Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

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:

The Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer (CDEIO) plays a pivotal executive role under the guidance of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As a CEO Cabinet member and essential strategic partner to the CEO and the executive leadership team, the CDEIO is responsible for directing the Agency's Office of Civil Rights, Equity & Inclusion. This position is focused on establishing a clear vision and setting strategic objectives for the department, ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in the organization’s culture and operations.

In this capacity, the CDEIO serves as Sound Transit’s representative to various external stakeholders, organizations, partners, and communities, navigating the complexities of operating within a public agency dedicated to serving the public while championing the needs of both the community and staff.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CDEIO collaborates closely with others to fulfill the Agency’s mission and vision, ensuring alignment with its core values. This role involves the development of strategies and programs designed to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, while also embedding and operationalizing equity into the agency's decision-making processes.

As the agency's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Title VI, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) officer, the CDEIO is responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, safeguarding the agency's commitment to fairness and inclusion.

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.

• CEO Cabinet Member & Executive Leadership: Is an active member of the executive team, focusing on identifying key challenges and opportunities for the Agency. Demonstrates joint ownership of agency decisions that promote and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with and achievement of the agency's overarching business objectives. Positions the Agency for ongoing success by developing and implementing effective strategies that respond to the evolving landscape of agency culture, community engagement, passenger experience, service delivery, and project execution. Additionally, provides strategic counsel to the CEO, DCEOs, and other organizational leaders, guiding them in fostering an inclusive environment that supports the Agency’s goals.
• Strategic Oversight: Leads the planning and oversight of strategies related to anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Title