Sr. Project Manager

As the Senior Project Manager for Employee Engagement, you will be responsible for planning and managing assigned Employee Engagement projects and initiatives to deliver specified requirements and ensure customer satisfaction. The Employee Engagement programs include such things as DEI initiatives, Employee Engagement strategies and programs and Organizational Development. This role is responsible for partnering with leadership and cross-functional teams to develop, activate, and sustain impactful projects that align with the organization's mission and strategic goals. The ideal candidate is a strong project management professional with a passion for DEI, Organizational Development, employee engagement and change leadership to ensure projects advance on time, within scope and on budget. 

• Develop and manage complex projects through project implementation plans including work breakdown structure, schedule, resources, cost estimates, contingencies, forecasts, and risks. Communicate status, issues, and risks to project stakeholders and adjust plans as necessary to accomplish projects. Research, document and refine project scope, business case, and requirements for assigned projects. Ensure that all technical, operational, regulatory, business, and customer requirements are effectively addressed. 
• Using extensive people leadership skills, collaborate closely with agency leaders, HR leaders, department heads and external partners to identify needs, develop objectives and implement tailored solutions.  Utilize change management principles and frameworks to increase buy-in and change adoption. Communicate effectively with the Board of Directors, Executive Leadership Team in presentations and materials.  Track, analyze and report project metrics, milestones and outcomes to leadership. Use data insights to make recommendations for continuous improvement and to demonstrate the impact of initiatives on employee engagement and DEI.
• Make independent decisions regarding project strategy, scope, and execution and maintain complete accountability for the success of the project. Review and approve appropriate project deliverables within HR policies and procedures. Review and approve deviations to the project plan and vendor specifications.  Identify and mitigate potential risks throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring effective resolution of issues as they arise.  Develop contingency plans to address potential challenges and ensure project continuity.
• Procure and manage all necessary consultant services according to company procedure. Liaison with contractors, vendors and 3^rd party administrators on employee engagement programs, reviewing contracts and deliverables. Coordinate, direct and monitor the work of consultants and vendors. Track and manage activity to successful completion. Conduct quality assurance and quality control, as appropriate.  Act as the main point of contact for project related activities, updates and communications across departments.
• Oversee the implementation of projects and initiatives, ensuring all activities align with Agency goals and promote employee engagement, organizational development and inclusivity.  Manage change initiatives and support the adoption of new processes through structured change management techniques.
• Complete projects in a professional manner meeting budget, schedule, quality, and requirements. Ensure satisfactory transfer of control upon project completion. Complete project closeouts in a timely manner, including program monitoring and continuous improvement plans and prepare end of project reports.  Continuously research, refine and apply project management and HR best practices to improve the quality and impact of initiatives.
• Ensure all legal and regulatory requirements are met, including federal, state, and local laws, workplace safety, EEO, etc.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in People Leadership, Change Management, Human Resources, Labor Relations, DEI, or Transit Operations.
• 7 years of experience managing complex projects and/or initiatives from planning phase through implementation including administration, budget, change management, risk mitigation, communication and oversight.
• Ability to balance simultaneous projects with cross-functional dependencies.
• Deep knowledge and passion for DEI, organizational development and employee engagement.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the job duties is also accepted.

Knowledge Requirements

• Project Management practices including scope development, cost estimating, scheduling, program management and project control
• Federal, state, and local laws.
• Common budgetary practices
• Human Resources and People Leadership
• Project management tools and HR platforms.
• Knowledge of DEI principles and practices.
• Change Management.

Skill Requirements

• Fostering an inclusive workplace by valuing and leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion to uphold Community Transit’s Core Values and achieve the organization’s vision and mission. Inspiring and fostering team commitment, pride, and trust. Facilitating cooperation and motivating team members to accomplish group goals while treating others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
• Strategic Thinking – ability to align projects with agency goals and drive long-term outcomes.
• Influence & Communication – skilled at building relationships and communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving – Adept at identifying challenges and developing actionable solutions.
• Adaptability – Flexible and resilient in managing shifting priorities and project changes.
• Project management
• Analyzing data
• Facilitating and leading teams
• Time management, multi-tasking, and adjusting to changing priorities
• Public speaking and presenting
• Coordinating and effectively working cross-functionally
• Budget management
• Developing, interpreting, and implementing policies and procedures
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Tools

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Previous experience as a Senior program or project manager in Transit Operations.

• PMI Certification
• Public Sector/Government experience
• Formal data science education
• Change Management Certification

Working Conditions

Hybrid telework may be available working 2-3 days per week out of our office in Everett WA. This position is not a fully remote assignment.  Availability is at management discretion and may not be available for this position based on the nature of the work.  Work is performed in an office environment and requires the use of office equipment and technology.  You will be required to move throughout and between different office buildings and may need to complete tasks in noisy environments.  You may also be required to lift and carry materials up to 10 pounds occasionally.

Application and Selection Process

• Only on-line applications accepted. 
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background check, reference checks and various performance tests.

Employee Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency’s deferred compensation plan.
• In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue of 24 days of Paid Time off (192 hours) in their first year and ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Full list of all benefits and details can be found here.

If you are related to or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be affected.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on a basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.