The Project Manager – Program Implementation will support the implementation activities for the CONNECT NEC 2035 (C35) plan through a highly collaborative multi-agency process. C35 provides a blueprint for the initial 15-year phase of the vision established in FRA’s 2017 NEC FUTURE Record of Decision. With passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Commission member agencies are preparing for significant financial resources to support its implementation. C35 defines projects and a coordinated sequencing approach for special projects and capital renewal works that can be implemented or be underway by 2035. The C35 projects are intended to advance the NEC toward a state-of-good repair (SOGR), improve reliability, make the network more resilient against disruptions, and set the stage for future growth.
This position can be located in Washington, DC, New York City, or Philadelphia. Travel will be up to about 25%.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Support C35 implementation by participating in a consensus-driven program management process with the Commission’s member organizations.
Assist in the development of project/program implementation processes for the states and railroads to coordinate C35 activities.
Support working groups and other coordination activities with staff at various levels and in various roles and departments at stakeholder agencies as they gather, develop, refine, and communicate their service and infrastructure plans.
Support other Commission initiatives to ensure C35 implementation activities align with, and support future CONNECT NEC plans, five-year Capital Investment Plans, quarterly and annual reports, and implementation of the NEC Commuter and Intercity Rail Cost Allocation Policy.
Support management of consultants to supplement Commission staff resources. Responsible for day-to-day management of consultants to ensure that deliverables are on-time and on-budget.
Support the development of Commission reports, presentations, and other materials through data analysis and the development of written material.
Ability to work in a highly collaborative team environment.
Consensus-based stakeholder facilitation and coordination skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.
Ability to translate technical analyses into meaningful and appropriate information for different audiences and purposes (staff-level coordination, executive-level action, education for elected officials and the public, etc.).
Ability to multi-task effectively while remaining flexible in a fast-paced environment.
Fluency in Microsoft Office and program management software similar to Primavera P6.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, policy, planning, or management from an accredited college or university.
Five to ten years transportation engineering or planning experience with an emphasis on passenger rail or public transportation.
Knowledge of rail infrastructure, construction, and operations along the Northeast Corridor.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Master’s degree in engineering, policy, planning, or management.
Direct experience in passenger rail, freight rail, or transit.
Direct experience managing consultants in the delivery of professional service-related projects.
Understanding or experience with NEC Commission activities.
COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:
Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
The Northeast Corridor (NEC) is the rail backbone of the Northeast region and the busiest passenger rail corridor in the United Sates. It connects eight states and the District of Columbia and each day serves 800,000 riders and 2,000 commuter, intercity, and freight trains.