Manager, Executive Projects & Strategy

Valley Metro; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley Metro in Phoenix seeks a Manager, Executive Projects & Strategy to provide strategic, analytical, and project leadership to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, coordinating cross‑department initiatives and monitoring implementation of the Strategic Plan. The role develops recommendations to support executive decisions and prepares briefing materials and Board presentations.

The ideal candidate is a problem solver with strong written and verbal communication who can translate complex

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategy, business analysis, management analysis, financial or operational analysis, organizational performance, or related fields.
• Experience supporting complex cross-functional initiatives and preparing analyses or recommendations for senior or executive leadership
• Desirable: Experience in public transportation/transit and experience preparing materials for a governing board

Responsibilities

• Coordinate high-priority projects, assignments, and requests from the CEO or Executive Leadership Team; gather information, coordinate across departments, identify issues and risks, track commitments, and support timely completion
• Monitor progress on organizational priorities and key executive initiatives and provide analysis of trends and issues, cross-department impacts, and matters requiring executive attention
• Conduct complex strategic, business, financial, operational and performance analyses; evaluate issues and alternatives; identify risks; and develop recommendations to support executive decision-making
• Prepare executive briefings, presentations, reports, and other written materials that summarize complex information and provide clear findings and recommendations
• Prepare and coordinate briefing materials, presentations, reports, and supporting analysis for the CEO’s presentations to the Board of Directors and its committees; track related action items and commitments; and coordinate follow-up with departments as directed by the CEO
• Conduct research using internal and external sources to identify emerging issues, opportunities, and potential impacts on agency priorities
• Participate in and facilitate executive and cross-departmental meetings and working sessions; prepare materials, document key decisions and action items, and coordinate follow-up as needed

Skills

Executive collaboration

Analytical capability

Written & verbal communication

Strategic thinking

Cross-department coordination

Board briefing support

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree desirable

Tools

Data analysis tools

Presentation software

Reporting tools

Job description

The Manager, Executive Projects & Strategy reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and works closely with the Executive Leadership Team to advance organizational priorities, support key executive initiatives, and monitor implementation of the Strategic Plan. The position provides strategic, analytical, and project leadership to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, coordinates cross-departmental initiatives. Conducts complex analysis, develops recommendations to support executive decision-making, and prepares briefing materials, presentations, and support analysis for the CEO’s use in presenting to the Board of Directors and its committees.

The ideal candidate is a problem solver with strong analytical capability and written and verbal communication skills who can translate complex information into clear recommendations, communicate effectively with executive leaders and external stakeholders, and coordinate high-priority initiatives across the organization. This person will demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, confidentiality, strong follow-through, and the ability to build support and move work forward without formal supervisory authority. Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Finance, Urban Planning, Geography, Data Analytics, Management, or related field. A master’s degree is desirable.

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategy, business analysis, management analysis, financial or operational analysis, organizational performance, strategic planning, or a related field. Experience supporting complex cross-functional initiatives and preparing analyses or recommendations for senior or executive leadership
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position may be considered
• Desirable: Experience in public transportation/transit and experience preparing materials for a governing board

Human Resources reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to the selection process

The following functions are intended to provide a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of this position and are not an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed.

• Coordinate high-priority projects, assignments, and requests from the CEO or Executive Leadership Team; gather information, coordinate across departments, identify issues and risks, track commitments, and support timely completion
• Monitor progress on organizational priorities and key executive initiatives and provide analysis of trends and issues, cross-department impacts, and matters requiring executive attention
• Conduct complex strategic, business, financial, operational and performance analyses; evaluate issues and alternatives; identify risks; and develop recommendations to support executive decision-making
• Prepare executive briefings, presentations, reports, and other written materials that summarize complex information and provide clear findings and recommendations
• Prepare and coordinate briefing materials, presentations, reports, and supporting analysis for the CEO’s presentations to the Board of Directors and its committees; track related action items and commitments; and coordinate follow-up with departments as directed by the CEO
• Conduct research using internal and external sources to identify emerging issues, opportunities, and potential impacts on agency priorities
• Participate in and facilitate executive and cross-departmental meetings and working sessions; prepare materials, document key decisions and action items, and coordinate follow-up as needed

Required Knowledge & Skills:

Knowledge of:

• Policy and operational decision-making processes of transit agencies
• Principles and practices of business, management, and organizational analysis
• Research methods and data analysis techniques
• Strategic planning and performance measurement principles
• Financial and operational analysis concepts
• Project coordination and management principles
• Board governance processes and public meeting practices
• Methods for preparing reports, presentations, and executive-level materials
• Public agency operations and organizational practices
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and excellent discretion

Skill in:

• Project and program management
• Gathering, analyzing, and interpreting financial, operational, performance, and other business data
• Identifying trends, issues, and alternatives and developing clear recommendations
• Conducting research and evaluating complex business and organizational issues
• Preparing clear and concise reports, presentations, briefings, and other written materials
• Coordinating projects and initiatives involving multiple departments and stakeholders
• Facilitating meetings and communicating effectively with executives, managers, staff, and Board members
• Informing others of the benefits/importance of an idea or plan of action and gaining their support or commitment
• Managing workflow in a dynamic environment, remaining organized and seeing projects through to completion
• Utilizing software for data analysis, writing, and presentation development

Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment and requires prolonged sitting, frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment, and regular interaction with staff and leadership. May require travel to meetings or other work locations. Requires the ability to regularly lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.

The position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise independent professional judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively in situations where assignments or solutions may not be fully defined.