Program Manager - Military Veterans
at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Job Description
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Office of the Treasurer is seeking to hire an experienced Program Manager. This position will have responsibility for coordinating, reviewing, and providing leadership guidance related to regional fare programs to manage and implement policy initiatives. Activities will include but are not limited to independently organizing and executing assignments with minimum direction and effectively leading highly professional teams implementing work plans, budgets, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, analysis, and compliance requirements. The successful candidate will perform lifecycle project management for all major program events and customer facing projects related to SmarTrip and key initiatives and work effectively in a matrix management environment to make sound decisions with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will exhibit excellent time management and organizational skills, ability to multitask and meet deadlines, expert knowledge of Excel and data visualization software and demonstrated people and process leadership skills. Masters Degree in Business or Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Transportation Planning, or a related field of study preferred. Project Management Certification with applied experience desired.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Transportation Planning, or a related field of study.
Experience
- Minimum ten (10) years of experience as a Project Manager in the transportation industry related to leading consultants and professional staff in the end-to-end contracts/procurement fulfillment and fiscal management.
Certification/Licensure
- A valid drivers license
Preferred
- Masters Degree in Business or Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Transportation Planning, or a related field of study
- Project Management Certification
- Financial Management Certification
- Contracting Official Technical Representative (COTR) certification
Medical Group :
Ability to satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this particular position either with or without reasonable accommodation(s).
SUMMARY
The Program Manager is the Subject Matter Expert and possesses the required education, training, and work experience of difficulty and complexed nature to lead the overall development and management of fare collection/fare media projects for the Authority. Leads one or more Metro and Regional Partners, the customer, and supervises the work of junior professionals that includes the on-time delivery of Request for Proposals (RFPs).
Responsibilities include lifecycle program/project management, delegating work assignments to junior professionals, coaching, and providing technical quality guidance. Formulates and manages program budget and a client relationship manager of high-profile programs/projects as a part of large teams of customers that involve political interaction and public interest.
The position stays updated on regulatory compliance when managing contracts, and technical requirements, and knowledgeable of trending innovation Responsibilities include optimizing experiences of all customers, employees, and stakeholders in each interaction that gives all individuals a sense of belonging and value to the organization.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Performs lifecycle project management and provides technical guidance of all major program events and multiple customer projects related to fare collection/fare media, SmarTrip production and inventory management, and projects and functions. Manages and develops planning, staffing, budget requirements (e.g., budgets projects are part of the Regional Partners Agreement), quality control and safety measures. Prepares status reports (e.g., ad hoc, monthly, quarterly, and annual).
- Conducts market research and prepares recommendations for program management, technology, and business processes. Strictly adheres to project schedules. Develops complete, accurate, and realistic project/program schedules. Ensures the closeout of programs (e.g., engineering, procurement, and budgeting tasks).
- Ensures service quality and on-time delivery of Request for Proposals (RFPs) related to design development, program control, administration quality, and safety measures within budget. Coordinates the work of subcontractors, manages client relationships, and negotiates all aspects of contracts/acquisitions. Develops statement of work, program scopes, negotiates labor hours, develops cost models, and ensures quality reviews of contractors and work are complete and accurate.
- Manages and supervises junior professionals and fosters open communication. Delegates work assignments and directs corrective actions for the timely completion of work to achieve business goals. Approves leave requests and timesheets.
- Assists Director with developing and implementing measurable employee performance work plans with attainable standards to meet organizational goals. P rovides performance feedback and ensures the fair distribution of performance recognition s. Completes employee performance evaluations fairly and individual development plans. Meets unique needs of staff and supports formal/informal training and ensures completion of diversity and inclusion training. Consults with internal human resources professionals, i ssues disciplinary actions, provides counseling, resolves grievances and work problems.
- Interviews, recommends, and hires top talent to ensure operational efficiencies. Ensures proper employee onboarding and offboarding procedures, provides records management and job training, ensures ongoing professional development, and harmonious work experiences.
- Identifies scheduling and cost variances and the implementation of recommendations for corrective action for negative variance. Ensures compliance driven project outcomes.
- Coordinates across multidisciplinary departments on program requirements and funding needs. Provides quality customer service to individuals and organizations using an integrated program approach and matrix management. Assists supporting offices in obtaining major approvals and agreements from city, state, and D.C. jurisdictions including Federal agencies to assure program schedules and goals are met.
- Maintains Contracting Official Technical Representative (COTR) credentials to facilitate procurements, contracts, requisitions, and budgets.
- Manages, reviews, and evaluates changes to project specifications. Leads and manages consultative activities, resolves controversial issues associated with contract fulfillment. Uses conflict management techniques and negotiation strategies to minimize fiscal impacts and maximize control.
- Rates contractors performance based on contract requirements (e.g., meeting deliverables, contract specifications, timetables, and budget requirements).
- Develops program budget, participates in the budget process, and prepares periodic and specialized reports as required. Forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Monitors and approves expenditures. Recommends budgetary adjustments as necessary.
- Reviews program scope of project work and provides constructive comments on development to ensure program needs, schedule, and costs are met and in compliance.
- Serves as a Liaison and represents Authority before the FTA Program Management Oversight Committee. Responds to operations and program-related inquiries and ensures legal compliance.
- Leads and facilitates program status meetings with staff, Director of Customer Service Sales & Fare Media, Vice President & Treasurer, and briefings for Authority Officers, General Manager, WMATA Board Members, Federal, State, Local Government Offices, and Local Civic Organizations as required.
- Promotes a community of practice and excellence to improve employee experiences. Ensures diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility for all individuals.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
N/A
The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.
Evaluation Criteria
Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.
Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:
- Skills and/or behavioral assessment
- Personal interview
- Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
- Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
- Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
- Review of a current motor vehicle report
Closing
WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.
This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.
New Carrollton, MD
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, commonly referred to as Metro, is a tri-jurisdictional government agency that operates transit service in the Washington metropolitan area.
As a leader in the transportation industry, Metro strives to attract and retain top-quality staff to ensure high-quality service to our customers. One way Metro achieves this goal is by providing a worklife that fosters the motivation and enthusiasm necessary to succeed. If you're looking for job satisfaction, excellent benefits, and professional development, Metro is where you want to be.
Our Commitment
Since 2012, Metro has increased the size of its military veteran employee base by nearly 50 percent. Military candidates have been hired and trained for career opportunities as transit police officers, mechanics, bus and rail operators, human resources specialists, information technology professionals, and more.
Metro aggressively seeks to hire and retain top-quality military veteran candidates, and finds that hiring from the military community lends a strategic competitive advantage to advancing our goals. Metro has adopted a fully-integrated military recruitment strategy to enhance its military recruitment efforts. As part of that effort, Metro is engaged in regular employment presentations and info sessions on military bases, participates in Job Readiness Workshops with the Department of Labor Veteran Employment Services, and promotes career opportunities for military spouses as a standard component of all military employment presentations and networking efforts.