Sound Transit Program Manager (Strategic Advisor 2)

Seattle

Saturday, 09 May 2026

Are you a collaborative program manager who thrives in complex public sector environments? Do you excel at bringing agencies together, managing high impact infrastructure work, and protecting essential utility interests? If so, Seattle Public Utilities invites you to apply for our Sound Transit (ST) Program Manager role. This position serves as SPU’s primary representative for Sound Transit’s (ST) ongoing major expansion of light rail, ST 3, which includes the West Seattle and Ballard Link segments and infill stations at S. Graham St, Boeing Access Road and Pinehurst. In this role, you will guide SPU’s approach, coordinate with numerous City and external partners, and manage the agreements, reviews, and collaborative efforts needed to protect SPU’s assets while supporting the successful delivery of these significant regional transportation investments. About Seattle Public Utilities: SPU is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations. For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out these links:SPU Website. Strategic Business Plan SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities. We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including: Family-friendly and multicultural work environment Generous benefits package Free Orca Pass City pension plan with employer/employee contributions. Growth potential and advancement opportunities Job Responsibilities Program Leadership and Representation. Serve as SPU’s primary point of contact for Sound Transit’s light rail programs within SPU’s service area – primarily Seattle city limits. Represent SPU in complex, multi-agency coordination for Sound Transit and related transportation projects. Represent SPU on the City’s West Seattle and Ballard Link (WSBL) teams and lead SPU’s participation across Citywide engineering, environmental, planning, permitting, and funding workgroups. Contract and Budget Management. Manage SPU’s portions of existing and future City/ Sound Transit agreements, including design review, real property services, and construction administration. Ensure consistency across multiple active contracts; negotiate amendments, track scope and budgets, and prepare monthly invoices. Develop and negotiate SPU scopes and budgets for future WSBL agreements. Multi-Agency and Interjurisdictional Coordination. Coordinate closely with partner City departments including SDOT, Seattle City Light, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. Work with external permitting jurisdictions such as the City of Shoreline to support permit review, approval, and implementation for work affecting SPU assets. Technical and Subject Matter Expert Team Coordination. Lead and coordinate SPU’s subject matter experts, including engineering, construction, lines of business, and real property staff supporting Sound Transit projects. Ensure SPU reviews and other participation supports the overall program schedule. Regulatory and Policy Guidance. Coordinate with the Department of Ecology and SPU’s Drainage & Wastewater staff regarding Stormwater Code requirements affecting light rail guideway surfaces. Inform SPU leadership of regulatory implications and communicate required design considerations to Sound Transit. Identify policy issues, evaluate options, and provide recommendations to SPU executives, including participating in Citywide permitting and code-improvement efforts. Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job Qualifications Experience: Five (5) years of experience managing scope, schedule and budget for complex, highly visible public capital projects, including extensive inter-agency collaboration. AND - Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Public or Business Administration, Urban or Transportation Planning, Construction Management, Architecture or related field. OR - Experience Equivalency: Equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties. Desired Qualifications:Strong communicator with experience working across agencies, departments, and organizational levels. Proven ability to manage complex projects or programs, ideally involving public infrastructure or multi-agency coordination. Excellent graphic, analytical, interpersonal, and writing and oral communication skills. Ability to grasp complex issues, identify alternative approaches to problems and issues, develop policy recommendations, and exercise sound judgment. Demonstrated ability to balance support for large multi-agency public priorities (such as ST Light Rail) while advocating for and protecting the interests of utility ratepayers. Comprehension of and demonstrated experience with capital delivery life cycle: planning, design, construction, and closeout. Experience working with multiple and varied stakeholders including capital project team members, vendors, consultants, permitting agencies, community members, and customers. Experience writing, negotiating, and managing contracts, agreements, scopes, and budgets. Success leading and influencing the work of staff who do not directly report to you. Work Environment/ Physical Demands:Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment. License, Certification, and Other Requirements:Washington State Drivers License or evidence of equivalent mobility.

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