Director-Emergency Management

Salary range is $140k to $240k, with a midpoint of $185k. 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 Director - Emergency Management provides leadership, planning, strategic coordination, collaboration, and management of Sound Transit's emergency management efforts. This role will create and influence emergency management programs and systems and ensures there are processes and protocols in place necessary to respond, react and prepare to the full range of emergencies, disasters or critical incidents that could impact the agency. The Director - Emergency Management is a key partner with Sound Transit operating partners, federal, state, county, and municipal emergency management personnel to prevent, prepare for, respond to, mitigate the impacts of, and recover from critical incidents.

The Director - Emergency Management is responsible for managing and coordinating resources and responsibilities in dealing with all aspects of emergencies. The Director will promote agency and public awareness of emergency preparedness; accurately assess potential hazards and take decisive action when necessary. The Director will lead the development and management of a program that allows for agency coordination and prioritization of continuity of operations planning, and coordination. Additionally, this position coordinates with operational partners, federal, state, county, and municipal emergency management personnel.

The Director - Emergency Management will lead the agency's efforts to prepare for, respond to critical incidents, and provide oversight over resources needed to mitigate risks and the agency's interests. They will be instrumental in strategic development and implementation of comprehensive emergency management plans and procedures and fostering a culture of preparedness within the agency and our service area.

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.

• Build and maintain key relationships, trust, and regional partnerships necessary to direct the agency's emergency-related programs and initiatives.
• Balance the need for timely public information with the need to be accurate in critical situations.
• Have a demonstrated record of successfully managing, developing, and implementing strategic initiatives, policies, and systems to achieve intended outcomes.
• Have the ability to advise, partner, and communicate effectively with senior and executive-level management about complex initiatives, policies, and issues.
• Manage complex projects including scoping and organizing resources, developing work programs, and facilitating multi-disciplinary teams.
• Build upon a culture of employee engagement that supports the development, learning, coaching, and team building necessary for the current and future workforce.
• Serve in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in an operational capacity or at other locations as may be assigned during exercises, emergencies, or disasters.
• Develop, revise, and maintain agency-wide Emergency Management program that supports an all-hazard approach to emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.
• Direct and oversee the department's short and long-range strategies, exercise proper financial control over budgetary expenditures.
• Establish and implement emergency management policies, procedures and plans consistent with the mission, goals, and objectives of Sound Transit.
• Actively participate in the development of agency emergency management & preparation activities.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with management & staff within Sound Transit, and partner organizations.
• Provides coordination of emergency management relating to all areas of operation, including bus operation, light rail operation, commuter rail operation, paratransit operation, and capital programs to include all five [phases of emergency management, including contractors.
• 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 Emergency Management, Public Administration, Business Management or related field of study; eight years of experience in emergency management with increasing responsibilities for multi-faceted direction and planning; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Six years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid state driver's license. Position is responsible for responding to critical incidents that can occur at any hours of the day or at locations that may not be accessible by public transit.
• ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800 certification at time of hire, or ability to obtain within one year of hire.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

• Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification
• Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) certification

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation strategies within a large organizational or public sector setting.
• In-depth knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS), National Incident Management System (NIMS), and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) functions.
• Demonstrated experience in local, regional, or state emergency management.
• Demonstrated experience in Emergency Management training and exercises.
• Understanding of public safety operations, including collaboration with law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services (EMS).
• Experience developing and implementing continuity of operations plans to ensure transit services can be sustained during emergencies or disruptions.
• Experience in facilitating partnerships and collaborating across many diverse groups and agencies.
• Technical writing skills to include writing, managing, improving, adjusting policies, procedures, and processes.
• Substantial interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with all levels of supervisory and non-supervisory employees, Board Members, contractors, vendors, governmental entities, and the community.
• Proven problem-solving abilities, strong ability to work under pressure.
• Serve in an operational capacity or at other locations as may be assigned during exercises, emergency, disasters, or critical incidents.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong knowledge of transit systems, including rail, bus, and operational control centers, and how emergencies can impact public tran
• Familiarity with FTA safety requirements, DHS security protocols, state and local regulations regarding transit emergency preparedness, and grant management processes.
• Proven ability to lead during crises, make critical decisions under pressure, and coordinate large-scale responses involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of how emergencies impact public transportation systems such as buses, rail, and control centers.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard hybrid office and field environment.
• Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
• Positions is responsible for moving and lifting heavy objects at times during emergency drills and exercises. May be subject to bending, climbing, crawling, eye/hand coordination, grasping, hearing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, repetitive motion, sitting, standing, talking, seeing, walking, and carrying and lifting over 50 pounds.
• Position includes 24 hour on call program and weekend/night shifts; position will need the ability to work extended hours, nights, and weekends with minimal notice and carrying a cell phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week in order to respond to critical incidents.
• The agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment 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.