Executive Director-Strategy Planning Policy & Programs

Salary range is $140k to $450k, with a midpoint of $295k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Executive Director plans, directs, manages, and oversees the operations and functions of the Strategic Planning, Policy and Programs Division including five functional areas: Community Development (including Transit-Oriented Development), Sustainability, Agency Policy and Strategic Planning, Fares Policy, and Strategic Agreements; manages, directs, and provides leadership for the above programmatic functional teams and integrates their work with other Department functions and other Agency departments; coordinates assigned activities with other Departments and external agencies; and provides executive level support to the Chief Executive Officer as directed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Manages and leads the day-to-day operation of the division, including responsibility for: budget development and performance, personnel management, overall strategic direction, work plan execution, and compliance with Agency policies and business practices.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work of assigned staff; assigns work activities and coordinates schedules, projects, and programs; provides constructive feedback; reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations.
• Coaches, trains and motivates staff; coordinates and/or provides staff training; and manages employee relations; manages the workflow and prioritization of projects and measures the performance of the department and all related staff and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary; provides advice and counsel to staff; develops developmental work plans for staff; implements or recommends corrective actions, discipline and termination procedures as appropriate/necessary.
• Manages, directs, and oversees multiple strategic programs to align to goals and priorities established through collaborative work with Strategy Department leadership and peers.
• Elevates and champions the work of the teams in the division; acts as a subject matter expert when representing the work of the group with peers; supports team leaders to grow, evolve and adapt their functions to meet new needs and challenges with the organization.
• Manages, directs, and oversees mid and long-term system planning activities in collaboration with team leaders and colleagues in Capital Delivery, Service Delivery and other Departments, including planning for Community/Transit Oriented Development, Sustainability and Strategic Agreements.
• Manages, directs, and oversees the Agency Strategic Planning and Policy program, and the Fares Policy Program.
• Interacts with external stakeholders in the conduct of Agency business, including elected and appointed officials of federal, state, and local government partners, private industry leaders, non-profit organizations, media, and civic organizations.
• Develops, administers, maintains, and oversees the annual budgets of assigned divisions through subordinate division managers, as well as the Finance and IT departmental budget; makes recommendations and forecasts for future funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; reviews and approves department expenditures and implements adjustments.
• Interacts with the Board of Directors as necessary and appropriate to support policy setting and decision making on programs as assigned; represents and provides liaison for Sound Transit with elected officials, government organizations and key constituent groups; serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Political Science, or closely related field; Twelve years of experience in managing operations, programs, and services in planning, and/or project management, environmental affairs, or capital project development; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Ten years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Methods and techniques used in the performance of duties and responsibilities specific to the area of assignment including those related to planning, policy, project development, environmental affairs, and intergovernmental agreements.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Methods and techniques of government relations programs and intergovernmental negotiation and partnership.
• Advanced principles and practices of program development and public administration.
• Principles of community engagement and public involvement.
• Advanced principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.
• Strategic policy management principles and practices.
• Negotiation principles and practices.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Basic project management techniques.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
• Performing high-level exceptional negotiations and effectively partnering with other departments and groups.
• Delegating authority and responsibility.
• Conceptualizing, influencing, developing, and administering goals, objectives, guidelines, and procedures for the division.
• Analyzing and reviewing budgetary information to determine the impact on the Division and the Agency.
• Managing large, complex projects and making decisions in fast-paced, difficult environments.
• Preparing and analyzing complex data and comprehensive reports.
• Maintaining confidentiality and communicating with tact and diplomacy.
• Responding to inquiries in effective oral and written communication.
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating new methods and techniques to effectively deliver programs, projects and services.
• Applying advanced project management techniques and principles.
• Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.
• Developing and monitoring departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules.
• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep knowledge of the communities in Sound Transit's service area, and the political landscape of the Puget Sound Region.
• Knowledge of Sound Transit's system expansion projects and operational services.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard hybrid office environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.