Deputy Executive Director-Innovation & Research

Salary range is $190K to $340K with a midpoint of $265K. 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:

Reporting  the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), the Deputy Executive Director – Innovation & Research is responsible for managing and shaping Sound Transit’s internal ‘think-tank’. The DED leads a team of subject-matter experts and researchers, who conduct primary research and explore transformative technologies related to the public transit industry. The DED acts as the Agency’s primary point of contact for public/private partnerships focused on research, technology and innovation.

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.

• Directly manages Program Managers in the innovation team, establishing portfolios of work by identifying and expanding organizational objectives for innovation.
• Facilitates interactions with innovators, to help implement challenging new initiatives; develops business process and norms in support of team success.
• Works with the Director-Research to establish the scope, scale and strategic objectives for the Research function, confirms the research portfolio, and works to expand and grow team capacity to meet emerging needs.
• The Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) to recommend strategic direction and establish goals and major priorities for the Innovation and Research Division.
• Administers the ST3 Fund allocated to innovation initiatives
• Partners with the academic community, transportation professionals, the private sector, and diverse communities and stakeholders to research past and leading-edge ideas and philosophies to address current and anticipated transportation challenges and concerns to determine how those ideas can benefit the Agency and the Puget Sound region.
• 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 Business or a Business-related field; Ten years of progressive research, innovation management, product development or strategic consulting with track record of successful launches. Experience in progressively senior roles, in addition to experiences in developing and managing budgets; and designing and executing long-term strategic plans; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Eight years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience. 

Required Knowledge And Skills:

• Methods and techniques used in the performance of duties and responsibilities specific to the area of assignment including those related to innovation and research.
• Expertise in developing, executing, and evaluating strategic plans that drive innovation and sustainable growth. 
• Expertise in research methods, tools and techniques for large complex organizations.
• Advanced principles and practices of program development and public administration.
• Knowledge of social, political, and environmental issues influencing transportation programs.
• 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.
• 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
• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.

Preferred Knowledge And Skills:

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

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid office environment.
• 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.