Manager Strategic Initiatives (SAFE)

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Manager Strategic Initiatives is responsibility for leading the implementation of, and/or supporting high-profile initiatives to improve agency economic efficiency, service quality and overall performance aligned with the vision, strategy and goals of the Authority. Duties include, but are not limited to, identifying and scoping key business challenges across the organization, managing and coordinating strategic projects, building relationships across departments to facilitate collaboration, gathering and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to identify business process improvement opportunities, supporting and monitoring the implementation of recommendations, and communicating this process and the findings across the organization.
Principal Job Duties

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• Master's degree in Science, Public Administration or Business Administration.

Other Duties

• Leads the design, management, coordination and control of major departmental business improvement projects that deliver economic efficiencies, and improve productivity, safety and performance.
• Designs, conducts and coordinates advanced data analysis and presents findings and recommendations to direct the Authority's response to critical operational and administrative problems, including but not limited to the following: budgetary analyses, reviews of work systems and procedures, development of performance standards and measures, workflow and economic analysis, productivity analysis, inventory planning, contract management, and organizational configuration management.
• Oversees and manages the department's strategic approach to data analysis, balancing the need for projects to be data-driven and evidence-based alongside the business need to deliver results in a timely manner that impact on performance and delivery.
• Proactively examines existing internal operational and administrative processes and identifies opportunities for improvement across the Authority.
• Builds and manages multiple agile teams comprising external internship candidates, colleagues from departments being supported on projects, and other external personnel or personnel from across the Authority based on the skill requirements of specific projects, including but not limited to engineers, analysts, technicians and inspectors.
• Builds collaborative partnerships with internal and external partners to enhance the capacity and capabilities of the Authority's department to identify and deliver innovative solutions to critical business problems.
• Supports the implementation, monitoring and assessment of corrective action plans from internal and external departments.
• Regularly produces analytical reports relating to organizational and project-based delivery to inform the Authority's strategic decision-making.
• Supports the Principal Strategic Program Manager to plan, coordinate and oversee the department's overall administrative, financial and operational activities, procedures and staff.

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of and applied experience with data systems, data management, and a wide range of applied quantitative and qualitative data research techniques, including experimental design, data collection and controls, data analysis and data visualization.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of project management, to coordinate, review and provide expert management of multiple, independent projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of budgetary and contract management, and laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, policies and procedures that govern the activities of a complex public sector agency.
• Preferably, demonstrated knowledge and understanding of a complex transit organization and the various operational requirements, challenges and constraints.

Skills

• Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.

Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to independently explore, comprehend and define complex problems, and develop imaginative, data-driven and workable solutions that deliver results to improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency in a challenging operational environment.
• Demonstrated ability to design, manage, coordinate numerous complex and concurrent projects, and ensure compliance with policies and procedures while maintaining current knowledge of the latest developments and pending requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective strategic and operational collaborative partnerships at all levels within an organization, and with external agents.

Machine, Tools, Equipment, Software, Hardware Required

• Personal Computers; Copy Machines; Telephones and other office machinery
• MS Office Suite; Maximo and similar management information systems

Supervisory Responsibility

• Strong, effective communication skills and team building skills, evidenced by the ability to organize, structure, and frame ideas, issues, and strategies in a clear, focused, and persuasive manager, and to work effectively across organizational lines, at different levels of the organization to establish and maintain rapport with colleagues and outside officials.
• Advanced statistical analysis skills in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VBA and macros.
• Preferable applied skills and experience with Machine Learning, a querying language (e.g. SQL, Hive), a scripting language (e.g. Python, Matlab), and a statistical language (e.g. R, SAS).

|Supervises work of others, including planning, assigning and scheduling work, reviewing work and ensuring quality standards, training staff and overseeing their productivity. May offer recommendations for hiring, termination and pay adjustments, but does not have responsibility for making these decisions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education

• A Bachelor's degree in Science, Public Administration or Business Administration.

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of six (6) years of demonstrated experience in data analysis, including complex statistical and budgetary analysis
• A minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in project management in a large organization

Minimum Certification/Licensure

• N/A

Preferred Qualifications

• Participates in the development of strategic goals, methods and action plans to include measurable, data-driven objectives, fixed responsibilities and established timelines. Monitors, evaluates and recommends changes in the plan when appropriate.
• Contributes to and supports the establishment of effective operating policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Ensures the enforcement of policies and procedures.
• Supports the Principal Strategic Program Manager in high level administrative activities (e.g. Emergency Preparedness Planning) and liaison with internal leadership on issues that affect safety and security.

ABOUT US

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) was created by an interstate compact in 1967 to plan, develop, build, finance, and operate a balanced regional transportation system in the national capital area. Metro began building its rail system in 1969, acquired four regional bus systems in 1973, and began operating the first phase of Metrorail in 1976. Today, Metrorail serves 97 stations and has 128 miles of track. Metrobus serves the nation's capital 24 hours a day, seven days a week with 1,500 buses. Metrorail and Metrobus serve a population of approximately 4 million within a 1,500-square mile jurisdiction. Metro began its paratransit service, MetroAccess, in 1994; it provides about 2.3 million trips per year.

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, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

At the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, we prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of our employees, passengers, and community. We are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace as part of our efforts to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Our policies and practices are designed to support our employees' health and safety, while also fulfilling our duty to provide dependable and efficient service.

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.



ABOUT THE TEAM

Welcome to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)! At WMATA, we are dedicated to connecting communities and enhancing the quality of life in the region. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services that contribute to the economic vitality and sustainability of our region. As a leader in public transportation, we pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation, customer service, and sustainability. Our team is passionate about serving our community and making a positive impact every day. We foster a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees are valued and empowered to succeed. At WMATA, we believe in the growth and development of our employees. We offer a range of opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement. Join us and be a part of a dynamic organization that values collaboration, integrity, and excellence. If you're looking for a place where you can make a difference and contribute to the future of public transportation, WMATA is the place for you. We invite you to explore career opportunities with us and join our team dedicated to moving the region forward. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) - Connecting Communities, Enhancing Lives.