Deputy Director - Real Property

Sound Transit•Seattle, WA

10d•$133,000 - $245,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Under administrative direction from the Director, Real Property, the Deputy Director manages and coordinates real property acquisition, relocation, and property management functions across Sound Transit. The role ensures acquisitions comply with federal and state requirements and agency policies, supporting maximum federal participation in Sound Transit projects. It oversees agency-owned properties between acquisition and construction, manages surplus properties and non-operational properties after construction, and provides real estate services—including appraisal, title, escrow and closing, environmental due diligence, and negotiations—to financial services, facilities, operations, and Transit Oriented Development units. The position also leases or acquires property for facilities and operations needs. The Deputy Director assists in overseeing the Real Estate Division and its staff, programs, projects, consultants, contracts, and budget. The role manages complex and sensitive acquisitions, supports condemnation and mediation processes, advises project teams on acquisition strategy, and represents the division in dealings with property owners, agency partners, elected officials, community groups, and the public. It provides recommendations to the Director, supports agency leadership and boards through briefings and reports, and helps ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures. The role requires office availability at least three days per week and includes evening meetings, site visits, property-owner meetings, and property inspections. Work may involve standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, lifting objects up to 25 pounds, and occasional exposure to dangerous machinery at construction sites. Sound Transit provides safety and equipment training as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Insurance, Real Estate, Finance, or a closely related field, and six years of real estate experience involving right-of-way acquisition, relocation, property management, and relocation assistance for federally funded programs; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Four years of leadership, budgetary, planning, and workforce-management experience.
Knowledge of real property programs, including acquisition, relocation, property management, and disposition.
Knowledge of program development and administration; public real estate appraisal, acquisition, management, and sale; relocation assistance; condemnation; real estate transactions and contracting; and property management.
Knowledge of customer service, negotiation, contract preparation and administration, applicable federal, state, and local laws, record keeping, business writing, reporting, office procedures, computer applications, and governmental budgeting.
Knowledge of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Ability to use personal-computer software and prepare spreadsheets and reports.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, management, vendors, agencies, community groups, and the public; interpret and administer policies; and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
Ability to oversee a comprehensive real property program and apply advanced acquisition techniques, including complex negotiations, mediation, and condemnation management.
Ability to read and interpret title reports, right-of-way plans, legal and technical documents, financial statements, engineering and architectural drawings, and construction plans.
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, adjust to changing priorities, apply project-management techniques, and prepare clear administrative and financial reports.
Ability to communicate effectively with agency employees, the public, elected officials, community leaders, and local, state, and federal agencies; work cooperatively across divisions; develop and monitor budgets, costs, and schedules; manage multiple projects; and supervise, lead, and delegate.
Must be available to work in the office at least three days per week.
Ability to attend evening meetings, conduct site visits, meet with property owners, and perform property inspections.
Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects up to 25 pounds; may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery when visiting construction sites or working in the field.

Nice To Haves

Senior Right of Way Agent designation awarded through the International Right of Way Association.

Responsibilities

Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work of Real Property Project Managers, Senior Real Property Agents, and support staff; assign work, coordinate schedules and projects, give feedback, and evaluate performance.
Coach, train, and motivate staff; manage employee relations, workflows, priorities, development plans, and corrective actions.
Assist the Director in overseeing right-of-way acquisition, relocation, and disposition across projects and lines of business, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements and supporting federal participation.
Manage the Real Estate Division’s services and activities, including programs for property acquisition, relocation, appraisals, title procurement and evaluation, and transit-oriented development.
Manage complex or politically sensitive property acquisitions and provide acquisition strategy to project teams.
Meet with property owners to explain processes and represent the real property program at community and stakeholder meetings.
Assist with procurement and management of real estate and property-management consultant contracts; direct consultants and contractors and ensure work meets scope, schedule, budget, and objectives.
Coordinate real estate and property-management activities with internal partners, jurisdictions, agencies, and stakeholders; serve as a division liaison and resolve sensitive or controversial issues.
Support community outreach and public information efforts; present and disseminate information at public meetings and hearings; liaise with Agency Board members, elected officials, media, community groups, and the public; and brief executive management and boards.
Manage the real estate aspects of condemnation and work with counsel to acquire property that cannot be obtained through voluntary negotiations; provide appraisal support and participate in mediations to resolve compensation issues.
Represent the division at agency project meetings; conduct organizational and operational studies; analyze issues and recommend strategies, policy or procedural changes, and follow-up actions to the Director.
Participate in developing and administering the Division’s annual budget, forecasting resource needs, documenting and monitoring expenditures and cost estimates, approving expenditures, and implementing adjustments.
Prepare and present staff reports and correspondence, serve on boards and committees, participate in professional groups, and keep informed about relevant developments.
Ensure consistent application of processes, policies, and practices and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.
Model Sound Transit’s core values and contribute to diversity, equity, inclusion, sustainability, and workplace safety.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans with no cost for employee coverage, with coverage available for eligible dependents.
Long-term disability and life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
401a retirement plan with a 12% employer match on a 10% employee contribution.
457b retirement plan with employee contributions up to the IRS maximum.
25 days of paid time off annually, with increases after four, eight, and twelve years of service; director-level employees and above accrue additional days.
12 paid holidays and up to two paid floating holidays.
Up to two paid volunteer days per year.
12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
Pet insurance.
ORCA card at no cost for full-time employees.
Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,000 annually for approved expenses.
Work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and recognition from colleagues.