Executive Director-Office of Planning & Development

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.

Serves as the agency’s lead on planning-related decisions that have regional and enterprise-wide implications.

Oversees Directors and staff managing a range of topics, including long-range planning, high-capacity transit planning, fares policy, system project planning and sustainability for the agency.

Collaborates to shape and deliver Board briefings, policy discussions, and strategic direction related to planning and development initiatives. The position represents the agency in executive-level discussions with local jurisdictions, regional partners, Tribal governments, community organizations, and development partners regarding planning and development, while coordinating closely with Agency Leadership to ensure unified agency positioning and sustained partner trust.

Partners with the Chief Planning and Development Officer and the OPD Chief of Staff in overseeing day-to-day operations of the Office of Planning & Development, including responsibility for budget development and performance, personnel management, overall strategic direction, work plan execution, and compliance with Agency policies and business practices.

Engages in collaborative work with other OPD teams, including Community Development, Station Planning and Urban Design, and Intergovernmental Agreements and Partnerships.

Provides strategic direction on mid- and long-range system development and planning.

Supports team leaders and staff in developing work plans and integrates those into the overall OPD workplan, and works with the Chief of Staff to ensure performance management to workplan goals

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; implements or recommends corrective actions, discipline and termination procedures as appropriate/necessary

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.

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.

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.

Work is performed in a hybrid environment with an expectation of working in office 3 or more 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.