Chief Strategy 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 : 12-16 weeks of parental leave for new parents.Pet Insurance discount.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 the general direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Strategy Officer drives the development, management, and execution of strategic initiatives and shapes the long-term vision of the Agency, with a focus on regional impact and future community needs.

This role oversees the Strategy Department, which includes Government and Community Relations, Communications, Strategy, Innovation, and Long-term Planning.

This role requires a dynamic and innovative leader who can bring a collaborative approach to leadership, navigate complex political landscapes, synthesize diverse information, and foster a forward-thinking environment.

This role is a member of the CEO Cabinet and assists the CEO and leadership team to ensure excellence in strategic planning and execution across the Agency and perform other duties directed by the CEO.

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.

Develops, recommends, and supports the implementation of the Agency vision, strategy, and goals, aligning with regional goals and community needs.

Creates, communicates, executes, and sustains the Agency’s strategic initiatives.Sets the Strategy-Department-level policies that affect the Department and / or the entire organization.

Oversees long-term planning efforts, ensuring alignment with Sound Transit’s modal vision for Link, Sound, and Express Bus services.

Advises the CEO and leadership team on an inclusive strategy, providing insights and recommendations based on thorough analysis and lateral thinking;

guides, coaches, and influences other senior leaders.Oversees activities and communications of the Government & Community Relations (GCR) and Communications divisions, to ensure effective communications within the organization, to the public, and to government entities.

Leads the Agency’s innovation activities, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking and strategic experimentation that creates opportunities for agency growth, financial stability, and deepening relationships with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Makes decisions and plans that have significant long-term (24-48 months) impact to Department; has predominant authority to make decisions on behalf of Department.

Ensures strategy, innovation, communications, and government and community relations policies, internal controls, standards, and associated procedures are effective, consistent, well-controlled, monitored, and continuously improved.

Ensures strategy, innovation, communications, and government and community relations activities and communications are provided with exceptional customer service and the highest level of ethical standards.

Makes decisions or judgments on problems and opportunities that are strategic, often unprecedented, and impact broad segments of the organization.

Reviews and integrates the development of subordinate leaders' multiple operating plans and associated budgets into a Department-wide plan;

sets or changes the operational plans and goals for multiple functional teams.Exercises authority for all personnel actions at the Department level, following long-term plan.

Establishes strategies by which the Agency acquires, manages, and preserves the financial, capital, human resources, and other assets to accomplish the business strategy to achieve Sound Transit’s mission.

In collaboration with HR, accountable for Department-wide workforce and staffing plans which ensure availability of human capital necessary to meet Department and enterprise strategic goals.

Develops succession management plans and increases the leadership bench strength of subordinate teams; mentors and guides professional development of staff to meet individual and organizational long-term goals and succession plans.

Builds strong peer-level cross-organization networks and productive partnerships outside of the Agency.Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.

Leads a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy and ensures equity is embedded into the departments' systems, processes, and policies.

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 Communications, Public Administration, Business or a Business-related field and twelve years of progressive strategic planning, government relations, and / or communications experience;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Ten years of leadership experience in progressively senior roles, in addition to experiences in developing and managing budgets;

and designing and executing long-term strategic plans.Required Knowledge and Skills : Deep expertise in setting and executing long-term vision, goals, and strategy for organization, in alignment with internal and external stakeholders.

Deep expertise in developing, executing, and evaluating strategic plans that drive innovation and sustainable growth.Deep expertise in understanding and navigating political landscapes and ability to build relationships with key stakeholders.

Deep expertise in identifying problems, evaluating options, and executing solutions.Critical thinking and analytical skills.

Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and functions.Ability to coach, mentor, and amplify the voices of all employees.

Project management and delivery skills to execute and manage timelines for strategic initiatives.Resiliency and ability to operate in a dynamic environment.

Ability to translate complex information to distilled, simplified communications.Ability to facilitate progressive organizational change and development within an organization.

Ability to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion aligned with agency goals, commitments.Ability to lead self and others to produce high-quality and error-free work.

Ability to identify and address potential risks to the Agency’s long-term future and strategy.Communication techniques and strategies to facilitate problem solving and initiate change.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills : Experience working within the transit industry or other public sector.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.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with DisabilitiesThe contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.#J-18808-Ljbffr