Transportation Policy and Communications Specialist (2026 New Grads!)

43229BR

Requisition ID : 43229BR

Business Unit : TSU

Job Description :

Are you a student specializing in communications, political science, public policy, or a related field? Are you interested in transportation, the environment, and infrastructure? CDM Smith is seeking a new graduate to join our exciting Transportation Advisory services Team. You will join a multi-disciplinary team of experts, including senior policy and communications specialists, to help our transportation clients identify, analyze, and solve their public policy issues and challenges, especially funding.

Examples of specific work tasks include

Conducting in-depth financial analysis of transportation revenue and spending projections

Analyzing stakeholders including policy positions, influences, priorities, and authorities

Designing and conducting stakeholder and community outreach to solicit input on policy proposals

Researching, analyzing, and summarizing statutes and regulations

Researching, tracking, and analyzing bills

Supporting the design and setup of special-purpose commissions, task forces, and working groups to address policy issues and challenges including process design, invitation design, content preparation and presentation, and facilitation

Coordinating input on policy proposals from task forces, working groups, and other stakeholders as directed by clients

Designing policy proposals and solutions to address client and stakeholder objectives and constraints

Authoring papers and memoranda that frame policy issues including alternative solutions, trade-offs, and considerations

Drafting bill language to align with client priorities for policy proposals

Presenting findings and recommendations to working groups, task forces, legislative committees, other public bodies, and the public

Preferred locations include our Bellevue, San Francisco, or Chicago office!

Job Title :

Transportation Policy and Communications Specialist (2026 New Grads!)

Group : TSO

Employment Type : Regular

Minimum Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree. 0 years. Domestic and / or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications :

Working understanding of top transportation public policy challenges facing U.S. federal, state, and local governments, including funding, technology, energy, emissions, and equity

Excellent analytical skills including stakeholder and political awareness especially as relates to revenue collection systems

Fluency with financial analysis including cost analysis of revenue collection systems

Understanding of transportation technology and innovation trends

Undergraduate degree required, advanced degree a plus

EEO Statement :

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith? :

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (https : / / www.cdmsmith.com / en / Video / Meet-CDM-Smith)

Join Us! CDM Smith - where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it's a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Site Location :

United States - Nationwide

Agency Disclaimer :

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Recruitment Center Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Recruiting Center Team (RCT) will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

Amount of Travel Required :

0%

Assignment Category :

Fulltime-Regular

Visa Sponsorship Available :

No - We will not support sponsorship, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Skills and Abilities :

Basic knowledge of corporate governance practices, organization design principles, accounting principles, finance, supply chain management, and organization management. Good written and oral communication skills. Ability to understand complex technical, professional and business materials.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information :

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Pay Range Minimum : $56,181

Pay Range Maximum : $92,685

Additional Compensation :

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Work Location Options :

Hybrid Work Options may be considered for successful candidate.

Additional Pay Range Information :

The pay range for this position is listed above. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for this position based on the geographic location assigned to the position. Please note that pay ranges vary based on geographic location. In addition to geographic location, the company considers several other factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the role, function and associated responsibilities, the candidate's work experience, education / training and key skills.

Massachusetts Applicants :

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.