Executive Director — Planning & Development Leader

SoundTransit; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 206,000 - 464,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Disability & Life Insurance

Retirement plans

PTO 25 days

Parental leave

Pet Insurance

ORCA card

Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

Job summary

Sound Transit seeks an Executive Director to lead the Office of Planning and Development, directing long-range transit planning, corridor studies, and policy development. The role interfaces with executive leadership, board, and external partners to align planning with agency strategy and sustainability goals.

The position oversees budgets, personnel, and cross-departmental collaboration, driving performance and equity across Sound Transit’s regional programs and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning, public policy, or related field with 12 years of planning program experience.
• 10 years of supervisory leadership, budget, and workforce management experience.
• Strong knowledge of regional planning, urban transportation, and policy development.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning decisions with regional and enterprise-wide implications.
• Oversee long-range and high-capacity transit planning activities and fares policy.
• Collaborate with executive leaders and external partners to align planning with agency goals.
• Develop and manage annual division budgets and performance.
• Guide staff and ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Policy development

Governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning/Public Policy/related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Budgeting tools

Job description

Sound Transit seeks an Executive Director to lead the Office of Planning and Development, directing long-range transit planning, corridor studies, and policy development. The role interfaces with executive leadership, board, and external partners to align planning with agency strategy and sustainability goals.

The position oversees budgets, personnel, and cross-departmental collaboration, driving performance and equity across Sound Transit’s regional programs and initiatives.