Director-Civil Rights Compliance

Salary range is $154k to $268k, with a midpoint of $211k. 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:

Under general direction of the Chief Economic Development & Civil Rights Officer, the Director - Civil Rights Compliance leads the overall operations for the agency's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program, Title VI program, and may include other civil rights compliance programs. Ensures compliance with all applicable federal/state laws, applicable Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines and requirements, and other applicable regulatory agency guidelines. Provides leadership, coaching, and supervision to the Civil Rights Compliance division.

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.

• Leads the overall operations and provides technical expertise for the agency's Civil Rights programs.
• Supervises, trains, coaches, and motivates Civil Rights Compliance team; coordinates and provides training and growth opportunities, assists in the management of the workflow and prioritization of projects.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal/state laws, applicable Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines and requirements, and other regulatory agency guidelines.
• Manages, monitors, and implements the agency's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Title VI programs, and may include additional civil rights compliance programs.
• Develops comprehensive compliance processes and procedures.
• Oversees and may provide EEO consultations and investigations.
• Oversees and may manage Title VI complaints and investigations.
• Oversees Title VI language access and public participation plans.
• Oversees preparation and submittal of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) reports including semi-annual reports and Triennial Review.
• Facilitates coordination and collaboration with agency departments including Human Resources and Legal.
• Directs the allocation of division resources to achieve goals and objectives; makes recommendations and forecasts for future funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; reviews and approves division expenditures and implements changes as appropriate; adjusts plans and programs to address new and emerging programs, policies, and expectations.
• Continuously evaluates the effectiveness of programs, processes, and procedures and recommends timely changes.
• Develops Civil Rights training strategy.
• Establishes and maintains effective internal and external working relationships including, but not limited to internal staff, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Leverages data and metrics to ensure effective implementation and measurement. Tracks, analyzes, and communicates key equity success metrics and demographic trends generally and within our industry and recommend programs/solutions.
• Approaches challenges with a systems-level thinking to work toward institutional change.
• Leads and participates in special projects.
• 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 Ethnic or Women Studies, Education, Sociology, Organizational Development or related discipline; Eight years of experience in developing and managing civil rights compliance programs, project management, team leadership. Preferably in a nonprofit, public sector or service environment; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Six years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

• EEOC certifications.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Principles, practices, and standards of civil rights programs and functions.
• Knowledge of FTA compliance.
• Knowledge of equity and inclusion best practices.
• Team leadership and supervisory principles, methods, and techniques.
• Program/project management.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships.
• Building trust and credibility.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong analytical skills: demonstrated ability to investigate and research facts prior to making recommendations or offering solutions; leadership skills and a commitment to teamwork and excellent service.
• Managing conflict.
• Performing duties involving the use of independent judgement, personal initiative, and resourcefulness.
• Ability to work in a changing environment; must be self-motivated.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a 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.
• May require occasional community events on evenings and weekends.
• 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.