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Traffic Safety Director

Date Posted: Jan 20, 2026

Requisition ID: 470660

Location:

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) :

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is the State planning agency for criminal justice, juvenile justice, traffic safety, and victim services. The institute develops long-range strategies for the effective administration of Indiana's criminal and juvenile justice systems and administers state and federal funds to carry out these strategies.

Further, ICJI is responsible for coordinating and collaborating with local, state, and federal entities to identify, assess, plan, resource, and evaluate new and emerging issues facing the criminal justice and public safety spectrum.

Role Overview:

The Traffic Safety Director will lead the Traffic Safety Division, overseeing the strategic management of federally funded programs designed to protect life and property on Indiana’s roadways. This position is responsible for ensuring the submission, execution, and compliance of the State’s federally required three-year Highway Safety Plan, which serves as the foundation for all traffic safety programming. The Director will administer programs funded through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, funding rules, and match requirements, while exercising a high degree of judgment in discussions with federal funders, state leaders, and other entities. The role requires strong leadership and managerial skills to direct staff and contractors, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with state agencies such as INDOT and BMV, community organizations, and diverse stakeholders ranging from federal partners to local groups. The Director will represent the division in public forums, interviews, and community outreach events, requiring excellent communication and public speaking skills. In addition, the position demands long-range planning experience, the ability to multitask and adapt quickly, and independence in managing complex priorities. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred, along with experience in federal grants, state contracting processes, and compliance with funding guidelines. A background in law enforcement or prosecutorial work is beneficial but not required.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00, but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

+ Plan, organize, direct, monitor, and participate in ongoing comprehensive development and implementation of specialized programs designed to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities on Indiana's roadways.

+ Advise, reccomend and consult with other professionals concerning traffic safety, accident prevention and traffic facilitation. Coordinate programming and activities around the state to support positive outcomes for Indiana drivers.

+ Determine, analyze, identify and implement long-range objectives and specifying the strategies, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.

+ Analyze operations to evaluate performance of the specific program or its staff in meeting objectives or to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, or policy change.

+ Interpret and explain in-depth and complex policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.

+ Develop and implement corrective action plans to solve departmental problems.

+ Prepare and present reports for approval, including those for funding or implementation of services to executive leadership.

+ Study proposed revisions and amendments to laws concerning traffic safety and make recommendations relative to those laws.

+ Develop and oversee program financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.

+ Develop and monitor program requirements to ensure it meets federal and state policies and grants compliance.

+ Develop and supervise training of employees and consultants on program requirements and usage.

+ Develop and support programs for effective alcohol and drug countermeasures to protect and conserve life and property on Indiana roadways.

+ Preside over, or serve on, boards of directors, management committees, or other governing boards.

+ Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.

+ Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have either

+ or a Bachelor’s Degree and 7+ years of experience, or

+ an Associate’s Degree and 10+ years of experience, or

+ at least 13+ years of experience applying the below, outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role.

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

+ Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques regarding traffic and roadway safety both in Indiana and nationally.

+ Thorough knowledge of the agency functions, operations, and experience working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) preferred.

+ Experience working with diverse groups of providers and stakeholders.

+ Practical knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing federal and state grant programs.

+ Ability to develop, monitor and evaluate broad training and educational programs.

+ Ability to plan and conduct seminars, workshops, and training sessions.

+ Ability to write/create and analyze grant reports, including writing comprehensive plans and reports for a wide audience.

+ Ability to establish effective and cooperative working relationships with both internal and external partners.

+ Effective and clear communication skills.

+ Ability to communicate both in writing and verbally with local, state and federal public officials, the media and legislators.

+ Ability to keep current on new trends regarding traffic safety, traffic records and programming.

+ Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.

+ Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skill sets.

+ Able to perform essential functions in an independent manner.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

+ Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

+ Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

+ Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

+ Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

+ Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

+ A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

+ 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

+ Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

+ Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

+ 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

+ Education Reimbursement Program

+ Group life insurance

+ Referral Bonus program

+ Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

+ Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

+ Free Parking for most positions

+ Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [email protected].

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