Special Projects Manager II

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Supports and leads non-information technology capital projects, long-range planning studies, transit initiatives, funding studies, and the development of policies and procedures to support new transit services. This position is responsible for managing or assisting with the development of various initiatives in the Special Projects Department, working alongside Special Projects Managers, coordinating with multi-jurisdictional partners, the public, elected/appointed officials, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local policies and regulations. The role bridges planning, policy, funding, project delivery, and public engagement to help deliver new or enhanced transit services and facilities. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Lead or support capital project delivery to include the development of scope, schedule, budget, programming, conceptual design, environmental studies. Develop, update, and maintain transit plans, transit service initiatives, funding studies, cost benefit analysis, and alternatives analyses. Develop policies, procedures, standard operating guidelines or frameworks to support implementation of new transit services or changes. Develops, implements, and manages mobility projects. Manage consultant contracts, contractors, negotiations, change orders, ensure deliverables meet deadlines, cost, and schedule. Monitor compliance with federal (FTA), state, and local laws, funding rules, grant requirement; prepare required reports. Coordinate with internal departments (planning, engineering, operations, maintenance, and finance), external governmental entities (municipalities, counties, and state agencies), and with elected and appointed officials. Engage with stakeholders and the public. Organize and facilitate meetings, present project status, policy proposals, and collect public input. Assist in preparing and managing grant applications, funding plans, finance forecasting, capital improvement, and infrastructure plans. Track project or initiative performance to include schedule, cost, or scope. Support or lead multiple simultaneous tasks and projects, prioritizing work and managing resources. This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Transportation Planning, or a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible project management experience, preferably in transit, transportation, or public works projects. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience dealing with multiple governmental entities (city, county, state), public agencies, elected officials, community stakeholders. Experience with the development of independent cost estimates and price negotiations for professional services and/or construction projects. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Proficiency in project management tools/software such as MS Project, Primavera Demonstrated ability in public engagement, presenting to boards, commissions, and community groups. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate technical information for non-technical audiences. Ability to work independently, handle multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and manager priorities. Must be able to travel to sites to confer on necessary work. Must have the ability to meet and deal tactfully with the public and employees and maintain effective working relationships. Must have good judgment and analytical skills. Must have good mathematical, writing, and verbal communication skills and have the mental and physical ability to read and compose complex materials. Must have above average computer skills. Must know project management techniques and be able to perform scheduling and make timeline diagrams using PC software. Must be able to create and interpret reports. Must be able to conduct meetings and make oral presentations. Must be able to attend meetings both on and off VIA property. Must be a self-starting, honest, conscientious, and loyal individual. Must be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with individuals at all organizational levels both inside and outside the company. Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information (Labor/Management negotiations, etc.). Must be about to perform complex work and make independent decisions. Must be able to read and compose complex materials. Must be able to operate a personal computer and basic office software. Must have basic knowledge of applicable government regulations and federal, state and local laws pertaining to transportation issues. Must be able to maintain good work attendance. Safety Accountability Statement: - Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers. - Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security. - Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department. - Employees are responsible, and required, to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used. Must comply with and support all applicable VIA EEO Policies and Procedures. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach and lift objects weighing 5-25 pounds such as files, supplies, equipment and large heavy reference manuals and books. WORK ENVIRONMENTS: Works in normal office environment. Work requires off-site travel. Requires irregular hours. VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

Created: 2026-03-10