Project Manager, Programmatic/Program Management

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority • Alexandria, VA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is seeking a Project Manager to join its Program Management Team. This role will support the VPRA's Operations group in overseeing a multi-billion-dollar statewide rail program. The Project Manager will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering projects, developing and implementing CADD and design standards, technical specifications, and engineering policies. This position will also manage technical projects related to infrastructure improvements and assist Operations with ad hoc initiatives across Virginia. Success requires strong project management, exceptional organization and planning, knowledge of design and construction, and a collaborative approach. The role involves various business, technical, fiscal, and administrative functions to support program needs. This position may be based in Richmond or Alexandria, Virginia.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field from an accredited college.
• A minimum of 5 years of project management experience managing design and/or construction activities for a large (>$10M) transportation project in the role of project manager, project engineer, or similar capacity.
• Experience with engineering and design activities for passenger rail projects and familiarity with railroad engineering principles related to track and station elements.
• Experience coordinating project activities with Virginia municipalities and statewide agencies, including the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local transportation policies, funding, and legislative and regulatory requirements related to freight and rail Projects, including 49 CFR, Subtitle B, Ch. II and AREMA guidelines.
• Ability to provide project management support on several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to use technical expertise and influence to gain consensus on technical matters.
• Ability to conduct independent research into engineering-related matters, prepare reports, present findings, and make recommendations.
• Ability to manage technical teams, consultants, and construction contractors.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member, leader, manager, and problem solver in an organization with a diverse staff and customer base.
• Proficiency in using MS Word, MS Project/Oracle P6, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet Explorer, and MS SharePoint/Teams.

Nice To Haves

• Professional engineering license in Virginia
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Rail or transit capital project management experience.
• Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and Enterprise Management Information Systems, including Asset Management and project management software.
• Relevant design, construction, and/or operations experience with Class 1 railroads, specifically CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Corporation.

Responsibilities

• Develop, publish, manage, and maintain VPRA common engineering standards and specifications for VPRA Capital Projects, incorporating AREMA recommendations, CSX Transportation (CSXT), Norfolk Southern Railway (NS), Amtrak, and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) standards. This includes developing CADD Standards and guidelines, VPRA-specific design standards, and a manual.
• Support updates to existing manuals, established processes, engineering standards, and specifications across the Operations department to ensure alignment with applicable standards and industry best practices.
• Deliver ad hoc projects when a VPRA programmatic need arises.
• Develop technical learning materials and host in-house seminars to train Operations staff on projects/materials developed in the role.
• Support the Director of Program Management with periodic updates to the VPRA Program Management plans.
• Employ an understanding of rail and transit operations, including the environmental review process, to ensure deliverables/solutions meet the needs of the Rail Services, ROW, Planning, and Engineering & Construction teams.
• Develop and manage scopes of work, budgets, work plans, resource plans, and other supporting documents for assigned job activities.
• Support Program Management team, Operations, Finance, and Legal teams, and others as required.
• Develop and present reports, dashboards, executive summaries, and other verbal media to support VPRA and its leadership team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level