Deputy Executive Director - Link Light Rail Transportation

Deputy Executive Director - Link Light Rail Transportation

Job Category: Operations

Requisition Number: DEPUT
003486

• Posted :
  February 23, 2026
• Full-Time
• Hybrid

Showing 1 location

ST - Seattle

401 S Jackson St

Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Salary range is $165k to $315k with a midpoint of $240k. 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 direction from the Executive Director, the Deputy Executive Director provides strategic leadership while planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the operations, services, and functions of the Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail Team within the Rail Operations Division, Transit Operations Department, including the daily operation of the Sound Transit light rail public transit program. The Deputy Executive Director provides leadership to the program functions, processes, and activities within the division and integrates work with other divisions/departments in support of department/agency goals.

The Deputy Executive Director will need to have strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills to be successful in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment. In addition to managing the above public transit program, this leader will need to collaborate with division leaders across the Transit Operations department, along with other Agency departments/divisions and outside agencies. This is an executive leadership position requiring experience working with C-level executives, key stakeholders, contractors, and elected officials.

The Deputy Executive Director serves as acting Executive Director when required.

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.

• Provides strategic leadership and vision to the Operations Department directors/managers and staff ensuring all public transit programs are performing to meet the department and agency standards for light rail and to exceed customer expectations.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; assigns work activities and manages the prioritization of work; provides constructive feedback; makes effective suggestions and recommendations.
• Coaches, develops, trains, and motivates staff; coordinates and/or provides staff training; and manages employee relations; implements or recommends corrective actions when necessary; and promotes a positive work environment for assigned staff.
• Monitors compliance with identified division objectives and work scope commitments; conducts regular monthly operational reviews that focus on department and division goals;…