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Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)

Program Manager - Fare Revenue Systems & Modernization

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022

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Job Description Come and join the Office of Fare Revenue Systems and Modernization at Metro! We are hiring a Program Manager to help us make fare payments for Metro’s services frictionless and easy. The fares Metro collects help us run the system that moves the National Capital Region safely and sustainably. This position requires a leader who can deliver on investments for the agency’s fare collection and payment systems.

We are on the leading edge of bringing new technologies to transit for frequent and infrequent riders on Metro. We brought mobile payments on Apple and Google Wallets to Metro as a first‑to‑market feature in the US. We retrofitted our faregates in place to make them more resilient and to deter fare evasion – no other agency has done that. We are procuring new fare vendors in the rail system with the same passion for a best‑of‑breed solution with a customer‑centric focus. And we are now working on bringing open payments (tapping contactless credit cards directly on faregates, fareboxes, and parking exits) to the DMV. We are looking for someone who communicates well verbally, in writing, and who is organized and highly motivated.

If this sounds like you and you would welcome the opportunity to work with our talented teams across Metro and the National Capital Region, please read more about the position below.

Minimum Qualifications

Education • Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Transportation Planning, or a related field of study.

Experience • Minimum ten (10) years of experience as a Project Manager in the transportation industry related to leading consultants and professional staff in the end‑to‑end contracts/procurement fulfillment and fiscal management.

Certification/Licensure • A valid driver’s license.

Preferred • Master’s Degree in Business or Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Transportation Planning, or a related field of study • Project Management Certification • Financial Management Certification • Contracting Official Technical Representative (COTR) certification

Medical Group Ability to satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this particular position either with or without reasonable accommodation(s).

Summary The Program Manager is the Subject Matter Expert and possesses the required education, training, and work experience of difficulty and complex nature to lead the overall development and management of fare collection/fare media projects for the Authority. Leads one or more Metro and Regional Partners, the customer, and supervises the work of junior professionals that includes the on‑time delivery of Request for Proposals (RFPs).

Responsibilities include lifecycle program/project management, delegating work assignments to junior professionals, coaching, and providing technical quality guidance. Formulates and manages program budget and serves as a client relationship manager of high‑profile programs/projects as a part of large teams of customers that involve political interaction and public interest. The position stays updated on regulatory compliance when managing contracts, and technical requirements, and knowledgeable of trending innovation. Additionally, promotes a positive and collaborative organizational culture that includes diversity, inclusivity, equity, equality, and accessibility for all individuals. Responsibilities include optimizing experiences of all customers, employees, and stakeholders in each interaction that gives all individuals a sense of belonging and value to the organization.

Essential Functions

Performs lifecycle project management and provides technical guidance of all major program events and multiple customer projects related to fare collection/fare media, SmarTrip production and inventory management, and related functions. Manages and develops planning, staffing, budget requirements, quality control and safety measures. Prepares status reports (ad hoc, monthly, quarterly, and annual).

Conducts market research and prepares recommendations for program management, technology, and business processes. Strictly adheres to project schedules, develops complete, accurate, and realistic project/program schedules, and ensures the closeout of programs (engineering, procurement, and budgeting tasks).

Ensures service quality and on‑time delivery of RFPs related to design development, program control, administration quality, and safety measures within budget. Coordinates the work of subcontractors, manages client relationships, negotiates all aspects of contracts/acquisitions, develops statement of work, program scopes, negotiates labor hours, develops cost models, and ensures quality reviews of contractors and work are complete and accurate.

Manages and supervises junior professionals, fosters open communication, delegates work assignments, and directs corrective actions for the timely completion of work to achieve business goals. Approves leave requests and timesheets.

Assists Director with developing and implementing measurable employee performance work plans with attainable standards. Provides performance feedback, ensures the fair distribution of performance recognition, completes employee performance evaluations, supports formal/informal training and diversity and inclusion training, consults with HR professionals, issues disciplinary actions, and resolves grievances and work problems.

Interviews, recommends, and hires top talent to ensure operational efficiencies. Ensures proper employee onboarding and offboarding procedures, records management, job training, and professional development.

Identifies scheduling and cost variances and implements recommendations for corrective action for negative variance to ensure compliance‑driven project outcomes.

Coordinates across multidisciplinary departments on program requirements and funding needs. Provides quality customer service to individuals and organizations using an integrated program approach and matrix management. Assists supporting offices in obtaining major approvals and agreements from city, state, D.C., and federal agencies to assure program schedules and goals are met.

Maintains COTR credentials to facilitate procurements, contracts, requisitions, and budgets.

Manages, reviews, and evaluates changes to project specifications. Leads consultative activities, resolves controversial issues associated with contract fulfillment, uses conflict management techniques and negotiation strategies to minimize fiscal impacts and maximize control.

Rates contractors’ performance based on contract requirements (meeting deliverables, contract specifications, timetables, and budget requirements).

Develops program budget, participates in the budget process, and prepares periodic and specialized reports. Forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; recommends budgetary adjustments as necessary.

Reviews program scope of project work and provides constructive comments on development to ensure program needs, schedule, and costs are met and in compliance.

Serves as a liaison and represents Authority before the FTA Program Management Oversight Committee. Responds to operations and program‑related inquiries and ensures legal compliance.

Leads and facilitates program status meetings with staff, Director of Customer Service Sales & Fare Media, Vice President & Treasurer, and briefings for Authority Officers, General Manager, WMATA Board Members, Federal, State, Local Government Offices, and local civic organizations as required.

Promotes a community of practice and excellence to improve employee experiences, and ensures diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility for all individuals.

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

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.

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