Program Manager-Enterprise Risk Management

Salary range is $66k to $170k, with a midpoint of $118k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Program Manager leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the agency's Enterprise Risk Management framework. This role is responsible for advancing risk-informed decision-making across the organization by collaborating with divisions, enhancing risk governance, and supporting executive and cabinet visibility into key strategic, operational, and organizational risks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Develop, implement, and maintain the enterprise risk management (ERM) framework, policies, and procedures aligned with agency objectives and industry standards (e.g., ISO 31000, COSO).
• Facilitate the identification, assessment, and monitoring of strategic, operational, financial, safety, security, compliance, and reputational risks across the agency.
• Plan and lead risk workshops, interviews, and cross-functional engagements to support departments in evaluating key risks.
• Collaborate with departments and project teams to integrate ERM into business planning and decision-making processes.
• Develop and manage tools, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to track risk exposure, mitigation status, and emerging trends.
• Lead the development of risk appetite and tolerance levels in collaboration with executive leadership.
• Establish and maintain clear risk escalation and reporting protocols, including preparation of executive/cabinet level briefings and presentations.
• Maintain the enterprise risk register, ensuring accurate documentation of risks, controls, mitigation actions, and ownership.
• Lead recurring enterprise risk assessments and follow up on mitigation actions with responsible risk owners.
• Guide the development and implementation of risk response plans, including mitigation, transfer, acceptance, or avoidance strategies.
• Provide training, tools, and guidance to staff and management on ERM principles and practices.
• Monitor emerging risks and external trends to inform risk strategy and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Promote a strong culture of risk awareness, accountability, and continuous improvement through relationship-building and ongoing engagement with internal stakeholders.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Risk Management, Finance, or a related field. Five years of experience in risk management, assurance, audit, compliance or a related discipline; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

• Professional Certification in risk management (e.g., RIMS-CRMP or CRMA).

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of enterprise risk management frameworks (e.g., ISO 31000, COSO ERM).
• Strong understanding of risk identification, assessment, response strategies, and monitoring techniques.
• Ability to analyze complex organizational risks and synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to engage stakeholders across diverse departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Familiarity with public sector or transportation agency governance, operations, or capital project delivery.
• Experience implementing risk programs or dashboards using risk management tools or platforms.
• Knowledge of internal audit, compliance, or financial risk practices.
• Experience facilitating workshops, cross-departmental collaboration, or executive briefings.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid office environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.