Regional Mobility & Community Engagement Fellow

The MI Mobility Fellows (MMF) Program is an 11-month, highly selective fellowship designed to strengthen Michigan’s transportation and mobility ecosystem. Fellows from across the country are placed in host organizations where they gain hands-on experience addressing real mobility challenges. This program aims to make Michigan’s mobility future more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable—improving the way people, goods, and ideas move across the state. 

Program Duration: December 1, 2026 – November 12, 2027 

Fellow Compensation: $60k per year + benefits 

Organization Name and Website: Thumb Community Health Partnership; www.thumbhealth.org 

Organization Location (City and State): Thumb Area, Michigan 

Supervisor Name and Title: Kelli Braun (TCHP), Ken Jimkoski (TAT), Jeff Ryan (STA)
Position Title: Regional Mobility & Community Engagement Fellow 

Position Description and objectives/goals: The Regional Mobility & Community Engagement Fellow will support a collaborative initiative to improve equitable transportation access across Michigan’s rural Thumb region. Two Fellows will work as a regional team alongside Thumb Community Health Partnership (TCHP), public transit agencies, healthcare organizations, community partners, and residents across Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties. The Fellows will help move established regional transportation priorities from planning into implementation. Primary areas of work will include Rider Engagement & Experience and Healthcare Referral Processes. Activities may include engaging riders and residents to better understand transportation barriers and experiences; developing community education and outreach strategies; strengthening connections between healthcare providers and transportation resources; increasing awareness and utilization of available transit and transportation benefits; supporting cross-county coordination; and collecting and analyzing community feedback and transportation data. Fellows will participate in community events, partner meetings, regional Transportation Workgroup activities, presentations, and mobility planning efforts. They will also help develop educational resources, recommendations, evaluation measures, and sustainable strategies that can continue beyond the fellowship year. 

Objectives and goals include: ● Increase awareness and utilization of existing transportation resources. ● Improve rider experience and confidence accessing public transportation. ● Strengthen healthcare and community transportation referral processes. ● Identify transportation barriers through direct community and rider engagement. ● Strengthen collaboration among transit, healthcare, and community partners. ● Improve coordination across county and organizational boundaries. ● Develop sustainable tools, processes, and recommendations that advance equitable rural mobility. 

Skills/Background Preferred (Technical or otherwise - a list is fine): ● Strong communication and interpersonal skills ● Interest in transportation, public health, community development, healthcare, planning, social services, or related fields ● Ability to build relationships with community members and diverse partner organizations ● Comfortable conducting community outreach and engaging directly with residents ● Strong organizational and project coordination skills ● Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative regional team ● Comfortable participating in and facilitating meetings, presentations, and community events ● Strong written communication skills and ability to develop clear, user-friendly educational materials ● Ability to collect, organize, and interpret data and community feedback ● Creative problem-solving skills and willingness to explore innovative approaches ● Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar productivity tools ● Commitment to equity, accessibility, and improving quality of life in rural communities ● Willingness and ability to travel throughout Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties ● Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred ● Prior public transportation experience is not required; candidates from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply 

Primary Working Location: Two locations: Thumb Area Transit, Bad Axe, MI and Sanilac Transportation Authority, Sandusky, MI 

Is a hybrid schedule offered? Yes - limited Primary Working Hours: 8 am – 4:30 pm