GENERAL PURPOSE:  

The Program Manager sits within the newly formed Portfolio Management & Integrity Division of the Portfolio Services Office (PSO). Under general direction from the Director- Project Management & Resourcing (PMR), the Program Manager is part of the PMR Team which provides centralized support to Sound Transit project management staff by developing and implementing agency processes, standards, and education. The PMR team is also responsible for the centralized intake of agency projects and the resulting portfolio for prioritization and resource allocation.

This position will have tremendous influence in shaping agency processes associated with project delivery and defining the coordinated agency standard. Initially, the PMR team will focus on implementing the PSO’s Project Intake process which will centralize project intake for the agency for prioritization and allocation of resources. The team will also develop the Project Management Playbook which will provide guidance to project managers on Sound Transit project management standards and processes.

Qualified applicants will be equipped to function well in a “trailblazing” environment and remain organized within an environment of ambiguity. The ideal candidate will have the ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and facilitate cooperation. This includes tracking details, collaborating with diverse staff, facilitating meetings, writing/reviewing documents, communicating clearly, exercising independent judgment, taking initiative, and making informed decisions within defined guidelines. In addition to serving as a team member of the PMR Team, the position is required to embody the agency values, incorporate principles of equity and inclusion, and serve as a change management champion.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Responsibilities specific to the Intake Process Implementation (near-term work):

o Integrate the PSO Project Intake process into the agency’s workflows for project development, prioritization, and resource allocation.

o Ensure that the intake process aligns with the objectives of the PSO Project Review Board.

o Take over the management of existing, independent project intake processes with the objective to consolidate and streamline.

o Coordinate with accountable and responsible parties for all process adoption(s).

o Manage the onboarding of the Project Intake Specialist (direct report) including recruitment/hiring.

• Responsibilities specific to the Project Management Playbook (near-term work):

o Assess existing agency materials and practices against objectives to determine scope of work (gap analysis).

o Coordinate with stakeholders to ensure the Playbook will serve the needs of the larger, consolidated audience.

o Coordinate development of Playbook with available resources (internal and/or consultant forces).

• Other work could include:

o Providing leadership/management for similar initiatives within the PMR Team and/or within the Portfolio Management & Integrity Division as needed.

o Researching subjects and developing recommendation for the Director- Project Management & Resourcing.

o Collaborating regularly with staff around the agency.

o Writing and revising reports, summaries, presentations, and talking points.

• General functions:

o Manages competing priorities with a detail-oriented, organized approach.

o Demonstrates Sound Transit’s Values in every interaction.

o Follows the agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.

o Integrates sustainability into everyday business practices.

• Champions and models Sound Transit’s core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.

• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in project management, public administration, or related field and four years of experience in performing project management/implementation, research, analysis, and/or administration for planning, public policy, transportation, or construction; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Organization, attention to detail, and follow-through on small and large tasks.

• Proven ability to take initiative to meet program and agency visions, missions, and goals.

• Clear and effective verbal and written communication. Ability to distill complex, technical information into messages and communications for a variety of audiences. Strong visual and presenting skills.

• Strong relationship management and interpersonal skills, especially working with a variety of people. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other agency staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the public.

• Adaptability to meet changing demands.

• Ability to identify, analyze, and address a wide variety of issues and problems in a mature and highly professional manner in a high-intensity environment.

• Ability to respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and respectfully to inquiries from the public, agency staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in the area of responsibility.

• Demonstrated ability to think and plan strategically.

• Utilizing computer software programs to compile and prepare spreadsheets, briefings, and reports (e.g., Microsoft Office suite).

• Techniques and methodologies of project and time management.

• Methods and techniques of information synthesis and report preparation.

• General understanding of public administration. Preferred knowledge of transit/transportation planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, or operations.

Physical Demands / Work Environment: 

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.

• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting objects up to 25 pounds.

• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)