Program Manager-Portfolio Governance

Salary range is $70k to $165k, with a midpoint of $115k. 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 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.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• 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:

Under general direction, this position will design, implement, and manage changes in the agency portfolio governance program and service; manage the quality, scope, schedule and budget related to assigned program and project(s) and supports the promotion of mission for responsible transparency. Shepherds agency-wide efforts to accelerate and streamline data access, modernize data management and services and accelerate excellent use of data in decision making.

This position will help expedite the process improvements the Portfolio Governance team will deliver as it takes on more scope with a growing portfolio. This position will coordinate and work across the agency at all levels and must exercise independent judgment, initiative and decision-making and uphold Agency values. The ability to develop relationships, manage strategic change across matrixed teams and convey program information in clear terms will be essential.

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.

• Develops and strengthens relationships, collaborating with executive sponsors, program team members, and functional partners to ensure organizational change for programs is planned and executed optimally.
• Delivers changes to the governance programs including stakeholder identification and engagement, change impacts and readiness, communications at all levels, training assessment and development, anticipating and addressing resistance, and reinforcement.
• Consults and coaches program teams in organizational and business change standards.
• Develop and lead change agent networks for initiatives as appropriate.
• Drive continuous improvement, incorporating feedback and lessons learned into updated process documents and reports.
• Implements and administers modifications to the portfolio governance framework in order to improve framework clarity, authority, efficiency and ensure continuous improvement.
• Develops and executes the structure of the programs and related project governance boards to a) ensure agency readiness for project milestones throughout the life cycle of transit infrastructure and supporting projects; and b) provide clear guidance to support project teams and Agency leadership in decision-making.
• Owns monthly reports and dashboard management.
• Supports governance process improvements with advanced analytic acumen and clear program messaging and communication.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of improved portfolio governance framework, with a focus on transparency and timeliness of completing requirements. This role will be responsible for enhanced data quality and availability through management of modifications to organization standards, principles, governance metrics, processes, related tools and data architecture.
• Aligns portfolio governance program to a future PSO strategy.
• Builds and maintains a detailed audit of agency information assets held in agency systems, as well as the teams and processes that use them.
• Develops best practices for business units around the use of metadata and taxonomies.
• Defines requirements and responsibilities related to portfolio governance and ensures clear accountability for improved performance forecasting.
• Coaches the organization around best practices for risk monitoring, communication, change management and improvement tactics around governance policy and procedures.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of portfolio governance process quality standards and adoption requirements across the PSO and agency.
• Guides users through portfolio governance concepts, explaining the benefits of portfolio governance framework, policies and procedures within the context of the user's needs. Collaborates with project teams and other agency stakeholders to understand agency priorities and maintain governance program alignment.
• Manages schedule and scope of data management projects administered by the data management team.
• Coaches, trains and motivates staff; coordinates and/or provides staff training; and manages employee relations and measures the performance of the team and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary; provides advice and counsel to staff; creates developmental work plans for staff; implements or recommends corrective actions, discipline and termination procedures as needed.
• 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 Business Administration, Engineering, Planning, Project Management, Public Administration or related fields and five years of experience in performing program management, program implementation and/or administration for planning, public policy, transportation or construction; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certification in data analytics and/or UX design

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Proven ability to take initiative to meet program and agency visions, missions and goals.
• Organization, attention to detail and follow-through on small and large tasks.
• Ability to lead change in an organization through strategic advocacy.
• Solid experience/familiarity in the fundamentals of capital project delivery, preferably in a public domain.
• 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.
• Adaptability to meet changing demands.
• Strong relationship management and interpersonal skills, especially working with a variety of people.
• Demonstrated ability to think and plan strategically.
• 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.
• Techniques and methodologies of project and data management.
• Methods and techniques of information synthesis and report preparation.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid office environment.
• 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)