Director-Design

Sound Transit•Seattle, WA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Project Director, this role leads and directs the design development and supports the delivery of major capital transit projects, including light rail, commuter rail, operations and maintenance facilities, and bus rapid transit facilities. The position provides strategic leadership in managing complex design programs, establishing technical direction, and ensuring integration across multiple disciplines while maintaining alignment with agency objectives, policies, and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field.
Eight years of progressively responsible experience in transit/transportation design including experience managing large-scale capital projects with federal funding and FTA requirements.
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Six years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience.
Valid Washington state driver’s license.
Professional Civil Engineer license issued by the State of Washington or Licensed Architect in Washington State (or ability to obtain within 12 months).

Nice To Haves

Certifications or licenses related to Design Build or other alternative construction delivery methods (e.g., DBIA).

Responsibilities

Promotes quality and safety awareness and adherence to safety policies and procedures; ensures construction contracts comply with safety certification requirements.
Assembles, directs, and manages design teams consisting of staff and consultants to ensure achievement of key project milestones and design quality within the project budget.
Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work of assigned staff; assigns work activities and coordinates schedules, projects, and programs; provides constructive feedback; reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations.
Leads design and construction support work by assigned staff, consultants, and contractors including street work, structures, tunnel and portals, track work, stations, traffic control, drainage, and utilities to ensure adherence to design criteria, engineering standards, technical criteria and procedures, and quality control procedures for design and construction.
Directs coordination with other agency technical staff; supports oversight of the work of engineering design consultants to assure adequacy, competence, economy, operational feasibility, and maintainability of design and construction; and assists in the selection and hiring of design consultants and construction contractors.
Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned projects.
Serves as the liaison with other programs, divisions, and departments, and outside agencies and local jurisdictions; and negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
Works closely with the Real Property division and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) division to scope, negotiate and manage pre-development activities necessary for surplusing of property either as standard agency surplus or in conjunction with implementation of the Agency’s strategic TOD plan.
Supports the community outreach and public information effort(s) applicable to the assigned projects; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Serves as the liaison with Agency Board members, elected officials, the media, local community groups, and the general public regarding program design and implementation; and conducts regular briefings to the Board(s) on Program status.
Regularly reviews, analyzes and tracks project issues and provides recommendations on strategies to resolve these issues; recommends modifications to functional areas, policies, and procedures as appropriate; and conducts follow-up to ensure that the issues have been resolved.
Develops, administers, maintains, and oversees the annual budget for the assigned capital projects; makes recommendations and forecasts for future funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; reviews and approves department expenditures and implements adjustments; ensures that program, and where applicable individual project(s), expenditures and cost estimates are adequately documented and monitored throughout the Program area and to their completion.
Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Two choices of medical plans
Dental plan
Vision plan
Comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner
Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit
457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution)
25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service
Additional paid time off days for director level and up
12 paid holidays
Up to 2 paid floating holidays per year
Up to 2 paid volunteer days per year
12 weeks of parental leave for new parents
Pet Insurance discount
ORCA card at no cost for full-time employees
Tuition Reimbursement: up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses
Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services
Work-life balance
Opportunities for professional development
Recognition from colleagues