Manager-Capital Project Engagement

Salary range is $83K to $165K with a midpoint of $124K. 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.
• 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:

Under general direction, the Capital Project Engagement Manager leads, prioritizes, and oversees the work of engagement staff and resources supporting Sound Transit's capital programs-among the largest in the nation. This role develops and implements engagement strategies, schedules, and methods for assigned projects, ensuring alignment with community engagement goals, policies, and procedures. The manager builds and sustains effective, equitable relationships within project communities, ensuring engagement efforts are inclusive, relevant, and responsive. They lead collaborative initiatives with internal teams and external partners to deliver clear, compelling communications tailored to diverse audiences. Working in a matrixed environment, this position requires strong leadership, collaboration, and project management skills, along with the ability to design and evolve programs that meet the dynamic needs of capital projects and the agency.

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.

• Plans, manages, and coordinates the work of assigned staff. Builds and maintains a relationship based on trust and empowerment with direct reports. Sets clear expectations, provides regular feedback, and coaches employees for career growth. Empowers employees to manage their work and to be accountable for results.
• Coaches, trains and motivates assigned staff; coordinates and/or provides staff training; manages employee relations; and measures the performance of team and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary; provides advice and counsel; develops developmental work plans; implements or recommends corrective actions, discipline and termination procedures as needed.
• Oversees and directs teams in creating and executing engagement plans that leverage methods for public participation for large capital projects. Ensures affected communities receive clear and proactive communication, inclusive and meaningful opportunities for participation, and responsive customer service through planning, design, construction and activations phases of projects.
• Closely partners with Sound Transit's Capital Programs, Equity, and Inclusion, Government and Community Relations, Passenger Experience, Safety and other departments to develop and select strategies to ensure consistent application of equitable engagement principles for all capital projects. May partner with media relations team to expand and support connections with in-language and community-based news outlets.
• Builds specific, detailed, and appropriate scopes of work; procures consultant resources; and directs and manages consultant contracts and staff for engagement programs.
• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Administration, Community/Environment and Planning, Urban Planning, or closely related field. Five years of experience developing and implementing community engagement and public involvement plans including field work in construction and public involvement in planning and design; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Coaching, motivating, and evaluating staff; developing and maintaining a high-functioning team including effectively setting priorities, delegating tasks and managing workloads.
• Operations, services, and activities of a community engagement program.
• Methods and techniques of public participation, researching, analyzing, and evaluating new public involvement methods and techniques.
• Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.
• Communications, including knowledge of public relations, event planning, marketing, digital and social media disciplines.
• Public speaking principles and techniques for effective presentations to various audiences.
• Compliance with regulations and standards including NEPA/SEPA.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Public sector procurement and contracting requirements.
• Customer service principles and practices.
• Methods and techniques of data collection, research, and report preparation.
• Principles and practices of record keeping and records management.
• Senior-level project management including the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and organize work to meet challenging priorities and deadlines.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
• Working effectively under pressure, meeting deadlines, and adjusting to changing priorities.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard hybrid office environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.