Project Program Manager III

King County, WA; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules and telecommuting

Training and career development

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

King County Metro is seeking a Project Program Manager III to guide complex, high-impact initiatives across departments. You will oversee project tracking, standardize workflows, facilitate large meetings, and manage high-volume information requests from multiple stakeholders.

You will lead grievance settlement execution, support disciplinary processes in Drug and Alcohol compliance, and coordinate RFIs and litigation-related work with partners. Hybrid work with onsite days required.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience managing complex projects from concept through implementation or equivalent background.
• Ability to manage multiple large-scale projects with competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Advanced project management skills including planning, scheduling, risk management, implementation, and continuous improvement.
• Experience handling politically sensitive, high-profile projects with attention to detail and sound judgment.
• Strong ability to organize and facilitate large-scale meetings for leaders at all levels.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with experience developing reports, dashboards, metrics, and data-driven recommendations.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and other tracking systems.

Responsibilities

• Act as the point person for assigned agency-wide projects and programs.
• Coordinate external agency requests (L&I, WSHRC, EEOC, unemployment, and others).
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders; represent the organization to the public and agencies.
• Lead and facilitate large-scale meetings as assigned.
• Lead implementation and tracking of grievance settlement agreements.
• Coordinate and support Drug and Alcohol Program disciplinary documentation and processes.
• Coordinate RFIs, arbitration activities, and related labor-management projects.
• Develop standardized processes, project plans, metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Meeting facilitation

Reporting and analytics

Process improvement

Documentation and record keeping

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Summary

Come make a difference and join team Metro! Are you a curious, self-driven project manager who works independently and leverages resources and connections to move complex projects forward? If so, we invite you to bring your skills to our team.

King County Metro’s Transit Employee and Labor Relations team is hiring a Project Program Manager III to lead and coordinate complex, high impact projects that require cross departmental collaboration, process standardization, and effective reporting. In this role, you will oversee project tracking, develop and implement standardized workflows, facilitate large-scale meetings, and manage high volume information requests across multiple stakeholders. You will also create and maintain tracking systems, reporting tools, and documentation processes that support efficient and consistent project delivery. This position plays a critical role in guiding large organizational initiatives, improving operational workflows, and ensuring alignment across diverse teams.

Position Information

This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Career Service (CS), Project/Program Manager III classification vacancy. In addition, this selection process may be used to generate an eligibility pool for future Special Duty Assignment (SDA), Term Limited Temporary (TLT), and Career Service (CS) vacancies that may occur in this classification within this workgroup. The eligibility list will be retained for 12 months from the date of posting and may be used at the discretion of the hiring authority.

Who May Apply

We are accepting applications from all qualified individuals including current King County employees and the general public.

Job Duties

Applying our ACTIVATE values: being Accountable, Collaborative, Timely, and Impactful; how we Value Employees; staying Accessible; building what’s Trusted; and acting Equitably, is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. As a Project Program Manager, you will:

Stakeholder and Agency Collaboration

• Act as the point person for assigned agency-wide projects and programs.
• Serve as the primary coordinator for external agency requests, including but not limited to Labor & Industries (L&I), Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), unemployment matters, and other regulatory agencies.
• Communicate with people inside and outside the Agency; represent the organization to customers, the public, government agencies and other departments.
• Lead and facilitating large scale meetings as assigned.

Project Execution and Delivery

• Lead implementation and tracking of grievance settlement agreements, ensuring all settlement terms are completed timely and accurately.
• Supports the disciplinary administration of King County Metro's Drug and Alcohol Program by coordinating and processing documentation associated with employee drug and alcohol policy violations. Tracks disciplinary actions associated with drug and alcohol violations to ensure accurate records, timely processing, and compliance with applicable policies procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and regulatory requirements. Serve as a liaison between Drug and Alcohol, TELR and Metro people Leaders to facilitate communication, assist with drafting disciplinary documents, monitor case progress, and ensure disciplinary actions are processed consistently, accurately and in accordance with established timelines.
• Coordinate and track Interest Arbitration activities, Demand to Bargain requests, associated Requests for Information (RFI), and related labor-management projects.
• Preform special projects or other duties as required.

