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Sound Transit · 18 hours ago

Senior Program Manager-Federal Transit Administration Compliance & Standards

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level

$87K/yr - $191K/yr

5+ years exp

Sound Transit is an organization focused on transit solutions, and they are seeking a Senior Program Manager to ensure compliance with Federal Transit Administration standards. This role involves managing the agency-wide FTA Compliance Framework, conducting document reviews, and providing guidance on compliance-related inquiries.

Public TransportationRailroadTransportation

Work & Life Balance

Responsibilities

Own and maintain the agency-wide FTA Compliance Framework, including standards, guidance, review processes, and governance mechanisms

Establish and manage a coordinated, proactive FTA compliance program that spans capital delivery, service delivery, business operations, and enterprise function

Define compliance readiness expectations, artifacts, and review cycles to support audits, triennial reviews, and ongoing oversight

Serve as the single point of accountability for cross-agency FTA compliance alignment, escalation, and resolution

Identify, assess, and escalate enterprise-level FTA compliance risks, trends, and systemic issues to executive leadership with recommended mitigation strategies

Develop executive-ready briefings that clearly articulate compliance status, risk exposure, and recommended paths forward

Lead and influence cross-functional, matrixed teams across the agency to drive consistent implementation of FTA requirements, resolve conflicts, and align business practices without direct supervisory authority

Provide expert level interpretations to translate complex information to plain language for staff of all levels

Coordinate and manage responses to FTA findings, observations, and recommendations in partnership with executive leadership and affected departments

Represent Sound Transit as a senior compliance subject matter expert in interactions with the FTA and oversight consultants

Work independently and with agency peers, leaders, and consultants to ensure compliance and consistency across reports and documentation for the FTA

Maintain knowledge of evolving regulations and update internal stakeholders on changes

Review ST documents, policies, and procedures across the agency to ensure alignment with FTA regulations and requirements

Identify gaps or inconsistencies in documentation and provide recommendations for changes to meet compliance needs

Develop and deliver internal communications to ensure staff are informed of FTA requirements, expectations, and/or changes

Provide training and guidance to internal team staff on FTA-related compliance topics as needed

Ensure data security and compliance with relevant regulations, including data privacy and retention policies

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

Qualification

FTA compliance expertiseRegulatory compliance experienceTechnical writingProgram managementDocument reviewCommunication skillsCollaboration skillsAttention to detailAdaptability

Required

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Transportation, Business or a related field

At least five years of experience in regulatory compliance, policy review, technical writing, preferably in a transit or government setting

Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-level or cross-organizational programs

Experience interfacing with federal or state oversight agencies in an advisory or leadership capacity

Program-level planning, prioritization, and coordination across multiple initiatives and stakeholders

Strong executive judgment and ability to operate effectively in ambiguity

Strong understanding of FTA regulations, guidelines, oversight procedures, and compliance requirements

Experience in document review and development related to regulatory compliance

Strong attention to details and organization

Ability to collaborate effectively at all levels of the agency and with external stakeholders

Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels and present complex information in an understandable manner

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other agency staff, management, vendors, and outside agencies

Adaptability to meet changing demands

Preferred

Masters Degree in public administration, transportation, business, or related field

Experience working in a transit agency or other public governmental agency

Training or change management experience in relation to implementing compliance practices

Benefits

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 discount.

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.