Project Program Manager IV (SDA)
Apply NowCompany: King County, WA
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
Salary: $125,257.60 - $151,424.00 Annually
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Special Duty Assignment
Job Number: 2025KA24353
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Division: Rail
Opening Date: 04/15/2025
Closing Date: 4/22/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: C4 : PROTEC17-P&T-MTD
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours/Week: 40 hours/week
Summary
*This opportunity is open to current King County Metro, Career Service employees, currently in the Rail Division*
We are not accepting external applications at this time.
King County Metro Transit's Rail Division is looking to fill a Program/Project Manager IV, Special Duty Assignment (SDA), to direct strategic priorities that will deliver innovative system and organizational improvements, support successful expansion and growth, nurture partner relations, and pursue safer outcomes for customers and staff. This position will supervise a team of program managers and will be expected to foster a collaborative team culture while providing coaching and development opportunities to direct reports. This position will also support special projects as needed.
Position Information: This recruitment process will be used to fill one (1) Special Duty Assignment (SDA) vacancy. The SDA is anticipated to last up to 6 months with possibility of extension. In addition, this requisition may be used to generate an eligibility list for future similar Term Limited Temporary (TLT) and Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions that may occur in this classification within the Rail Division. The eligibility list would be valid for twelve months upon creation and may be extended at the discretion of the hiring authority.
About King County Metro Transit's Rail Division
King County Metro is the exclusive partner and operations and maintenance provider to Sound Transit's Link Light Rail system. Light Rail is the backbone of Puget Sound's mobility future. With fast, frequent, reliable connections, the system is poised for significant expansion during this decade.
As the alignment continues to grow, it will influence and inform Metro's investments of resources well into the future. In order to strategically and effectively manage such a significant, accelerated rate of growth, the Division Director's Office has established the following strategic priorities to address what matters most:
With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all our residents, regardless of their race or income. All these qualities make this King County one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Job Duties
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and foundational expectation for all King County employees. As a Program/Project Manager IV (SDA), you will:
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
To be considered eligible for this role, applicants must possess these MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Supplemental Information
Who May Apply:This recruitment is open ONLY to current King County Metro, Rail Division, career service (CS) employees who have completed the probationary period in their current CS position. We are not accepting external applications.
To Apply / Required Materials:
1. Submit an online employment application, completed at , and complete all answers to the supplemental questions.
2. Attach a letter of interest that:
Application materials will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews and possibly other selection process elements. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks and/or a record review.
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact: Khadija Al-mohanawy, HR Analyst, at
Work ScheduleThe Project/Program Manager IV (SDA) position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay. Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Work outside of business hours may be required.
Union Representation/Job Code/Grade
PPM IV: PROTEC 17/243403/Grade 68
Teleworking Requirement
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly in a hybrid work environment that is predominately remote telework completed with occasional on-site attendance as needed at Operations and Maintenance Facility Central located at 3407 Airport Way South, Seattle, WA 98134. Some work out of other locations may be required, including the Operations and Maintenance Facility - East at 1925 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA and any future Sound Transit Link facilities.
Employee will have access to shared workspaces at various Sound Transit facilities. Employee must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Employee will be provided with a Sound Transit issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
Guided by our "", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities 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. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01
Are you a King County Metro (MTD), career service employee, currently in the Rail Division? We are only considering applications from MTD career service employees, currently in the Rail Division.
02
This position requires a letter of interest detailing how your experiences and abilities have prepared you to take on the job duties, including why you are the best fit for the position. Include a brief description of your skills, experience, and knowledge. Did you attach the required letter of interest (also known as cover letter)? If not, you may still go back to that section of the application and attach it. Applications that do not include all required materials may be rejected as incomplete and not advance in the process.
03
This position requires travel to locations throughout King County. Do you have a valid driver's license or the ability to travel around the county in a timely manner?
04
If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the recruitment process? This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation.
