Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Salary range is $140k to $450k, with a midpoint of $295k. 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 Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer (CDEIO) plays a pivotal executive role under the guidance of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As a CEO Cabinet member and essential strategic partner to the CEO and the executive leadership team, the CDEIO is responsible for directing the Agency's Office of Civil Rights, Equity & Inclusion. This position is focused on establishing a clear vision and setting strategic objectives for the department, ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in the organization's culture and operations.

In this capacity, the CDEIO serves as Sound Transit's representative to various external stakeholders, organizations, partners, and communities, navigating the complexities of operating within a public agency dedicated to serving the public while championing the needs of both the community and staff.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CDEIO collaborates closely with others to fulfill the Agency's mission and vision, ensuring alignment with its core values. This role involves the development of strategies and programs designed to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, while also embedding and operationalizing equity into the agency's decision-making processes.

As the agency's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Title VI, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) officer, the CDEIO is responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, safeguarding the agency's commitment to fairness and inclusion.

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.

• CEO Cabinet Member & Executive Leadership: Is an active member of the executive team, focusing on identifying key challenges and opportunities for the Agency. Demonstrates joint ownership of agency decisions that promote and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with and achievement of the agency's overarching business objectives. Positions the Agency for ongoing success by developing and implementing effective strategies that respond to the evolving landscape of agency culture, community engagement, passenger experience, service delivery, and project execution. Additionally, provides strategic counsel to the CEO, DCEOs, and other organizational leaders, guiding them in fostering an inclusive environment that supports the Agency's goals.
• Strategic Oversight: Leads the planning and oversight of strategies related to anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Title VI, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs. Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements. This position serves as the DBELO, Title VI & EEO Officer for the agency.
• Business Inclusion: Creates opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses to engage with and benefit from agency projects, ensuring equitable access to resources and contracts.
• Performance Leadership: Cultivates a culture of excellence by setting ambitious goals, building strong relationships, and promoting cross-functional collaboration to drive agency progress and deliver results.
• Culture Transformation: Acts as a dynamic change agent to foster a positive, inclusive work environment that supports innovation and excellence in service delivery.
• Operational Management: Oversees the daily operations of the CREI office, ensuring that strategic goals, compliance, operationalizing equity, and organizational standards are met through effective management practices.
• Staff Development: Leads efforts in recruitment, training, and staff performance management while providing guidance for professional growth and succession planning.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders and representing the agency in various committees and oversight bodies (i.e., Board of Directors, Rider Experience Committee, System Expansion Committee, Diversity Oversight Committee, and Citizen Oversight Committee on policy Civil Rights and DEI reports, Agency Committees, federal oversight agencies, state oversight agencies, local jurisdictions, and partner transit agencies) ensuring alignment of DEI goals and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Budget Management: Develops and oversees annual budgets for the CREI office, making strategic recommendations for future resource allocation, forecasting future needs for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Reviews and approves departmental expenditures, implementing adjustments to maintain fiscal responsibility.
• Values Advocacy: Champions and exemplifies Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency. Leads the agency in fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy. Guides transformative initiatives to create an inclusive workplace and equitable outcomes for employees and the communities served.
• Safety and Sustainability: 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. All employees are called to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other Duties: Fulfillment of additional responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; Twelve years of progressive experience related to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action and/or implementing effective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies and outcomes; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Ten years of leadership experience in progressively senior roles with diverse staff, supervisory, budgetary, and management responsibility over multiple functional areas. Executive-level experience at a reputable private or public sector organization preferred. Master's degree preferred

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Strategic Leadership and Vision: Demonstrated ability to create and articulate a clear vision and execute strategies and operational plans to achieve DEI and Civil Rights objectives. Proficient in conceptualizing and leading change during growth, operational scaling, and evolving organizational contexts ensuring effective organizational design and alignment with overarching goals.
• DEI and Civil Rights Expertise: Deep understanding of civil rights laws, regulations, and compliance guidelines applicable at federal, state, and local levels that inform and guide the CREI program operations. Strong sensitivity and understanding of various forms of systemic inequities and the multifaceted ways discrimination can occur. Total dedication to the objectives of Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights, implementing these principles throughout the organization.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Comfort and skill in leading and navigating challenging conversations regarding race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and other protected categories, promoting an open dialogue with tact and respect. Expertise in establishing and maintaining productive relationships with senior leaders, staff, management, board members, vendors, community groups, and the public. Proficient in listening and communicating equitably, resolving conflicts, and conducting self-assessments to contribute positively to team dynamics. Maintains confidentiality and discretion while communicating tactfully and diplomatically with all stakeholders.
• Operational Excellence: Ability to influence and develop clear goals, guidelines, and procedures that shape the CREI initiatives. Proficient in managing large-scale, complex projects and delivering results in fast-paced, dynamic environments. Strong ability to synthesize complex information, make strategic recommendations, and develop comprehensive cross-department plans in challenging environments and track progress toward goals. Experience in developing and overseeing departmental and project budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet organizational needs efficiently. Effectively manages competing demands with poise and a results-driven mindset.
• Collaboration and Relationship Building: Authority and ability to engage with various stakeholders (e.g., department heads) to effectively reach EEO, Diversity, and Inclusion goals. Strong capability to foster teamwork and cooperation among different departments, effectively addressing competing priorities for collective success and establishes esprit de corps among teams with competing priorities. Cultivates positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including oversight agencies and community groups.
• Leading Transformation: Proven experience in initiating and leading change amidst growth, operational scaling, and evolving contexts. Capacity to think broadly, considering diverse viewpoints to understand the full impact of situations and decisions on all stakeholders. Competence in navigating ambiguity and reassessing priorities amidst a large, growing agency's demands.
• Leading and Inspiring Others: Articulates and rallies long-term support for the vision; communicates to capture attention, arouse positive emotions, and compel others to action; shares compelling stories that create organization-wide energy and optimism. Creates a culture of psychological safety and trust to ensure all voices are valued and hear, all employees can bring their authentic selves to do their best work and achieve career ambitions. Creates and sustains high-functioning, accountability-driven teams, enables individuals to work together to achieve common goals and shared values, drives team engagement through trust, healthy conflict, cooperation, and results; fosters team experiences that increase retention, satisfaction and performance results.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a 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.