Deputy Executive Director-Innovation & Research
New Today
Overview
Deputy Executive Director-Innovation & Research at Sound Transit. Lead research, innovation and public-private partnerships; reports to the Chief Strategy Officer. The position directs a team of subject matter experts and researchers to advance transformative technologies in the public transit sector.
Salary and Benefits
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: 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: 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. At director level, accrual is higher. Includes 12 paid holidays, 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 receive an ORCA card at no cost.
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
Compensation Practices: Competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity; work-life balance, professional development, and recognition.
Lead the Future of Transit Innovation at Sound Transit
Sound Transit is a nationally recognized regional transit agency delivering the nation's largest capital expansion program focused on an excellent experience for passengers and the communities we serve. We’re shaping the future of public transportation in the Puget Sound region.
General Purpose
Reporting to 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 processes 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 grows team capacity to meet emerging needs.
Recommend strategic direction and establish goals and major priorities for the Innovation and Research Division in collaboration with the CSO.
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 ideas and philosophies to address transportation challenges and determine benefits to the Agency and the Puget Sound region.
Manages the day-to-day operation of the division, including budget development, personnel management, strategic direction, work plan execution, and policy compliance.
Coaches, trains and motivates staff; manages employee relations; prioritizes projects; assesses performance and implements development plans; applies corrective actions as needed.
Elevates and champions the work of teams; represents the group with peers; supports leaders to adapt functions to changing needs.
Champions and models Sound Transit’s core values and values-based behaviors.
Contributes to diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
Adheres to safety, sustainability, and other agency requirements.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree with a specialization in Business or a related field; ten years of progressive experience in research, innovation management, product development or strategic consulting with a track record of successful launches; experience in budgeting and long-term strategic planning; eight years in leadership, budgeting, planning and workforce management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Knowledge And Skills
Methods and techniques related to innovation and research.
Expertise in developing, executing, and evaluating strategic plans that drive innovation and sustainable growth.
Expertise in research methods and tools for large complex organizations.
Public administration program development principles and practices.
Knowledge of social, political, and environmental issues influencing transportation programs.
Ability to drive innovation, foster creative environments, and encourage new ideas.
Analytical and evidence-based decision making; ability to interpret complex data.
Cross-department collaboration and supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Managing multiple large projects, budgets, and resources; familiarity with laws and regulations relevant to the role.
Collaborative work with other departments, agency officials, and external organizations.
Development and monitoring of departmental budgets, costs and schedules.
Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.
Preferred Knowledge And Skills
Experience in the transit industry or public sector preferred.
Physical Demands / Work Environment
Hybrid office environment.
Agency safety training and equipment provisions 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.
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- Location:
- United States
- Salary:
- $200,000 - $250,000
- Job Type:
- FullTime
- Category:
- Other