Deputy Director - Real Property

Sound Transit•Seattle, WA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under administrative direction from the Director, Real Property, the Deputy Director manages and coordinates Sound Transit’s real property acquisition, relocation, and property management functions across all lines of business. The role ensures acquisitions comply with applicable federal and state requirements and Sound Transit policies, procedures, and guidelines, helping maximize federal participation in agency projects. It also oversees Sound Transit property between acquisition and construction, manages surplus property and non-operational properties, and provides real estate services—including appraisal, title, escrow and closing, environmental due diligence, and negotiations—to internal groups such as Financial Services, Facilities, Operations, and Transit Oriented Development. The position also leases or acquires property for agency facilities and operational needs. The Deputy Director assists the Director with management of the Real Estate Division within the Design, Engineering & Construction Management Department. The role leads staff, programs, consultants, and contractors; oversees project scope, schedule, budget, and results; and works with agency divisions, public agencies, property owners, community groups, elected officials, legal counsel, and other stakeholders. It also supports budgets, operational studies, public engagement, agency briefings, compliance, and consistent application of policies and procedures. The position requires office attendance at least three days per week. It includes evening meetings, site visits, meetings with property owners, and property inspections. The work may involve standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, lifting objects up to 25 pounds, and occasional exposure to dangerous machinery during construction-site visits. The agency provides appropriate safety and equipment training.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Insurance, Real Estate, Finance, or a closely related field, and six years of real estate experience including 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 program operations, including real estate acquisition, relocation, property management, and disposition.
Knowledge of program development and administration; advanced real estate principles and practices related to appraisal, acquisition, management, and sale of public real property assets; and relocation assistance principles and condemnation laws.
Knowledge of laws, practices, and legal instruments involved in real estate transactions and contracting; property-management methods; negotiation practices; and applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Knowledge of customer service, contract preparation and administration, record keeping, business writing and report preparation, office procedures and equipment, computer applications, and governmental budget preparation and administration.
Knowledge of supervision, training, and performance evaluation practices.
Ability to use personal computer software and prepare spreadsheets and reports; establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, management, vendors, agencies, community groups, and the public; and interpret and administer policies and procedures.
Ability to oversee and participate in a comprehensive real property program, including acquisition, relocation, property management, and disposition.
Ability to conduct complex property negotiations and mediation and manage condemnation processes.
Ability to read and interpret title reports, right-of-way plans, legal and technical documents, financial statements, and real property transaction documents; and understand engineering and architectural drawings and construction plans.
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, adjust to changing priorities, and apply advanced project-management techniques.
Ability to prepare clear administrative and financial reports and communicate effectively with agency employees, the public, elected officials, community leaders, and local, state, and federal agencies.
Ability to work cooperatively across divisions and with agency officials and outside agencies; develop and monitor budgets, costs, and schedules; manage multiple projects; and supervise, lead, and delegate tasks and authority.
Must be available to work in the office at least three days per week.
Must be able to attend evening meetings, conduct site visits, meet with property owners, and perform property inspections.
The work may require standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting objects up to 25 pounds; occasional exposure to dangerous machinery may occur during construction-site visits.

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, provide feedback, and evaluate performance.
Coach, train, motivate, and advise staff; manage employee relations and workflow; prioritize projects; prepare developmental work plans; and recommend or implement corrective actions.
Assist the Director with oversight of right-of-way acquisition, relocation, and disposition for multiple projects, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and agency requirements.
Manage the Real Estate Division’s services and activities and develop and administer programs for property acquisition, relocation, appraisals, title procurement and evaluation, and transit-oriented development.
Respond to and resolve difficult or sensitive inquiries and complaints from citizens and stakeholders.
Manage acquisitions of complex or politically sensitive properties; develop acquisition strategies, explain processes to property owners, and represent the 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 is completed within scope, schedule, and budget and meets objectives.
Coordinate real estate and property-management activities with internal divisions, partner agencies, jurisdictions, and stakeholders; serve as the division liaison; negotiate and resolve sensitive issues; and support public outreach and information efforts.
Participate in public meetings and hearings, brief executive management and agency boards, and serve as a division contact for board members, elected officials, media, community groups, and the public.
Manage the condemnation process from the Real Estate perspective, work with counsel on acquisitions that cannot be completed through voluntary negotiations, provide appraisal support, and participate in mediations to resolve compensation issues.
Represent Real Estate at agency project meetings and provide staff assistance to the Director; conduct organizational and operational studies, analyze issues, recommend strategies or policy and procedure changes, and follow up on resolutions.
Participate in development and administration of the Division’s annual budget; forecast resource needs; monitor and document expenditures and cost estimates; review and approve expenditures; and implement adjustments.
Provide departmental support as directed; serve on boards, commissions, and committees; prepare staff reports and correspondence; attend professional meetings; and stay current on relevant developments.
Ensure policies, practices, and processes are applied consistently and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and agency requirements.
Model Sound Transit’s core values and contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Follow applicable agency safety rules and integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical plan choices, dental plan, and vision plan at no cost for employee coverage; benefits also cover 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 annual paid time off, with increases after four, eight, and twelve years of service; director-level employees and above accrue additional days.
12 paid holidays, up to two paid floating holidays, and 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.
Opportunities for professional development and recognition.