Senior Program Manager-Federal Transit Administration Compliance & Standards

Salary range is $87k to $191k, with a midpoint of $139k. 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 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.
• 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 of the Deputy Director - Enterprise Standards, the Senior Program Manager - FTA Compliance & Standards reviews and analyzes Sound Transit (ST) documentation and processes to ensure Federal Transit Administration (FTA) standards are followed across the agency as part of Agency Controls-Enterprise Standards team. This role will play a critical part in supporting compliance and consistency with FTA regulations and requirements.

This position will serve as a ST subject matter expert on FTA compliance requirements, ensuring that agency documents, policies, and procedures align with FTA standards. This role is responsible for conducting thorough proactive document reviews, providing feedback and guidance to staff and executive leaders, supporting communications with the FTA, authoring internal guidance and procedures, and serving as a resource for internal teams with compliance-related inquiries. This position may also assist in staff training and internal communication efforts related to FTA requirements.

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.

• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: 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; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• 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 Knowledge and Skills:

• 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.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work will be performed in a standard 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.