Sound Transit · 16 hours ago
Executive Project Director - Ballard Link Extension
Seattle, Washington, United States
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$165K/yr - $315K/yr
10+ years expSound Transit is a public transportation agency in the United States, and they are seeking an Executive Project Director for the Ballard Link Extension project. The role involves leading a cross-disciplinary team responsible for the planning, design, procurement, and construction of the project while ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, and quality standards.
Public TransportationRailroadTransportation
Responsibilities
Directs and oversees performance of the assigned Link Extension Light Rail Project, including scope, budget, schedule, risk, safety, security, and quality across all phases—final design, construction, start-up/testing, and rail activation. Leads the project organization to deliver this complex project and ensures it is designed and constructed in accordance with Sound Transit (ST) policies and procedures, and delivered to ST Operations as a safe, secure, and reliable high-capacity transit system
Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work of assigned staff; assigns activities, manages schedules and programs; provides feedback; evaluates work; and offers constructive suggestions and recommendations
Embraces agency values and prioritizes internal and cross-departmental collaboration to achieve successful outcomes for the assigned project and other agency initiatives
Coaches, trains, and motivates staff; coordinates or provides training; manages employee relations; prioritizes projects and monitors departmental performance; provides guidance; develops individual work plans; and implements or recommends disciplinary actions when necessary
Assists the Capital Delivery Department (CDD) Executive Director and senior management with strategic planning and implementation of department activities and operations; performs other duties as assigned
Actively participates in ST’s Senior Management Team and supports the planning and execution of strategic business priorities
Maintains effective working relationships and communication with the ST Board, federal, state, and local officials, project partners (e.g., WSDOT, FTA, FHWA, PMOC, AGC, ACEC), and key community stakeholders
Develops, administers, and oversees the project’s annual budget; forecasts future funding needs for staffing, equipment, and supplies; and reviews and approves expenditures, implementing adjustments as necessary
Provides departmental support on assigned matters; serves on various boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents reports and correspondence; participates in professional and industry groups; monitors and integrates relevant trends and developments; and ensures consistent and effective application of policies and compliance with laws and regulations
Takes full accountability for ensuring compliance with Sound Transit policies and procedures and for delivering the project as a safe, secure, and reliable high-capacity transit system to ST Operations
Leads program delivery from initiation through implementation, managing cost, schedule, and efficiency. Applies innovative delivery methods and continuously improves capital delivery practices
Develops and mentors the delivery team; fosters a collaborative, collegial, and supportive environment; and exercises strong leadership acumen
Supports the CDD Executive Director and senior management in strategic oversight; leverages tools such as Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) and innovative technology for reporting; fosters open communication and reports on issues and solutions
Fully responsible for delivering portions of Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail portfolio, including final design, construction, start-up/testing, and activation. Oversees scope, budget, schedule, risk, safety, security, and quality. Leads the project team in delivering complex light rail projects
Champions and models Sound Transit’s core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors 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
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or closely related field
Ten years of experience in engineering and/or construction management that includes project management of large, complex projects
Eight years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience, preferably in a rail or transit related environment
Valid Washington state driver's license
Principles and standards of architecture, civil, mechanical, electrical and systems (e.g. signals, communications, traction electrification, light rail vehicles)
Deep experience with light rail transit operations and maintenance facilities including but not limited to technical and integration requirements for the development new maintenance facilities, optimization of functional requirements across a network of facilities, and development of maintenance practices
Strong commercial background in Progressive Design Build and able to act as a subject matter expert in this area in order to develop (teach, coach, mentor) and grow the Agency's expertise in this area
Demonstrable experience in all areas of commercial and contract management for large (1B+) projects
Transit or related operations (e.g. practices and procedures) related to intermodal transit or related projects
Strategic policy management (principles and practices)
Relevant federal, state, and local regulations (including applicable laws and codes)
Applied principles and practices in project control
Applied principles and practices in cost estimating, budget preparation, and schedule performance for multi-billion dollar transit projects
Standards and codes that govern construction in Washington State, Public Works contracting law, construction safety manuals, and contract plans and specifications and general industry practices
Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration
Policy and procedure development
Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities
Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation
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
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation
Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports
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
Developing, managing, and directing assigned division's programs, and functional areas
Performing negotiations and partnering with local jurisdictions and agencies, utilities, contractors, and community groups
Presentation development and public speaking skills
Applying appropriate oral and written communication techniques to various individuals ranging from Agency employees, contractors, the general public, elected officials, community leaders, and local, state, and federal agencies
Applied principles and practices in partnering with contractors, designers, local jurisdictions, public/private stakeholders, and community groups
Applied skills/experience in construction management for civil facilities (both heavy civil and building trades) and systems (signals, communications, traction electrification, light rail vehicles)
Interpreting and applying applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations
Preparing and analyzing complex data and comprehensive reports
Applying advanced project management and program development techniques and principles
Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies
Developing and monitoring divisional and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules
Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority
Preferred
Professional Civil Engineer license issued by the State of Washington
Design-build Institute of America (DBIA) Certification
Benefits
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.
Company
Sound Transit
Sound Transit is a public transit agency serving the Seattle metropolitan area.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Juan Higuera
Chief of Staff to CEO
John S. Henry, CPA, CMA, CTP
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Recent News
2025-12-05
Company data provided by crunchbase