Senior Program Manager - Strategy & Policy

Salary range is $81K to $186K with a midpoint of $133K. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market. 

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE: 

The Senior Program Manager works within the Board and Policy Administration Team within the Office of the CEO to lead and manage the agency’s policy and procedure program and the development and implementation of the agency’s strategic plan. This position is responsible for driving cross-functional agency-wide Board and executive initiatives, providing strategic leadership, and managing complex portfolios of work. This position collaborates with agency leadership on organizational priorities.

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.

• Advises agency executive leadership on complex, mission-critical strategy and policy priorities and emerging issues.
• Leads strategic policy conversations, on behalf of the whole agency, with executives and provides recommendations and strategic insights to executives and agency senior leadership.
• Leads and directs senior-level cross-functional teams regarding agency strategic priorities, significant public policy decisions, and administrative policies.
• Manages a complex portfolio of projects requiring broad and deep subject matter expertise across public transportation planning, construction, operations, finance, and business administration.
• Leads the development, improvement, and implementation of Board policies, agency policies, and agency procedures. Manages multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment with agency goals.
• Writes and synthesizes policies and procedures ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with organizational strategies and values.
• Oversees programs related to the administration of the agency’s policy governance framework, including advising agency executive and senior leaders and delivering toolkits. Provides senior consultation, training, and coaching to agency leaders and employees on strategy and policy governance.
• Develops and maintains efficient tracking, reporting, and program/project management tools, document management, inventories, internal websites, and communication platforms.
• Compiles research, reports, work plans, and presentations tailored for an executive-level and agencywide audience.
• Designs and delivers trainings and workshops on policy governance and strategic planning initiatives.
• Leads and manages the agency’s strategic plan, including the development and monitoring of the agency’s strategic priorities, goal cascading initiatives, and other key executive-driven deliverables.
• Directs, facilitates, and project manages agencywide initiatives and projects related to policy and strategy and occasionally special projects on behalf of the Board and Policy Administration Team and/or Office of the CEO.
• 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 Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field; Five years of experience working in a legislative or policy environment or program or project management environment providing high-level project/program support to an executive-level staff; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Policy writing with ability to efficiently synthesize, analyze, and interpret policies, data, and reports.
• Building relationships and responding to agency business need.
• Senior-level project management including ability to meet multiple project/program goals in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrating strong interpersonal techniques and commitment to establishing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with a diverse work group including peers, department, and executive leadership, vendors, and outside agencies.
• Facilitation of senior leadership teams and effective communication.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and document management.
• Report and project/work plan preparation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing and spreadsheets. SharePoint and Microsoft Teams experience preferred.
• Policy administration.
• Ability to develop efficient and effective solutions to diverse and complex business problems.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:  

• Work is performed in a hybrid environment with an expectation of working in office a minimum of 3 days per week.

• 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.