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Program Manager

Job ID:

250646

Location:

DC - L'Enfant Plaza

Full/Part Time:

Full-Time

Posting Open-Close

08/01/2025

-

08/15/2025

Union

NRP

Regular/Temporary:

Regular

Job Description

Program Manager Marketing Statement:

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking an experienced technical Program Manager to join its Special Projects Oversight Management team in the office of the CFO. This role will lead the implementation of projects and systems within the Finance department. The Program Manager will be expected to deliver hands-on leadership in project management and governance to drive successful execution that ensures alignment with organizational objectives. Success in this role calls for strong expertise in transit operations, project management, project governance, risk management and vendor management. A successful candidate will lead the implementation of enterprise cloud solutions, including enterprise dashboards and business intelligence solutions. A successful candidates should have strong capabilities to lead system integrations and manage functional and technical delivery teams. If you're a strategic, hands-on leader with a passion for enterprise technology, financial transformation, and modern analytics, WMATA invites you consider joining our team and help move the region forward.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Transportation Planning, or a related field of study.

Experience

Minimum ten (10) years of experience as a Project Manager in the transportation industry related to leading consultants and professional staff in the end-to-end contracts/procurement fulfillment and fiscal management.

Certification/Licensure

A valid driver's license

Preferred

Masters Degree in Business or Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Transportation Planning, or a related field of study

Project Management Certification

Financial Management Certification

Contracting Official Technical Representative (COTR) certification

Medical Group:

Ability to satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this particular position either with or without reasonable accommodation(s).

SUMMARY

The Program Manager is the Subject Matter Expert and possesses the required education, training, and work experience of difficulty and complexed nature to lead the overall development and management of fare collection/fare media projects for the Authority. Leads one or more Metro and Regional Partners, the customer, and supervises the work of junior professionals that includes the on-time delivery of Request for Proposals (RFPs).

Responsibilities include lifecycle program/project management, delegating work assignments to junior professionals, coaching, and providing technical quality guidance. Formulates and manages program budget and a client relationship manager of high-profile programs/projects as a part of large teams of customers that involve political interaction and public interest.

The position stays updated on regulatory compliance when managing contracts, and technical requirements, and knowledgeable of trending innovation. Additionally, promotes a positive and collaborative organizational culture that includes diversity, inclusivity, equity, equality, and accessibility for all individuals. Responsibilities include optimizing experiences of all customers, employees, and stakeholders in each interaction that gives all individuals a sense of belonging and value to the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs lifecycle project management and provides technical guidance of all major program events and multiple customer projects related to fare collection/fare media, SmarTrip production and inventory management, and projects and functions. Manages and develops planning, staffing, budget requirements (e.g., budgets projects are part of the Regional Partners Agreement), quality control and safety measures. Prepares status reports (e.g., ad hoc, monthly, quarterly, and annual).

Conducts market research and prepares recommendations for program management, technology, and business processes. Strictly adheres to project schedules. Develops complete, accurate, and realistic project/program schedules. Ensures the closeout of programs (e.g., engineering, procurement, and budgeting tasks).

Ensures service quality and on-time delivery of Request for Proposals (RFPs) related to design development, program control, administration quality, and safety measures within budget. Coordinates the work of subcontractors, manages client relationships, and negotiates all aspects of contracts/acquisitions. Develops statement of work, program scopes, negotiates labor hours, develops cost models, and ensures quality reviews of contractors and work are complete and accurate.

Manages and supervises junior professionals and fosters open communication. Delegates work assignments and directs corrective actions for the timely completion of work to achieve business goals. Approves leave requests and timesheets.

Assists Director with developing and implementing measurable employee performance work plans with attainable standards to meet organizational goals. Provides performance feedback and ensures the fair distribution of performance recognitions. Completes employee performance evaluations fairly and individual development plans. Meets unique needs of staff and supports formal/informal training and ensures completion of diversity and inclusion training. Consults with internal human resources professionals, issues disciplinary actions, provides counseling, resolves grievances and work problems.

Interviews, recommends, and hires top talent to ensure operational efficiencies. Ensures proper employee onboarding and offboarding procedures, provides records management and job training, ensures ongoing professional development, and harmonious work experiences.

Identifies scheduling and cost variances and the implementation of recommendations for corrective action for negative variance. Ensures compliance driven project outcomes.

Coordinates across multidisciplinary departments on program requirements and funding needs. Provides quality customer service to individuals and organizations using an integrated program approach and matrix management. Assists supporting offices in obtaining major approvals and agreements from city, state, and D.C. jurisdictions including Federal agencies to assure program schedules and goals are met.

Maintains Contracting Official Technical Representative (COTR) credentials to facilitate procurements, contracts, requisitions, and budgets.

Manages, reviews, and evaluates changes to project specifications. Leads and manages consultative activities, resolves controversial issues associated with contract fulfillment. Uses conflict management techniques and negotiation strategies to minimize fiscal impacts and maximize control.

Rates contractors performance based on contract requirements (e.g., meeting deliverables, contract specifications, timetables, and budget requirements).

Develops program budget, participates in the budget process, and prepares periodic and specialized reports as required. Forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Monitors and approves expenditures. Recommends budgetary adjustments as necessary.

Reviews program scope of project work and provides constructive comments on development to ensure program needs, schedule, and costs are met and in compliance.

Serves as a Liaison and represents Authority before the FTA Program Management Oversight Committee. Responds to operations and program-related inquiries and ensures legal compliance.

Leads and facilitates program status meetings with staff, Director of Customer Service Sales & Fare Media, Vice President & Treasurer, and briefings for Authority Officers, General Manager, WMATA Board Members, Federal, State, Local Government Offices, and Local Civic Organizations as required.

Promotes a community of practice and excellence to improve employee experiences. Ensures diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility for all individuals.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

N/A

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

Skills and/or behavioral assessment

Personal interview

Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)

Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)

Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)

Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.