Culture and Engagement Program Manager

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra's Human Resources Department's mission is to recruit and retain qualified employees in a diverse workforce; treat all employees fairly; facilitate training and professional development for career growth; effectively manage and administer compensation; negotiate and administer flexible benefit programs that provide quality and value; administer medical leaves and related services; promote wellness; provide confidential and efficient records administration; ensure that Metra's policies and procedures comply with all laws governing employment, benefits and other ancillary services; and foster an environment of trust and mutual respect with employees as well as internal and external partners. Human Resources is staffed with 30 employees.

Reporting to the Director, Culture and Engagement, the Culture and Engagement Program Manager will participate in the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategies that promote employee engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization; lead Employee Resource Groups in efforts to assess and cultivate diversity and inclusion; partner with Human Resources teams on recruitment and retention efforts to ensure Metra's culture and engagement agenda is successfully implemented and in line with the agency's strategic goals and workforce objectives; and monitor and assess diverse data for inclusion in management reports to senior leadership and Metra's Board.

The primary duties include: Collaborate with staff in the various divisions of Human Resources to ensure that all processes in recruiting, engagement, development, retention, rewards, and recognition foster high-performing, diverse, and inclusive strategies. Researching and developing and executing creative strategies and corporate alignment that foster the organizations DEI and engagement goals, initiatives, ongoing synergies and focuses, touching both internal and external stakeholders. Participate in employee engagement functions to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace culture and enhance the ability to recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing, diverse workforce. Manage Employee Resource Groups that provide insight on issues, policies, and practices; foster inclusiveness, support fellow members and the organization, and advance diversity; launch and support the groups ensuring their focus aligns with the organization's mission; track their progress; and promote their activities. Present training on The Foundation of Metra's Culture, Cultural Sensitivity, Inclusive Recruiting, and Empathy to employees at all levels in the agency. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree.
2. In addition to #1, must have a minimum of five years of human resources, data analysis, or program/project management experience including two years of experience in a Diversity and Inclusion or DEI related role.
3. Good knowledge of diversity and inclusion or engagement strategies.
4. Good knowledge of a variety of analytical techniques and tools to create compelling data stories/presentations.
5. Good knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR practices.
6. Good organizational and data analytical skills.
7. Good verbal and written communications skills.
8. Good active listening, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
9. Good project management skills.
10. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Word).
11. Ability to build relationships with employees at all levels of the organization.
12. Ability to effectively manage Employee Resource Groups.
13. Ability to facilitate and assess training on DEI topics and inclusive behaviors.
14. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
15. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.