Safe Routes Partnership

Safe Routes Partnership is a national nonprofit with a 20-year history of advancing safe, equitable active transportation for kids and families. Their mission-driven, collaborative team works remotely across the country, offering flexibility and professional growth while making tangible community impacts.

About This Role

This role blends program implementation, policy analysis, technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement to help communities secure funding and implement Safe Routes to School initiatives. You'll turn ideas into action, supporting a long-term grant-funded project from day one, and contribute to national efforts to make walking and biking safer.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with your team, followed by drafting a technical assistance resource for a community partner. You might then join a call with a state agency to discuss funding opportunities, spend the afternoon analyzing policy documents, and end the day by preparing a training webinar for schools.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Safe Routes Partnership Is Looking For

  • Experienced in program management and policy analysis within active transportation, public health, or community development, with a track record of managing complex projects.
  • Skilled in providing technical assistance and training to diverse stakeholders (schools, community groups, local governments) with strong facilitation and communication abilities.
  • Knowledgeable about federal and state funding sources for active transportation, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Safe Routes to School programs, and grant writing.
  • A self-starter who thrives in a remote environment, with excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while working collaboratively across teams.

📝 Tips for Applying to Safe Routes Partnership

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with Safe Routes to School, active transportation, or related policy initiatives, using metrics to show impact.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your familiarity with funding mechanisms like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or state-level SRTS programs, and how you've leveraged them.

3

Showcase your remote work skills by providing examples of how you've successfully collaborated with distributed teams or managed projects without direct supervision.

4

Research the Safe Routes Partnership's recent reports or initiatives and reference them in your application to demonstrate your genuine interest and proactive approach.

5

If you have experience providing technical assistance or training, include specific examples of materials you've developed or workshops you've led, as this is a core part of the role.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your passion for the mission and your understanding of the importance of safe, equitable active transportation for kids and families.', "Detail your experience in policy and funding, especially with federal or state programs, and how you've translated policy into on-the-ground projects.", 'Highlight your ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, as this role involves significant stakeholder engagement.', 'Mention your adaptability and self-motivation, given the remote nature of the role, and give a concrete example of managing a complex project from start to finish.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Safe Routes Partnership's website, especially their latest reports on state-level funding and policy efforts.
  • → Read their annual reports or strategic plans to understand their current priorities and how this role fits into their goals.
  • → Look up recent news or blog posts about their initiatives, such as the 'Safe Routes to School' program or their advocacy for equitable infrastructure.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key federal legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and how it impacts active transportation funding.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach providing technical assistance to a community that has limited experience with Safe Routes to School?
2 Describe a time you successfully advocated for policy change or secured funding for a program. What was your strategy?
3 How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects and deadlines in a remote work environment?
4 What strategies would you use to engage stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including underserved communities, to ensure equity in program outcomes?
5 How do you stay current on federal and state policies affecting active transportation, and how would you apply that knowledge to our work?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Safe Routes Partnership or their specific mission; they want to see genuine passion.
  • Don't overlook the importance of policy and funding knowledge; make sure to highlight any experience with grants, legislation, or technical assistance.
  • Avoid emphasizing a preference for in-person work or lack of remote experience, as this is a fully remote role that requires self-discipline and virtual collaboration skills.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Safe Routes Partnership!

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