Project Coordinator

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.

Rail Contracts & Special Projects: The Rail Contracts & Special Projects Division within the ADEDA Department performs the management and periodic renegotiation of operating contracts with other railroads; acts as a resource within the agency regarding contractual rights and responsibilities; and manages special projects of agency significance including employee engagement-related functions.

Reporting to the Lead Project Manager, the Project Coordinator performs administrative and coordination tasks to support special project planning and execution including scheduling meetings, organizing project files, preparing status updates, and tracking deadlines; and support communication between project team members and stakeholders by maintaining accurate documentation and ensure follow-up on project activities.

The primary duties include: Schedule and prepare project meetings by sending invitations, organizing agendas, and securing meeting spaces or virtual platforms; maintain project timelines and task lists; monitor deliverable schedules; and follow up with team members to ensure assigned tasks are completed on time. Track milestones, dependencies, and deliverables using project management tools and trackers; update status dashboards, maintain accurate progress logs, and prepare regular progress summaries for the Lead Project Manager and key stakeholders. Organize and maintain all project documentation, including meeting minutes, scope documents, contracts, and compliance materials; ensure proper version control and consistent filing in shared drives or project management systems; and document meeting outcomes and action items. Serve as a central point of contact to coordinate communication between project teams, internal departments, vendors, and other stakeholders; distribute updates and deliverables; assist with issue resolution by gathering information and routing inquiries; and escalate concerns as needed to ensure smooth project operations. Assist in coordinating staff availability, equipment, and material needs for project activities; track and monitor resource use, identify potential gaps or conflicts, and contribute to resource forecasts and procurement-related documentation to support efficient project execution. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform otherrelated 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 in Project Management, or related field OR in lieu of a degree, a combination of education and experience that equals four years of project management or related work.
2. In addition to #1, must have a minimum of 2 years' experience in administrative support or project coordination.
3. Proficient with project management software (e.g., MS Project, SharePoint, PowerBI).
4. Proficiency in Microsoft 365, (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
5. Knowledge of project management methodologies, processes, tools.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
7. Strong record-keeping and documentation skills, with high attention to detail and accuracy.
8. Organizational, analytical, and problemsolving abilities, including the capacity to identify issues early and propose practical, effective solutions.
9. Able to multi-task, set priorities, and meet strict deadlines.
10. Ability to sort data, perform trend analysis, develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
11. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
12. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
13. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.

Preferred:

1. Experience working in a Project Management Office (PMO), supporting a project manager, or working within a project controls environment.
2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or an equivalent certification.

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. For general assistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. 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 the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at 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.