Senior Project Manager, Capital Controls - RLE

SALARY

$136,091.96

POSITION SUMMARY

Under direction, works with internal and external parties to provide budget and financial oversight of the Red Line Extension project. Coordinates schedules and activities, tracks project progress and results, and provides status updates and reporting for project stakeholders in relation to project financials and budget. Assists in managing a portion of the RLE Program Management team. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

•           Oversees staff on budget and financial management.  Brings any issues to the attention of senior level managers and identifies potential solutions.

o          Reviews and analyzes the RLE program and project budgets to ensure project is within budget.

o          Assists in developing and verifying funding strategies for priority projects.

o          Reviews cash flow documents, verifying accurate schedule, budget and financing assumptions. 

•           Supports in the oversight of the Project Controls group of the consultant program management contract for RLE activities, including tracking expenditures, identifying funding, recommending changes, reviewing contract documents and amendments, developing task orders and managing multiple task orders, and reviewing invoices. Responsibilities also include coordinating with the Infrastructure Program Manager web-based project management team to organize communication, process changes and process development for the RLE project.  

•           Coordinates communication between key project stakeholders and executive management and serves as knowledge expert in topics regarding project budgets, financial goals, and contracts.

o          Attends monthly budget meetings and ensures that meetings are targeted to key issues.

o          Coordinates with various internal departments and outside funding agencies to ensure grant requirements are met and regular project updates are provided.

o          Identifies project-specific requirements for funding agency concurrence and works with internal and external partners to achieve timely results.

•           Interfaces with Capital Finance, Law, and FTA/TIFIA officials to coordinate the RLE TIFIA financial requirements, including working with City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development on the complexities of the RLE Transit TIF in correlation with the TIFIA loan. Responsible for the initial and yearly financial plan update due to FTA/TIFIA officials as well as review of the RLE monthly report due to FTA. Will also be the point person for other various financial reports that may be required.

•           Performs related duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

Job Title

•           None

CHALLENGES

•           Balancing complex funding needs against multiple funding sources, considering funding restrictions, cash flow needs, and Authority priorities.

•           Focusing on the big picture strategy while understanding all the detail-level pieces.

•           Maintaining progress on longer-term initiatives while meeting the day-to-day requirements of the program.

•           Appropriately balancing interaction and information disclosure between internal departments, regional services, and federal entities.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

•           Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business, Finance or a related field, plus ten (10) years of experience in budget analysis and/or project management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

•           Master’s degree in Business Administration or related field preferred.

•           Experience in construction and transit field preferred.

•           Required to complete Rail Safety Training certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

•           Requires remaining stationary for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.

•           Must occasionally transport and/or maneuver to 25 pounds. 

•           Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

•           Detailed knowledge of project management, finance, and budget processes.

•           Detailed knowledge of business planning and capital finance.

•           Advanced financial analysis and budget management skills.

•           Advanced computer skills; particularly with databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.

•           Strong interpersonal skills.

•           Strong verbal and written communication skills.

•           Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.

•           Strong leadership skills, including comfort level leading meetings, clarifying direction and making decisions, as well as the judgment to identify when decisions should be elevated.

•           Strong writing skills, including ability to explain complex issues in straightforward terms, and ability to write persuasively.

•           Intermediate skill using budgeting software.

•           Ability to juggle multiple priorities and work independently.

•           Ability to provide executive level presentations.

•           Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of Authority personnel and outside contractors.

•           Ability to work in a complex public sector environment.

•           Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of operations and senior management.

WORKING CONDITIONS

•           General office environment.

•           Requires occasional visits to various field locations and construction sites.

•           Subject to prevailing weather conditions when visiting field locations.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

•           Standard office equipment.

•           Personal computer and related software.

•           IT related systems and programs particular to IT and/or Technology Projects common to transit and administration.