Senior Researcher (PPM III)

King County•Seattle, WA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

King County Metro Transit is seeking a Project/Program Manager III (Senior Researcher) to lead and support research, evaluation, and data collection efforts that inform policies, programs, and service design across Metro. This role is part of the Research & Innovation workgroup within the Mobility Division, supporting Metro’s commitment to equity, safety, sustainability, reliability, and customer-centered mobility. This role will independently manage small and large research projects, provide data and analytical insights for decision-making, and serve as a key project manager for Metro’s large-scale survey initiatives, including design, implementation, analysis, and translation of results into actionable recommendations. Responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional teams, consultants, and external partners.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Social Science, Statistics, Urban Planning, Marketing, or related field and 3+ years relevant professional experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Experience independently managing small and large projects, including cross-functional teams.
Knowledge of research design, survey methods, and data collection approaches (quantitative and qualitative).
Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret complex data and produce visualizations (charts, tables, dashboards).
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports and presenting to senior audiences.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and priorities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and common research/analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Qualtrics, SPSS, R, Python, Tableau, ArcGIS).
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of related experience.
Experience with advanced quantitative methods, including weighting, statistical testing, power calculations.
Experience with community engagement or equity-focused research and evaluation.
Experience conducting behavioral or attitudinal research, including segmentation, user testing, focus groups.
Experience with mapping software such as ArcGIS.
Experience managing consultant contracts or RFP processes.

Responsibilities

Act as project manager for research, evaluation, and data collection projects, including large-scale and multi-phase efforts.
Coordinate roles across internal teams, external partners, consultants, academic research partners, and cross jurisdictional groups.
Manage project schedules, deliverables, budgets, and communications.
Support consultant solicitation processes, including RFP development and proposal evaluation (if applicable to classification).
Lead the coordination, implementation, and oversight of a large-scale survey project, including sampling, instrument design, implementation best practices, segmentation, and weighting.
Manage multiple survey modes (e.g., online, mail, in-person, onboard).
Ensure methods and practices align with equitable research guidelines.
Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses using Census, administrative, customer survey, and other data sources.
Synthesize findings and prepare high quality reports, presentations, and visualizations (charts, dashboards, graphs, maps).
Develop tools that downstream users need to plan, develop, and manage transit services, programs, and products.
Facilitate interpretation of research findings by agency staff and leadership and support evidence-based decision making.
Present research findings to diverse audiences, including senior management, community groups, and technical teams.
Translate technical and quantitative information into clear, accessible language for non-technical audiences.
Support community engaged research processes when applicable.
Represent the Research & Innovation section on assigned projects or committees.
Perform other duties as assigned.