Senior Program Manager-Talent Management Systems

Salary range is $78k to $180k, with a midpoint of $129k. 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.
• 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:

The Senior Program Manager-Talent Management Systems provides strategic leadership, program design, implementation and maintenance, as well as execution of agency-wide talent initiatives - Particularly those focused on career mobility, upskilling pathways, and internal talent management systems. This position is embedded within the People & Culture Systems and Data team, which owns and stewards the technology, data, and infrastructure that support agency-wide People & Culture efforts.

This role is responsible for managing project timelines across the team, aligning cross-functional efforts, and ensuring that programs are informed by accurate data and supported by integrated systems. This is a strategic, hands-on role that blends program leadership, change management, project management, and systems thinking to shape and scale meaningful employee career empowerment opportunities.

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.

• Lead the design, implementation, and scaling of career mobility programs, upskilling pathways, and career development initiatives across the agency.
• Develop and manage team timelines, ensuring systems and data initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with agency needs.
• Partner with the P&C Systems and Data team to translate program objectives into system requirements, ensuring solutions are technically feasible and optimized for scalability.
• Apply a growth-oriented and outcomes-focused mindset, using data to assess, iterate, and improve programs for long-term impact.
• Use project management tools and methodologies to track progress, identify risks, and coordinate across multiple workstreams.
• Orchestrate and execute change management and communication plans that support awareness, adoption, and continuous improvement.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders across People & Culture, IT, and leadership to ensure alignment and program success.
• Establish and track key performance indicators, using data and feedback loops to measure program impact and drive data-driven decisions.
• Collaborate with People & Culture Communications to ensure consistent, branded communication and collateral around all initiatives.
• Stay current on trends and best practices in talent development systems and tools, bringing innovative solutions to the table.
• Support efforts to build an inclusive, agile, and development-forward culture across the agency.
• Support P&C programs and initiatives as required.
• Champion and model Sound Transit's core values and demonstrate values-based behaviors in all interactions across the agency.
• Contribute 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 Industrial or Organizational Design, Human Resources, or closely related field; Five years of Human Resources or Organizational Development experience; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong project management capabilities with experience managing complex, cross-functional initiatives using tools like Smartsheet, MS Project, or Asana.
• Experience working with talent development systems (e.g., LMS, talent mobility platforms, skills assessments) and an ability to become a technical subject matter expert.
• Ability to assess and interpret data to create actionable insights; experience with dashboards, analytics tools, or data platforms (e.g., Tableau, Alteryx, Excel, PowerBI).
• Demonstrated knowledge of career development best practices, including internal mobility, skills frameworks, and employee learning ecosystems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex information to all levels of leadership.
• Adept at navigating politically nuanced and matrixed environments, influencing without authority, and gaining buy-in across stakeholder groups.
• Strong organizational and planning skills; ability to manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines.
• Solution-oriented with the ability to creatively address challenges and adapt programs based on feedback and evolving agency priorities.
• Familiarity with tools such as SharePoint, Smartsheet, Microsoft Products, and basic HTML a plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and achievement in programs design, delivery, evaluation, and continuous process improvement.
• Whole systems perspective while addressing and working with multiple needs, priorities, and diverse viewpoints throughout the agency to create equitable talent outcomes.
• Work well with technically diverse client groups and a culturally diverse team and clients.
• Importance of confidentiality and how it applies to Human Resources and sensitive information.
• Ability to deliver solutions within dynamic environments undergoing change.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and within a collaborative team-oriented environment using sound judgment in decision-making; systems thinking skills.
• Ability to be agile in thought and approach.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience working in the public sector or large-scale, mission-driven organizations.
• Background in Human Resources, Talent Management, Organizational Effectiveness, or a related field.
• Formal training or certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP, Agile, etc.) or Change Management (e.g., Prosci).
• Experience facilitating human resource programs and project management, including succession management and readiness in organizations or career mobility programming.

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.