Senior Program Manager-Talent Management Systems

Salary range is $78k to $180k, with a midpoint of $129k. 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: 

The Senior Program Manager-Talent Management Systems provides strategic leadership, program design, implementation and maintenance, as well as execution of agency-wide talent initiatives – Particularly those focused on career mobility, upskilling pathways, and internal talent management  systems. This position is embedded within the People & Culture Systems and Data team, which owns and stewards the technology, data, and infrastructure that support agency-wide People & Culture efforts.

This role is responsible for managing project timelines across the team, aligning cross-functional efforts, and ensuring that programs are informed by accurate data and supported by integrated systems. This is a strategic, hands-on role that blends program leadership, change management, project management, and systems thinking to shape and scale meaningful employee career empowerment opportunities.

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.

• Lead the design, implementation, and scaling of career mobility programs, upskilling pathways, and career development initiatives across the agency.
• Develop and manage team timelines, ensuring systems and data initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with agency needs.
• Partner with the P&C Systems and Data team to translate program objectives into system requirements, ensuring solutions are technically feasible and optimized for scalability.
• Apply a growth-oriented and outcomes-focused mindset, using data to assess, iterate, and improve programs for long-term impact.
• Use project management tools and methodologies to track progress, identify risks, and coordinate across multiple workstreams.
• Orchestrate and execute change management and communication plans that support awareness, adoption, and continuous improvement.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders across People & Culture, IT, and leadership to ensure alignment and program success.
• Establish and track key performance indicators, using data and feedback loops to measure program impact and drive data-driven decisions.
• Collaborate with People & Culture Communications to ensure consistent, branded communication and collateral around all initiatives.
• Stay current on trends and best practices in talent development systems and tools, bringing innovative solutions to the table.
• Support efforts to build an inclusive, agile, and development-forward culture across the agency.
• Support P&C programs and initiatives