05
I certify that the statements made by me on the application and supplemental questions are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or material omission of fact on this or any other document required by King County may constitute grounds for rejection, or if employed by King County, for disciplinary measures, including dismissal.
Required Question
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Special Duty Assignment
Job Number: 2025KA24353
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Division: Rail
Opening Date: 04/15/2025
Closing Date: 4/22/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: C4 : PROTEC17-P&T-MTD
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours/Week: 40 hours/week
Summary
*This opportunity is open to current King County Metro, Career Service employees, currently in the Rail Division*
We are not accepting external applications at this time.
King County Metro Transit's Rail Division is looking to fill a Program/Project Manager IV, Special Duty Assignment (SDA), to direct strategic priorities that will deliver innovative system and organizational improvements, support successful expansion and growth, nurture partner relations, and pursue safer outcomes for customers and staff. This position will supervise a team of program managers and will be expected to foster a collaborative team culture while providing coaching and development opportunities to direct reports. This position will also support special projects as needed.
Position Information: This recruitment process will be used to fill one (1) Special Duty Assignment (SDA) vacancy. The SDA is anticipated to last up to 6 months with possibility of extension. In addition, this requisition may be used to generate an eligibility list for future similar Term Limited Temporary (TLT) and Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions that may occur in this classification within the Rail Division. The eligibility list would be valid for twelve months upon creation and may be extended at the discretion of the hiring authority.
About King County Metro Transit's Rail Division
King County Metro is the exclusive partner and operations and maintenance provider to Sound Transit's Link Light Rail system. Light Rail is the backbone of Puget Sound's mobility future. With fast, frequent, reliable connections, the system is poised for significant expansion during this decade.
As the alignment continues to grow, it will influence and inform Metro's investments of resources well into the future. In order to strategically and effectively manage such a significant, accelerated rate of growth, the Division Director's Office has established the following strategic priorities to address what matters most:
- Meet our obligation to Sound Transit and the region through effective expansion of staff who operate and maintain the light rail system
- Build a culture of care, belonging and inclusion where all employees can thrive
- Ensure safe, high-quality operations for employees and customers
- Strengthen partnerships with Sound Transit (Link)
With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda aimed at advancing regional change and is developing the systems and standards necessary to achieve better outcomes for all our residents, regardless of their race or income. All these qualities make this King County one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Job Duties
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and foundational expectation for all King County employees. As a Program/Project Manager IV (SDA), you will:
- Lead a team of Project Managers to improve system efficiency and support workgroups across the Rail Division of King County Metro
- Primary bodies of work for the team include employee engagement and retention, improving operational efficiencies, implementing new rules and regulations, and other projects that align with the four strategic priorities of the Rail Division (foster a culture of care, provide operational excellence, deliver on time expansions, and maintain healthy and resilient partnerships with our partners in rail service delivery).
- Collaborate with senior leadership to identify priorities and delegate tasks to the project team.
- Build an effective team of project managers through on-boarding of new hires and supporting talent through coaching, training, and teaching.
- Use various tools, including project management software, to manage project timelines and deliverables.
- Apply a lens of innovation and continuous improvement to all projects.
- Develop, nurture, and advance strategic relationships across King County Metro, Sound Transit, and other external stakeholder groups.
- Work with external consultants, including execution of contracts, managing project timelines, and ensuring thorough execution of scope of work.
- Act as lead project manager on specific projects, including but not limited to projects related to safety culture and employee retention, internal communications, and implementing new technology systems.
- Lead and participate in after action efforts to learn from operational experiences that come up and improve on the delivery of service.
- Facilitate discussions with diverse teams from across the Division to ensure that improvement ideas are fully implemented.
- Identify metrics to measure success of the project management team and the larger Division.
- Integrate social justice principles into strategic planning and desired outcomes.
