Salary range is $60k to $150k, with a midpoint of $105k. 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:
Under general direction, the Program Manager is responsible for leading the Agency to develop and implement an engagement program that encompasses communications and outreach efforts within our operating corridors. Participates in interdepartmental and interagency project teams, leading strategic planning and influence across the Agency to align communications and safety business objectives. Must have senior-level project management expertise and comfort navigating between various teams to assess needs and opportunities. Develops appropriate strategies and implements and manages changes and interventions to ensure program goals are achieved, maintaining a strong strategic voice for improving communications and the passenger experience.
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 creates a strategic program driven by organizationally defined goals/objectives and strategies for engagement in an operating corridor; maximizing use of a variety of media sources; responds to a variety of public inquiries and constituent concerns.
- Plans and staffs a variety of engagement events including providing necessary staff/ambassador training.
- Serves as an expert in community engagement with a specific focus in Operations and engagement needed when construction engagement ends. This position will serve as an expert in interdepartmental and interagency teams and acts with autonomy and authority to align operating corridor objectives with communications business objectives. Uses collaboration and influence to move teams towards goals.
- Serves as the point of contact between Communications, Operations and Safety and Passenger Experience staff and the public; develops and implements engagement plans; and attends various community and public meetings to gather community input and feedback.
- Serves as the point of contact for advocates, partner agencies, neighboring communities and regional non-profits and provides guidance on best practices for engagement in operating corridors. Participates in various external meetings and committees, responds to a variety of public inquiries and provides appropriate information to resolve issues; tracks issues/complaints.
- Maintains awareness of new developments in the field of engagement and how to apply those in an operating corridor; communicates concepts to broad range of audiences and incorporates new developments as appropriate.
- Oversees and participates in the development and maintenance of engagement materials; drafts and edits a variety of public information materials including, print material, presentations or other digital content.
- Plans and staffs a variety of engagement activities including briefings and meetings, fairs/festivals, open houses, public hearings, and street team/staff volunteers.
- Develops and maintains evaluation methods to assess program strengths and identify areas for improvement.
- Implements and manages changes and interventions to ensure project goals are achieved.
- Manages program budget including consultant contracts and resources supporting the agency’s engagement and 1060communication efforts.
- 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 Communications, Public Affairs, Public Administration, or closely related field and four years of experience working in community engagement, community relations, or public relations; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Licenses or Certifications:
- Valid state driver’s license.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
- Methods and techniques of community engagement, outreach and education.
- Ability to create and develop a program that encompasses a new approach in our engagement strategy as we engage more with communities that are in operating corridors
- Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
- Establishing and maintaining effective collaborative working relationships with internal partners, community members, community-based organizations, businesses, property owners and the general public.
- Developing and delivering compelling presentations to various audiences.
- Distilling highly technical information into concise, easy to understand messages for public consumption.
- Senior-level project management including ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and organizing work to meet challenging priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to right-size and grow a program to account for future growth and sustainability.
- Using influence and ownership across teams.
- Demonstrating strong interpersonal techniques and commitment to establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse work group including other division staff, management, vendors and outside agencies.
- Resolving complex problems when collaborating with matrixed teams.
- Leading strategic conversations, chartering groups and creating planning documents.
- Conducting research and analysis and providing appropriate recommendations based on findings.
- Excellent written and oral communications skills including grammar, punctuation and spelling.
- Excellent customer service.
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
Preferred Knowledge and Skills:
- Transportation infrastructure projects and rail operations.
Physical Demands / Work Environment:
- Work is performed in a standard 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)