Project/Program Manager III - Onboarding/Probationary Program Implementation

King County; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join King County Metro as a Project/Program Manager III in transforming HR processes. This role emphasizes collaboration and equity while implementing solutions to improve onboarding and probation processes. Candidates with project management expertise and commitment to social justice are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in continuous improvement and facilitating change.
• Demonstrated knowledge of project management techniques.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Lead transformation of HR processes to enhance equity and sustainability.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to design and implement solutions.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and labor contracts.

Skills

Continuous improvement

Change management

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Come make a difference and join team Metro!

**This SDA recruitment is open to current Career Services King County employees only**

Join the Business Transformation Team at King County Metro—the largest department in our agency—where we are leading the charge to transform Human Resources (HR) processes into standardized, equitable, and sustainable systems that support our workforce and operational excellence.

We are looking for a Project/Program Manager III who can lead and support change across complex systems, build trusting relationships, and translate strategic HR goals into actionable outcomes.

Position Info

This recruitment will be used to fill One (1) Special Duty Assignment (SDA) Project/Program Manager III. This SDA is open to current King County employees who have completed the probationary period in their current CS position. The SDA is anticipated to last through 12/31/2025 with a possibility of extension. In addition, this selection process may be used to generate an eligibility pool for future openings that may occur in this job type and classification within this workgroup. The eligibility pool will be retained for 12 months from creation and may be used at the discretion of the hiring authority.

Applying equityandsocialjusticeprinciples is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. As a Project/Program Manager III – Onboarding & Probation Process Implementation, you will also:

• Improve and standardize HR processes—such as onboarding and probation—to implement solutions that enhance consistency, compliance, and equity.
• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders and leaders to co-design solutions that promote alignment, shared understanding, and ownership.
• Build trust and engage employees through transparency, inclusion, and respect.
• Translate change management recommendations into practical actions that support adoption and sustainability.
• Ensure process improvements are aligned with labor contracts, policies, procedures, and regulations at local, state, and federal levels.
• Use data-driven insights to inform improvements, track progress, and support continuous learning.
• Collaborate with Metro and King County colleagues to problem-solve and resolve issues that may impede success of day-to-day, short-term, and long-term goals.

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• Three years of progressive experience in a position dedicated to continuous improvement and facilitating lean, change management, or equivalent activities for a complex and large organization OR any combination of work experience, training, and education that provides the skills to perform the work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of project management techniques and principles, including planning, coordination, and stakeholder communication.
• Experience with developing standard operating procedures.
• Ability to work through ambiguity effectively.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities, tasks, and environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills.
• Proficiency in compiling and preparing reports using spreadsheets or other software to tell a story.
• Self-motivated and resourceful.
• Ability to work at all transit sites throughout King County. Travel between sites throughout the day may be required.
• Excellent computer skills that include proficiency in: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.

Highly competitive candidates will also have:

• Experience as a Human Resource professional.
• Experience leading and coordinating diverse teams and working across departments with staff at all levels in a large organization.
• Professional certification (such as PMP, AICP, PE, or similar), demonstrating strong knowledge of and application of project management best practices.

Note: Candidates are encouraged to translate life experiences to show how they meet the required experience, knowledge, education, and skills.

Working Conditions

• Remote and Onsite Work Details: The role combines remote work from home with onsite reporting typically once per week. Reporting frequency may vary based on business needs.

• Work Location: Onsite locations include various King County worksites, with primary space at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104).

• Work Schedule: This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and not overtime eligible. It is scheduled for 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Variations may occur based on operational demands.
  

• The work is currently performed through a blend of teleworking, onsite work, and in-person meetings. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite to meet onsite obligations.

Application and Selection Process

Who may apply:

This recruitment is only open to current Career Services King County employees who have completed the probationary period in their current Career Service position.

To Apply:

• Submit a Letter of Interest (Cover Letter) no more than two pages, addressing:
• Why you’re interested in this opportunity and how your experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills match the requirements of the position, including any desired qualifications that make you a competitive candidate.
• Your progressive experience in continuous improvement, lean, change management, or similar activities in an ambiguous and change-heavy environment, OR any combination of work experience, training, and education that provides the necessary skills.
• How you approach building trust, collaboration, and engagement when working on initiatives that impact the workforce.

Your Letter of Interest will be reviewed to assess both your relevant experience and your readiness to take on a role in advancing change initiatives that support our workforce and organizational goals.

Selection Process:

All required application materials will be screened for qualifications, competitiveness, completeness, communication skills, and responsiveness to the application instructions. The most competitive candidate will be selected based on their letter of interest. Management may require an interview to make a final selection. The SDA will also be dependent on approval from your current supervisor.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, require accommodations or assistance in the application/assessment process, or have questions, please contact: Aimee Higbee at [e-mail].

Other Position Information

• This position is not represented by a union.

• Job Code: 243301 – Project/Program Manager III

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, and compensation.

Thank you for your interest!

We appreciate your time and look forward to reviewing your application. If you’re ready to help us make a lasting impact on King County Metro’s Employee Services, apply today!