Senior Researcher (PPM III)

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 Metros 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 Metros 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.

Position Info: This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) Project/Program Manager III (Senior Researcher). In addition this selection process may be used to generate an eligibility pool for future Career Service Special Duty Assignment and Term Limited Temporary vacancies that may occur in this classification within this workgroup. The eligibility pool will be retained for 12 months from the date of posting and may be used at the discretion of the hiring authority.

Who may apply: We are accepting applications from all qualified individuals including current King County employees and the public.

Applyingequity and social justice principlesis a daily responsibility and foundational expectation for all King County this role you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values behaviors and practices to all aspects of this work. As the Senior Researcher you will:

Project & Program Management

• 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).
  

Large-Scale Survey Project Leadership

• 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.

Research & Analysis

• 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.

Communication & Engagement

• 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.
  

Other Responsibilities

• Represent the Research & Innovation section on assigned projects or committees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Wed love to hear from those who have:

• Bachelors 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.

• 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.

Required Application Materials

• A completed Job Application (go back at least 10years if you have l0 years of employment (more to include all relevant). Resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed job application.
• Resume
• Complete the supplementalquestions
• A cover letter that addresses why you are interested in this role and how your experience skills and/or education have prepared you for this position.