Senior Program Manager (DCEO Office) (Project Management)

At Regional Transportation District (RTD), We make lives better through connections!

When you join RTD, you will be among dedicated employees exhibiting RTD's values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration, and ownership. RTD is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. As part of our diversity value statement, we encourage our employees to honor diversity in thought, people, and experience. Come join RTD on this great journey to be the trusted leader in mobility, delivering excellence and value to our customers and community.

RTD Employee Benefits: https://www.rtd-denver.com/careers/benefits

(RTD Represented Employee Benefits: Please refer to the Labor Agreement included in the above link for details.)

The Senior Program Manager provides high-level strategic oversight and leadership across multiple complex projects or programs, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and are aligned with organizational goals and strategic initiatives. Determines plans, develops budgets, oversees stakeholder management, and implements guidelines and processes to accomplish the work and achieve program objectives. In partnership with the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO), the Senior Program Manager acts as a key strategic advisor, ensuring seamless coordination across departments and initiatives under the direction of the DCEO. This role proactively identifies and mitigates risks, resolves high-level issues, and promotes a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Oversight and Strategic Alignment

• Responsible for planning, developing, directing, and implementing overall program operations to ensure all program activities, functions, and services are provided in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Coordinates strategic programs and initiatives sponsored by the DCEO, ensuring alignment with RTD's goals.
• Translates strategic direction into actionable work plans in partnership with internal teams.
• Develops and maintains project trackers, timelines, and dashboards to monitor progress, risks, and deliverables.
• Identifies interdependencies, flags delays or barriers, and supports timely resolution.
• Tracks key milestones and performance indicators to ensure accountability.
• Assists in implementing initiatives that support service delivery and operational improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serves as a liaison between DCEO departments and other agency departments to promote alignment and program success.
• Leads cross-functional teams to deliver complex programs on time and within budget.
• Prepares executive materials, including briefings, summary documents, status updates, and progress reports.
• Coordinates with consultants, contractors, and internal project teams to ensure clarity, accountability, and follow-through.

Operational and Strategic Support

• Assists with identifying process improvements and supporting operational planning within DCEO departments.
• Provides support for executive presentations and communications.
• Prepares reports and memos summarizing key milestones, risks, and outcomes.
• Supports the coordination of special projects and high-priority initiatives led by the DCEO.
• Maintains awareness of strategic priorities and provides insight for executive decision-making.

And

• All other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Public Administration, Business, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in strategic planning or program management, preferably within an executive leadership environment
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives or coordinating work across teams, consultants, and/or contractors.
• Demonstrated experience tracking deliverables, documenting progress, and communicating with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with project tracking tools, performance reporting systems and data analytics.
• Understanding of complex frameworks related to infrastructure, transit operations, and quality standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to support business operations.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Business, Engineering, or a related field (completed or in progress).
• Certification such as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Quality or Process Improvement (e.g., Lean Six Sigma), or Executive Leadership.
• Familiarity with public transportation systems, including capital programs, infrastructure, and service delivery.
• Experience working with or within government agencies, especially those with regulatory, funding, or policy oversight.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop actionable solutions.
• Ability to lead others, provide constructive feedback, and manage team dynamics.
• Understanding of executive office functions and governance best practices.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with executives, board members, and key stakeholders.
• Strong track record of driving initiatives to successful execution and measurable impact.
• Strong ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
• Proficient proofreading and document editing skills.
• Excellent project management skills and history of successful execution of project goals.

Or: 

An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.  

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform these functions.

• This role primarily involves sedentary work in an office environment, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental conditions.

• Duties typically involve using a computer and handling documents. Frequent communication with others to exchange information.

We are considering all applications for this position up until the position close date of 7/28/2025. For consideration, please be sure to apply before the posting end date.

Pay Range:

$109,309.00 - $154,398.25 Annual

RTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy [ https://www.rtd-denver.com/sites/default/files/files/2022-12/EEO%20Policy%20Statement-%20UPDATED.pdf ]

RTD posts a compensation range that represents a good faith estimate of what RTD anticipates paying for the position at the time of posting.  Starting salary is based on the candidate's relevant and verified education, training and work experience.  Applicants should submit all relevant and verifiable education, training and work experiences at the time of application.