Government & Community Relations Systems Program Manager

Salary range is $90k to $185k, with a midpoint of $135k.  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:

Under general direction, the Government and Community Relations (GCR) Program Systems Manager plans and manages activities with a special focus on operational and passenger experience. This includes working with Sound Transit Board Members and their staff, engaging with elected officials, all levels of government, regional business interests, and other community leaders and partners to build relationships and garner support for Sound Transit mission and goals. Internally, supports the CEO and ST departments, leads or participates in cross-functional and inter-agency teams to address mission critical and complex issues, bringing community focused and political insights to support strategic, mission driven decision-making. Works on systemwide projects for the GCR division to address impactful operational issues such as major civic events and service disruptions, operational policy issues, and other projects as assigned. Supports policy development for operational, passenger facing, multi-modal and region-wide issues. 

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, and coordinates Sound Transit’s interactions and presentations to local government councils and groups in support of the operating program and advise Sound Transit departments on strategic engagement with local jurisdictions. 
• Works in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Leadership, senior management, and operations team in external relations across the system 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. 
• Direct strategic consultant support needed by various operation projects to develop and manage the elected leaders and project stakeholder groups as critical elements of the agency’s external engagement efforts. 
• Facilitates high level negotiations internally and externally with Board, agency, and department partners. 
• Participates in many Boards and Agency wide directives, representing the interests of the organization, community, business, and elected leaders. 
• Ability to develop, edit, and deliver effective presentations to external audiences, which includes Mayors, City Councils and their staffs, business and community leaders. 
• Draft and present written materials to internal and external audiences pertaining to operatio