Deputy Executive Director-Strategic Partnerships

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Seattle, WA 98104, USA

• Hybrid
• Communications
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: DEPUT
  003654

Salary range is $157k to $297k, with a midpoint of $227k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits:
  We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off:
  Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card:
  All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement:
  Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices:
  We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL

PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Deputy Executive Director – Strategic Partnerships drives the initiatives that shape and elevate Sound Transit’s reputation. Leading a team of subject matter experts, writers and program managers, this role takes the lead to forge meaningful partnerships across the private sector, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations — translating strategy into real-world impact.

At the core of this role is a bold mandate: position Sound Transit as a trusted voice locally, regionally, and nationally. This happens through sharp external affairs strategy, compelling storytelling, and partnerships that matter. The DED works in close collaboration with teams within the Office of Strategic Initiatives and partners across every function of the agency to ensure alignment, momentum, and results.

And is able to translate high-level strategy into actionable plans with clear milestones, outcomes and accountabilities – ensuring that initiatives and partnerships yield measurable results and have a positive impact in the cities and communities we serve.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Develops and implements long-term public-facing partnerships and strategic initiatives in collaboration with executive leadership, aligned with the agency’s overall external affairs strategy.
• Leads efforts to identify strategic opportunities that enhance and expand the agency’s reputation – approaches initiatives based on their substance, sustainability and expected impact.
• Identifies, cultivates and manages high-value partnerships with private sector organizations, academic institutions, and non-governmental entities aligned with Sound Transit’s mission, vision and values.
• Establishes, develops and sustains the programs and accountabilities within the division, including powerfully articulating its unique purpose, accountabilities and goals, defining service offerings and creating…