Tribal Relations Program Director

Tribal Relations Program Director

Salary range is $112k to $218k, with a midpoint of $165k. 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:

The Tribal Relations Program Director serves as Sound Transit's principal advisor and liaison to Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest Tribal Governments, supporting strategic leadership, policy guidance, and government-to-government engagement on matters affecting tribal interests and Sound Transit programs, projects, and operations. Support the building and maintenance of trusted relationships with tribal leaders, Sound Transit leadership, elected officials, and stakeholders to foster cooperation, ensure regulatory compliance, and advance mutually beneficial partnerships.

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.

• Serve as Sound Transit's primary liaison to Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest Tribal Governments, maintaining relationships built on trust, respect, transparency, and government-to-government principles.
• In coordination with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, provide strategic leadership, policy direction, and subject matter expertise regarding tribal affairs internally and externally.
• Develop, implement, and maintain tribal engagement strategies, consultation protocols, and relationship-management practices that strengthen cooperation between Sound Transit and Tribal Governments.
• Build and sustain effective working relationships with tribal leaders, tribal staff, Board members, executives, management, elected officials, project teams, and community stakeholders.
• Support Agency leadership in consultations, negotiations, and partnership discussions with Tribal Governments and tribal organizations to achieve mutually beneficial agreements and long-term cooperative outcomes.
• Facilitate communication and coordination with tribal leaders, technical staff, legal representatives, and Sound Transit personnel regarding transportation planning, project development, land easements, rights-of-way, permitting, construction, and operational matters.
• Coordinate and collaborate with management and staff across the Agency to integrate tribal considerations into planning, policy development, project delivery, operations, and organizational decision-making.
• Design, coordinate, and deliver training, coaching, and educational programs to increase organizational understanding of tribal sovereignty, consultation requirements, cross-cultural communication, and effective tribal engagement…