Project Coordination and Information Management

• Lead and coordinate Requests for Information (RFI) related to grievance arbitrations, ensuring timely collection, review, tracking, and production of responsive records.
• Facilitate, lead, and manage litigation tracking and coordinate litigation-related RFIs in partnership with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Human Resources, management, and other stakeholders.
• Manage the Transit Employee Labor Relations shared inbox and department tracking systems (grievances, investigations, RFIs, arbitrations, litigation, settlements, discipline, compliance, etc.).

Process Improvement and Reporting

• Develop standardized processes, project plans, metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance across assigned programs.
• Analyze trends and provide recommendations to leadership regarding litigation, arbitration, settlements, compliance activities, and workload.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Three (3) years of experience managing complex projects from concept through implementation OR a combination of education, training, and/or professional experience which provides the equivalent background required to effectively perform the work of this position.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale projects with competing priorities while consistently meeting critical deadlines.
• Advanced project management skills, including planning, scheduling, prioritization, risk management, implementation, and continuous process improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage politically sensitive and high-profile projects requiring significant attention to detail and sound judgment.
• Skilled in organizing and facilitating large-scale meetings for leaders at all levels.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills with the ability to lead technical meetings, training sessions, and cross-functional workgroups.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional work involving diverse audiences such as executive leadership, attorneys, labor organizations, regulatory agencies, and operational partners.
• Skill in serving as a liaison between multiple departments.
• Excellent organizational, customer service, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage department shared inboxes and triage high-volume, time-sensitive inquiries.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders such as leadership, organized labor, employees, legal partners, and external agencies while fostering trust and professionalism.
• Strong analytical skills with experience developing reports, dashboards, metrics, and data-driven recommendations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while managing highly sensitive information (e.g., personnel, legal, and labor relations information).
• Ability to manage complex case files with accuracy and consistency.
• Strong record keeping and document control skills (e.g., RFIs, investigations, settlements, and litigation tracking).
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and other project management and tracking systems.

Highly Competitive Candidates Will Have (desired, But Not Required)

• Experience working with large public sector agencies or governmental organizations
• Knowledge of King County Metro’s operations, mission, and policies
• Experience developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), business process documentation, and workflow improvements.
• Knowledge of drug and alcohol compliance requirements (e.g., DOT regulations).
• Familiarity with external agency processes (L&I, WSHRC, EEOC, unemployment claims).
• Understanding of litigation procedures and legal document handling.
• Project management experience preferably involving labor relations, human resources, legal operations, compliance, or public sector administration.
• Experience interpreting labor agreements, employment laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Supplemental Information

Who may apply: We are accepting applications from all qualified individuals including current King County employees and the general public.

Selection Process

Applications that do not include all of the required materials listed above will not be considered. Only the materials explicitly requested will be reviewed, additional documents or information will not be evaluated. Application materials will be screened for completeness and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews and possibly other selection process elements. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks and/or a record review.

Other Position Information

Work Location

This position follows a hybrid work schedule requiring a minimum of 2 days per week onsite at King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, Washington 98104, consistent with King County Metro's hybrid work policy. Remote workdays may be adjusted based on operational or business needs. Current onsite workdays for this position are Monday and Thursday.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Work Schedule

The position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not overtime eligible. Typical schedule Monday-Friday, with occasional hours outside standard business times depending on project and business needs.

Union Representation

The position is not represented by a union

Class Code

2441300 PROJECT/PROGRAM MANAGER III

Safety Responsibilities For An Employee

• Responsible for understanding Metro Transit Safety Policy and their role in safety.
• Report all safety concerns.
• Follow safety practices and procedures as necessary to maintain a safe work environment and in conformance with applicable regulations, policies, and training.
• Report safety and security concerns and ideas to supervisors or anonymously through data collection system.

Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

Benefits

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE

Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.