Conference Facilitator (SME-Level) 2026P-0216
Ascension LLC is seeking an experienced Conference Facilitator (SME-Level) to support the planning and execution of ten (10) Regional Pedestrian Safety Summits for NHTSA. This role is critical to ensuring that each summit is structured, engaging, and outcome-driven, directly contributing to the national mission of reducing pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned facilitator and stakeholder engagement expert with demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder meetings involving government agencies, public safety professionals, and community organizations. This individual will serve as the driver of collaboration and dialogue, ensuring that each summit produces actionable insights aligned with NHTSA’s pedestrian safety objectives.
This role is essential to achieving the contract’s core goal of bringing together diverse stakeholders to identify solutions, share best practices, and advance data-driven pedestrian safety strategies nationwide .
Position Summary
The Conference Facilitator will design, lead, and manage the execution of regional summit sessions, ensuring that discussions are structured, inclusive, and aligned with intended outcomes. This role requires the ability to guide diverse audiences, encourage participation, manage group dynamics, and translate discussions into meaningful outputs.
The facilitator will work closely with the Project Manager and Program Coordinator to ensure each summit:
- Aligns with NHTSA priorities and regional needs
- Encourages engagement across diverse stakeholder groups
- Produces actionable outcomes and insights
The ideal candidate is:
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Skilled in managing dynamic group discussions
- Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
- Adept at balancing structure with flexibility
- Capable of translating complex topics into accessible discussions
The facilitator will leverage structured facilitation techniques, stakeholder engagement frameworks, and collaborative tools to ensure each summit meets its objectives.
Day-to-Day / Event-Based Activities
- Design summit session agendas, breakout structures, and facilitation approaches
- Lead regional summit sessions, including plenary and breakout discussions
- Guide multi-stakeholder conversations to ensure productive dialogue and outcomes
- Encourage participation from diverse stakeholders, including underserved communities
- Facilitate discussions on pedestrian safety strategies, trends, and solutions
- Manage group dynamics, including conflict resolution and time management
- Coordinate with project team to align facilitation approach with summit objectives
- Capture key insights, themes, and outcomes from discussions
- Support post-event debriefs and input into summit reports
- Adapt facilitation techniques based on audience, region, and stakeholder needs
How to Apply
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| Job Category | Management Consulting, Public Administration |
| Minimum Requirements | Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, Communications, Urban Planning, Public Health, or related field |
| Required Skills | 7–10 years of professional experience in facilitation, stakeholder engagement, or workshop leadership | Proven ability to manage diverse stakeholder groups and drive consensus | Ability to travel to regional summit locations across the U.S. |
| Technical Skills | Demonstrated experience facilitating large-scale meetings, conferences, or public forums | Experience working with government agencies, public safety organizations, or community stakeholders | Strong verbal communication and presentation skills |
| Desired Skills | Master’s Degree in a relevant field | Experience supporting DOT, NHTSA, or transportation safety initiatives | Familiarity with pedestrian safety, transportation policy, or public health programs | Experience facilitating discussions involving law enforcement, EMS, and public health stakeholders Knowledge of equity-focused engagement strategies for underserved communities | Experience using facilitation tools (e.g., Miro, Mentimeter, Slido, virtual platforms) | Certification in facilitation, mediation, or stakeholder engagement (e.g., IAF Certified Professional Facilitator) |
| Sustainability Requirements | Must be able to pass a Federal background check (Public Trust or equivalent) | Must be a U.S. Citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States | Ability to handle sensitive but unclassified government information |