- Perform other related duties as required; may be assigned to special projects.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
To be considered eligible for this role, applicants must possess these MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Five years of project management experience including initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing out the work of a team to achieve specific goals OR equivalent knowledge/experience to be successful in this role.
- Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and work collaboratively with individuals from a variety of positions and backgrounds.
- Must be able to set priorities, meet deadlines, organize work assignments, and operate with strong attention to detail.
- Experience identifying and implementing creative solutions to persistent problems.
- Demonstrated experience as a leader with the ability to represent senior leadership in various settings.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of equity and social Justice principles and an ability to effectively communicate on these topics.
- Experience facilitating meetings and presenting information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, including SharePoint, Excel, Word, and Teams.
- Flexibility to shift priorities as needed.
- Willingness to work in a team environment and perform other duties as assigned.
- Possess a valid Washington state driver's license (or ability to obtain Washington state driver's license upon hire) or alternate ability to travel to off-site locations.
- Masters degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Transportation Planning, or closely related field.
- Skill, knowledge or familiarity with change management, continuous improvement, and organizational development principles and practices.
- At least three years of experience supervising other professionals.
- At least one year of experience leading a team.
- Experience creating or informing strategic plans for a large organization.
- Skill, knowledge, or familiarity with Lean methodology.
- Experience with the public sector, either through consulting or employment within a government agency.
- Familiarity with local transit and mobility systems, including the business model and practices of Sound Transit and/or King County Metro.
- Experience using project management software.
- Experience in budget development and identifying cost efficiencies.
- Knowledge of HR principles, labor contracts, and/or experience leading recruitments.
Supplemental Information
Who May Apply:This recruitment is open ONLY to current King County Metro, Rail Division, career service (CS) employees who have completed the probationary period in their current CS position. We are not accepting external applications.
To Apply / Required Materials:
1. Submit an online employment application, completed at , and complete all answers to the supplemental questions.
2. Attach a letter of interest that:
- Describes your interest in the Project/Program Manager (SDA) position and how your experiences and abilities have prepared you to take on the job duties, including why you are the best fit for the position. Include a brief description of your skills, experience, and knowledge.
- Only the first two pages of your letter of interest will be reviewed.
Application materials will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews and possibly other selection process elements. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks and/or a record review.
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact: Khadija Al-mohanawy, HR Analyst, at
Work ScheduleThe Project/Program Manager IV (SDA) position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay. Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Work outside of business hours may be required.
Union Representation/Job Code/Grade
PPM IV: PROTEC 17/243403/Grade 68
Teleworking Requirement
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly in a hybrid work environment that is predominately remote telework completed with occasional on-site attendance as needed at Operations and Maintenance Facility Central located at 3407 Airport Way South, Seattle, WA 98134. Some work out of other locations may be required, including the Operations and Maintenance Facility - East at 1925 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA and any future Sound Transit Link facilities.
Employee will have access to shared workspaces at various Sound Transit facilities. Employee must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Employee will be provided with a Sound Transit issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
Guided by our "", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities 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. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01
Are you a King County Metro (MTD), career service employee, currently in the Rail Division? We are only considering applications from MTD career service employees, currently in the Rail Division.
- Yes
- No
02
This position requires a letter of interest detailing how your experiences and abilities have prepared you to take on the job duties, including why you are the best fit for the position. Include a brief description of your skills, experience, and knowledge. Did you attach the required letter of interest (also known as cover letter)? If not, you may still go back to that section of the application and attach it. Applications that do not include all required materials may be rejected as incomplete and not advance in the process.
- Yes
- No
03
This position requires travel to locations throughout King County. Do you have a valid driver's license or the ability to travel around the county in a timely manner?
- Yes
- No
04
If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the recruitment process? This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation.
- Yes
- No
05
I certify that the statements made by me on the application and supplemental questions are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or material omission of fact on this or any other document required by King County may constitute grounds for rejection, or if employed by King County, for disciplinary measures, including dismissal.
- Yes
- No
Required Question