Executive Director, Planning & Development — Long-Range Transit

Sound Transit; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 206,000 - 464,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Work-life balance emphasis

ORCA card for employees

Job summary

Sound Transit seeks an Executive Director to lead the Office of Planning and Development in Seattle. The role directs long-range transit planning, system integration, and fares policy, partnering across agency departments and with external partners to advance the Regional Plan.

The position requires a strong background in planning leadership, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement to support a complex capital program and ensure SEATTLE-area growth is aligned with Sound Transit’s vision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, or closely related field.
• 12 years of experience in managing planning initiatives, programs and capital projects.
• 10 years of supervisory experience in leadership, budgeting and workforce management.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the agency’s lead on planning-related decisions with regional and enterprise-wide implications.
• Oversees Directors and staff on long-range planning, high-capacity transit planning, and sustainability.
• Collaborates to shape Board briefings, policy discussions, and strategic direction with partners.
• Manages budgets, performance, and staff within the Office of Planning & Development.
• Engages with external agencies and coordinates with Government & Community Relations.

Skills

Long-range planning

Regional planning

Budgeting

Leadership

Transit systems

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Negotiation

Data analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Planning/Public Policy/Administration

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Sound Transit seeks an Executive Director to lead the Office of Planning and Development in Seattle. The role directs long-range transit planning, system integration, and fares policy, partnering across agency departments and with external partners to advance the Regional Plan.

The position requires a strong background in planning leadership, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement to support a complex capital program and ensure SEATTLE-area growth is aligned with Sound Transit’s vision.