Deputy Executive Director-Strategic Partnerships

Salary range is $157k to $297k, with a midpoint of $227k. 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 Deputy Executive Director - Strategic Partnerships drives the initiatives that shape and elevate Sound Transit's reputation. Leading a team of subject matter experts, writers and program managers, this role takes the lead to forge meaningful partnerships across the private sector, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations - translating strategy into real-world impact.

At the core of this role is a bold mandate: position Sound Transit as a trusted voice locally, regionally, and nationally. This happens through sharp external affairs strategy, compelling storytelling, and partnerships that matter. The DED works in close collaboration with teams within the Office of Strategic Initiatives and partners across every function of the agency to ensure alignment, momentum, and results. And is able to translate high-level strategy into actionable plans with clear milestones, outcomes and accountabilities - ensuring that initiatives and partnerships yield measurable results and have a positive impact in the cities and communities we serve.

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.

• Develops and implements long-term public-facing partnerships and strategic initiatives in collaboration with executive leadership, aligned with the agency's overall external affairs strategy.
• Leads efforts to identify strategic opportunities that enhance and expand the agency's reputation - approaches initiatives based on their substance, sustainability and expected impact.
• Identifies, cultivates and manages high-value partnerships with private sector organizations, academic institutions, and non-governmental entities aligned with Sound Transit's mission, vision and values.
• Establishes, develops and sustains the programs and accountabilities within the division, including powerfully articulating its unique purpose, accountabilities and goals, defining service offerings and creating role clarity.
• Leverages creative thinking and a comprehensive understanding of multi-disciplinary communications functions to help lead Sound Transit to become a highly visible, trusted and influential organization.
• Drives initiatives that build Sound Transit's profile as an opinion leader, including executive visibility, speaking engagements, policy forums and industry coalitions.
• Acts as a strategic leader within OSI to ensure efficient and high-quality execution of major external-facing initiatives, through efficient business processes, comprehensive planning, and collaborative decision making.
• Supports and serves as key partner to the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) by recommending strategic direction and establishing goals, metrics and priorities for the Strategic Partnerships Division.
• Oversees the development of compelling narratives and stories that communicate Sound Transit's impact, vision and values to external audiences and key interest holders.
• Leads efforts to identify key influencers and opinion leaders in the Puget Sound region and beyond; works collaboratively with internal partners to coordinate Sound Transit's ecosystem of strategic relationships to ensure that they are cultivated and sustained, to achieve clear mutual benefit.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 with a specialization in Communications, Public Affairs, External Affairs, or a business-related field. Ten years of progressive achievement in delivering complex cross-functional communication campaigns or external affairs initiatives; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Eight years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience; including in progressively senior roles, in addition to experiences in developing and managing budgets; and designing and executing long-term strategic plans.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Expertise in developing, executing, and evaluating strategic plans and bespoke initiatives
• Experience in establishing and sustaining relationships with external influencers and stakeholders.
• Expertise in process and program development for large complex organizations
• Experience with interest holder mapping and relationship tracking tools or systems Knowledge of social, political, and environmental issues influencing transportation programs
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of communications disciplines including marketing, brand management, storytelling, public relations and thought/opinion leadership
• Ability to drive innovation, foster creative environments, and encourage new ideas
• Proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges using analytical and evidence-based reasoning
• Ability to analyze information, interpret complex data, and make sound judgments
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and functions.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Coaching, motivating and evaluating staff; developing and maintaining a high-functioning team including effectively setting priorities, delegating tasks and managing workloads.
• Proficiency in managing multiple large, complex projects, timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside organizations.
• Developing and monitoring departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Experience working within the transit industry or other public sectors.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Work is performed in a hybrid environment with an expectation of working in office a minimum of 3 days per week.
• 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.