Director - Government & Community Relations

Salary range is $140k to $240k, with a midpoint of $185k. 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.
• 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: 

Under general direction, plans, directs, and manages the Government and Community Relations activities of a High-Capacity Transit Corridor. This includes working with Sound Transit Board Members and their staff, engaging with elected officials, regional business interests, and other community leaders and partners to build relationships and garner support for Sound Transit mission and goals. Provide an interface with all levels of government within the High-Capacity Transit corridor. Internally, supporting the CEO and all ST departments by providing political insight and facilitating discussions with agency partners, jurisdictions, and elected officials. Supports the Deputy Executive Director of Government and Community Relations and Chief Government Community Relations Officer by providing highly complex and responsible strategic guidance across the agency. Manages government and community relations staff assigned to the corridor to implement the GCR strategy for the corridor.

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.

• Plans, directs, coordinates, and implements an engagement strategy for elected officials, their staffs, and key community and business partners, as well as groups for Sound Transit in collaboration with Executive management and Executive team, as part of the agency’s overall outreach strategy in the Sound Transit corridor.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates Sound Transit’s interactions and presentations to local government councils and groups in support of the agency’s planning, construction, and operating programs and advise Sound Transit departments on strategic engagement with local land use authorities and jurisdictions.
• Serve as liaison to Board Members, elected officials, their staffs, and key community partners and groups to keep them well-informed of agency activities and priorities and advocate in support of Sound Transit priorities with these jurisdictions, communities, and partners.
• Works in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Leadership, senior management, and capital project teams in external relations across the High-Capacity Transit corridor by providing strategic advice on emerging issues to ensure Sound Transit’s projects and services advance.
• Coaches, trains, and motivates Executives, Department, and Program leads to engage externally to improve the agencies support and perceptions throughout the region and to determine times to elevate issues for timely resolution.
• Conducts high level tribal, state, and federal government relations by keeping state legislators and local Congressional staff in the various corridors informed about Sound Transit projects and servi