Program Manager, Digital Innovation

About the Role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is looking for highly skilled individuals to join his team in support of the vision and mission – to keep the region moving with high quality best in class facilities. 

The vision of the COO is to be a world-class operator of world-class transportation facilities. The COO is focused on achieving this vision through four focuses: a) Igniting transformational change by translating business strategy into new, innovative ways to serve the public and the agency; b) Partner with agency leaders to shape agency strategies to maximize results; c) Protect the critical assets of the enterprise and ensure effective use of those assets to drive economic value; and d) Enable operational excellence to achieve at or exceeding service level and performance targets through the optimization of talent, process, technology and safety; and facilitate continuous capability and improvement.

Reporting to the Director, Workforce Transformation and Digital Innovation, this position will play a pivotal role in driving digital transformation across the Port Authority line departments by creating and implementing a digital transformation strategy that aligns with agency goals and objectives. Work with executive leadership and cross functional teams to develop initiatives and set priorities, ensuring seamless integration of digital technologies into all areas of the business. Serve as a change agent, promoting the use of digital technology and practices by championing digital tools and training. Drive data governance strategy and implementation to ensure data is a strategic asset. Support innovation by collaborating with agency staff to identify and pilot new technologies aimed at leveraging 21st century technologies.

Responsibilities

• Analyze line departments’ technology maturity, identifying gaps and strengths from a people/process/system perspective to inform department’s technology plans and digital roadmaps in alignment to strategic priorities.
• Establish data governance policies and empower data-driven decision making to improve business performance across line departments.
• Lead the implementation of a data governance program with strategic data framework, management, and analytics in line with best practices.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives across line departments in alignment with department’s technology plan.
• Spearhead innovative solutions and initiatives for improving business performance, customer experience or operational excellence across line businesses; support staff in pitching and piloting new technologies.
• Lead research and environmental scans to identify leading edge trends and emerging technologies that may be valuable to the agency.
• Engage with external stakeholders, partners, and vendors to advance partnership opportunities for pilots, projects demonstrations, lessons learned and use case analyses. 
• Manage consultant team in the delivery of digital transformation initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant technology, business and operations experience.
• Knowledge or experience normally acquired through or the equivalent to, the completion of a Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree a plus).
• Demonstrated experience with establishing or driving a digital transformation framework.
• Superior project management skills, with demonstrated experience successfully implementing a variety of projects with defined goals and timelines.
• Demonstrated ability working in a fast-paced environment, managing concurrent projects, shifting priorities, and handling multiple deadlines.
• Ability to lead others to deliver quality work under tight timelines and shifting priorities
• Knowledgeable in the application of large data governance programs and big data framework design and deployment.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to deliver written and oral presentations for executive audience.

Desired Qualifications

• Superior interpersonal and relationship building skills to drive stakeholders’ collaboration across the agency.
• Expert in developing, leading, and motivating diverse matrix teams, establishing objectives, and driving results for success
• Excellent communicator, able to liaise seamlessly between business & technical teams, working groups and senior leaders.
• Be accountable and take ownership to strive for high quality and success, empowering yourself and others to make decisions.
• Be a game changer by challenging the status quo, think outside the box and embrace change.
• Be customer oriented in all actions making tools, services, and end user experience a top priority.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and work under pressure with poise and confidence while making good business judgements.
• Be an authentic communicator by engaging in an open and creative culture where all ideas are acknowledged and encouraged.

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options for many positions, and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

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