Project Manager, Operations Innovations

SALARY

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$109,234.07

POSITION SUMMARY

The Innovation PMO team in the Planning & Innovation Department works directly with other departments to provide project management resources and policy development support for innovative technology and strategic process implementations, including developing pilots and proof of concepts and then scaling successful pilots to agency-wide solutions.

The Innovation PMO team will engage in independent research on emerging transit policies and technologies and help lead the transformation and modernization of CTA by serving as a meeting place to develop an Agency-wide innovation strategy, develop new data integration and management strategies, and plan for potentially disruptive mobility technologies like vehicle automation, micro-mobility services, and multi-modal integration.

The Operations Innovations Project Manager will focus on improving internal workflows, launching new safety and vehicle-based technologies and processes, and identifying machine learning, AI and "Big Data" solutions that will create operational efficiencies, improve safety, support proactive decision making, and enhance the Agency's existing administrative processes.

Under general supervision, this position administers and executes project agreements and defines the scope of work for innovative pilots, proof of concepts and initiatives focused on improving the Agency's operations.

Manages projects from conceptual planning through launch and stabilization in conjunction with various Authority staff, departments, CTA contractors and other third parties to ensure projects meet Authority's innovation goals and objectives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, directs, and coordinates various pilot projects, proof of concepts and Agencywide projects in cooperation with Authority departments on various operational initiatives, including leading CTA's Innovation Studio initiative.
• Creates, develops, implements project plans by assessing needs analyses and project specifications.
• Establishes project timelines, workflows, and budget and tracks progress to ensure deliverables are on schedule and within budget.
• Coordinates with various CTA departments and staff to implement project plans that incorporate data collection for evaluation of the pilots, a customer engagement strategy, and communications support to highlight outcomes.

Establishes work plan and staffing needs for each phase of projects.

• Supports launch and management of innovative procurement and purchasing processes, and identifies solutions to improve speed to launch on new tools or products for CTA.
• Leads meetings between project stakeholders and maintains meeting minutes and prepares project evaluations and assessment of project results.

Responds to any internal inquiries and updates project plan as needed.

• Identifies and resolves project issues and risks and monitors successful execution of revised action plans.
• Partners with other PMs and team members to advance departmental priorities and projects related to fare systems innovation and operations.
• Research new trends in transit safety, human resource and administrative management tools, AI, Machine Learning and Big Data, and transit operations.

Helps create and implement new innovative approaches to improve Authority operations. Serves as a resource in generating, critiquing, and advising new potential projects, pilots, and proofs of concepts.

• Works closely with other departments at Agency to improve data management, integration, and analytics. Develops and launches innovative data collection instrument, procedures and solutions.
• Works with the Finance Department, Law Department, and Purchasing Department to create business cases for innovation pilot projects and proof of concepts to scale to systemwide implementations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs :

Job Title : N / A

CHALLENGES

• Managing multiple priorities while keeping projects on schedule and within budget.
• Working collaboratively across multiple CTA departments to advance Department initiatives.
• Adhering to project guidelines and schedules.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Technology, Business Administration, Business Management, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field plus five (5) years of experience implementing companywide initiatives and process improvements, or an equivalent combination of education and experience related to the position.
• At least one (1) year of previous project management experience is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

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

• Self-starter with strong ability to work independently.
• Detailed knowledge of project management principles and practices.
• Strong computer skills with knowledge of MS Project, Access, PowerPoint, and other computer software.
• Strong analytical and complex problem-solving skills with a bias toward data driven decisions.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex quantitative data into easy to understand and actionable recommendations through a consulting mind set.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, balance multiple priorities, deadlines and budget constraints with minimal supervision.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including active listening skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

Personal computer and related software (Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel), Project management software.

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