Program Manager-Workforce Development

Salary range is $81k to $170k, with a midpoint of $118k. 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:

Under general direction by the Director of Workforce Development (WD), the Workforce Development Program Manager manages WD initiatives for the Agency; manages the implementation of WD programs that ensure future-ready talent and meets strategic priorities; manages the implementation and accounting of the annual budget for WD; reports on initiative outcomes to a wide audience of internal and external stakeholders; works with internal and external partners to prepare and issue Requests for Proposal (or similar documents) as well as contracts for services.

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.

• Develop, plan, budget, manage and oversee a collection of WD initiatives that provide exposure, exploration and experience in trades and Agency-related career opportunities
• Collaborate to implement initiatives geared towards the outreach, training, hiring, and retention of under-represented workers in the construction and transportation industries.
• Manage programs that provide young people, high school and college students with on-the-job experiences such as field trips, tours, observations, internships, rotations, etc.
• Develop community partnerships that infuse transit-related skills into educational opportunities.
• Manage internal career pathway initiatives designed to meet future workforce goals.
• Works with department leadership in developing and implementing department and agency strategic priorities and desired WD outcomes.
• Works with department leadership to develop a WD program budget, track spending and report on outcomes, including administering the Sound Transit Pre-Apprenticeship support training funds.
• Write agreements and contracts between initiative partners.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Attend and participate in regional collaborations, committees, and coalitions that further Sound Transit's WD goals.
• Attend appropriate future workforce-related career events across the region.
• Develop and conduct outreach and education to other public agencies to gain interest and buy-in to implementing WD initiatives.
• Develop and manage multiple inter-local agreements and/or contracts with partner agencies.
• Address a variety of complex intergovernmental/labor relations issues, interacting with a diverse group of individuals
• 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 Human Resources, Organizational Development, Legal, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field; Five years of experience in developing and delivering workforce development programming, career pathway initiatives, construction and transit-related training programs, and community partnerships; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Understanding of regional workforce development system, partners, and funding.
• Experience developing career pathway initiatives for internal and external talent.
• Experience managing internship and other early career skill development programs.
• Knowledgeable in the construction industry, construction apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.
• Knowledgeable in labor relations and/or intergovernmental relations.
• Knowledgeable and practical experience using project management principles, methodologies and processes, skill in organizing, planning, and executing multiple initiatives.
• Knowledgeable of government operations.
• Knowledgeable and demonstrated experience in creating and budgeting principles.
• Public contracting experience.
• Experience working collaboratively with internal leaders, community-based organizations, construction union representatives and public agency staff.
• Understanding of Project Labor Agreements and/or Community Workforce Agreements.
• Ability to represent Sound Transit and it's Office of Labor and Workforce Development to internal and external customers, stakeholders, and executives.
• Passionate about removing obstacles/challenges facing workers.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, report writing and customer service skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative. Make day to day decisions regarding tasks, assignments, and conflicts.
• Commitment and passion for equity and social justice.
• Ability to quickly learn new information, follow directions, execute assignments on time, maintain a positive attitude, and be a collaborative team member.
• Ability to perform research, analyze data, solve problems and report on outcomes.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office in your daily work.
• Ability to manage your time and adapt to changing priorities, work on multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, meet quick deadlines, and produce timely and quality work products.
• Ability to uphold Sound Transit's values.
• Ability to maintain productivity and work in a remote work environment.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience in labor relations in the construction industry.
• Experience in a government agency.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship programs.
• Experience with SharePoint, MS Teams and other collaborative online tools.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid field and office environment
• This position is responsible for attending, planning, and engaging with many events, and bringing materials along. May be subject to hearing, eye/hand coordination, repetitive motion, sitting, standing, talking, seeing, walking, carrying and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
• 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.