Nepa Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Director of Program Management, Infrastructure, the Program Manager for the Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP) will first be responsible for identifying, gathering, and analyzing data needed to inform decisions on how CHIP projects should be finalized, prioritized, delivered, and scheduled. Upon funding confirmation of projects, this position will work with chosen third parties on Preliminary Engineering/NEPA, Final Design, and Construction Management documentation. This position works collaboratively with the Planning and Network Development teams, as well as Engineering, Transportation, State Supported, and Operations, and others, to assess potential projects’ effectiveness in improving Amtrak train access the Chicago area from all directions.  Position will also assist in ongoing communications with USDOT/FRA, Midwest state DOTs, commuter and freight operators, suppliers, other third parties, and stakeholders to develop strategies, plans, funding and finance approaches, and partnerships to advance CHIP. 

• Communicate and collaborate with external stakeholders such as host railroads, FRA, state DOTs, and local agencies to determine effectiveness of projects planned to improve access in and out of Chicago area, as well as their constructability.
• Build and maintain strong internal/external stakeholder relationships and regularly meet with partners to achieve buy-in and execute plans. Draws upon the capabilities and resources of other departments to achieve objectives.
• Support preparation of EOI, RFQ, RFP, and related procurement documents for Architecture/Engineering services and construction contracts, and work with Procurement to negotiate award of contracts and change orders.
• Work with senior leaders to contribute relevant data to support annual planning activities.
• Provide financial project performance and forecast reports to senior executives and government regulators. 
• Adhere to Amtrak Enterprise Project Management methodology and standards.
• Analyze challenges, problems, and process breakdowns to ensure that lessons learned are used to improve project management and project delivery practices.

• Bachelor’s Degree required or equivalent combination of training, education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Plus, 
• 7 years of relevant work experience.
• 9+ years of prior relevant experience preferred

• Experience with stakeholders, including state and local governments, as well as commuter and freight railroads.
• Experience in passenger railroads exhibiting progressive growth and increased responsibility in providing major project delivery services to the public.
• Knowledge of:
• • Local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing the design, engineering, and construction of passenger railroad capital improvement projects.
  • Project delivery, engineering, and maintenance roles, responsibilities, and requirements.
  • Railroad systems including track, structures, communications, signals, and track usage procedures.
  • Principles and practices of capital and operating budget preparation and administration.
  • Principles and practices of public administration.
  • Social, political, and environmental issues influencing capital programs.
  • The Amtrak organization, Federal Railroad Administration, and the Midwest passenger rail network.

• Expert knowledge and ability to effectively oversee scope, schedule, and budgets of potential and approved major capital programs.
• Working knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of passenger railroad system operations, infrastructure, and maintenance
• Drive Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster partnerships to support scoping, budgeting, and resource allocation decisions aligned with strategic goals.
• Manage Dependencies and Risks: Identify and mitigate cross-organizational and vendor-driven dependencies and risks through structured processes and executive engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership skills, with proven ability to build teams, and lead technically and/or politically challenging projects. Expert ability to properly structure and resource projects and programs to ensure safe, effective execution.
• Master of collaboration, team building, and strategic alignment across all levels of both internal and external organizations and with a track record of successful and diplomatic coordination across stakeholders with competing objectives.
• Experience working with government agencies and organizations.
• Knowledge of project management, program development, implementation and administration for improvement and maintenance projects.

The successful candidate will join a supportive and collaborative team of professionals with a strong commitment to public service. The successful candidate should model Amtrak’s core values to do the right thing, put customers first, and excel together. Minimum of four days’ in-office work per week is expected.