Tribal Relations Program Director

Salary range is $112k to $218k, with a midpoint of $165k.  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 Tribal Relations Program Director serves as Sound Transit’s principal advisor and liaison to Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest Tribal Governments, supporting strategic leadership, policy guidance, and government-to-government engagement on matters affecting tribal interests and Sound Transit programs, projects, and operations. Support the building and maintenance of trusted relationships with tribal leaders, Sound Transit leadership, elected officials, and stakeholders to foster cooperation, ensure regulatory compliance, and advance mutually beneficial partnerships.

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.

• Serve as Sound Transit’s primary liaison to Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest Tribal Governments, maintaining relationships built on trust, respect, transparency, and government-to-government principles.
• In coordination with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, provide strategic leadership, policy direction, and subject matter expertise regarding tribal affairs internally and externally.
• Develop, implement, and maintain tribal engagement strategies, consultation protocols, and relationship-management practices that strengthen cooperation between Sound Transit and Tribal Governments.
• Build and sustain effective working relationships with tribal leaders, tribal staff, Board members, executives, management, elected officials, project teams, and community stakeholders.
• Support Agency leadership in consultations, negotiations, and partnership discussions with Tribal Governments and tribal organizations to achieve mutually beneficial agreements and long-term cooperative outcomes.
• Facilitate communication and coordination with tribal leaders, technical staff, legal representatives, and Sound Transit personnel regarding transportation planning, project development, land easements, rights-of-way, permitting, construction, and operational matters.
• Coordinate and collaborate with management and staff across the Agency to integrate tribal considerations into planning, policy development, project delivery, operations, and organizational decision-making.
• Design, coordinate, and deliver training, coaching, and educational programs to increase organizational understanding of tribal sovereignty, consultation requirements, cross-cultural communication, and effective tribal engagement practices.
• Provide staff support and guidance to internal boards, commissions, committees, and working groups; prepare reports, presentations, correspondence, and recommendations for executive leadership and governing bodies.
• Participate in the development and management of budgets, work plans, and program priorities related to tribal relations activities.
• Support the application of conflict-resolution, consensus-building, and negotiation strategies to address issues and foster productive relationships with Tribal Governments and stakeholders.
• 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 Public Administration or related field; Eight years of experience must include extensive knowledge of Puget Sound tribal governments, treaty rights, and Native American culture; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of public infrastructure development processes and the Federal Transit Administration is a plus; Experience managing consultants preferred.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, federal consultation requirements, Native American cultures, and the unique history and interests of Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest Tribes.
• Comprehensive understanding of the intersection of tribal interests and major public infrastructure and transportation projects.
• Knowledge of tribal law, policy, governance structures, cultural resources, environmental stewardship, and historic preservation considerations.
• Ability to strategically plan, coordinate, implement, and monitor engagement strategies, programs, and initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing interests.
• Ability to assess political, regulatory, and community issues and develop effective strategies that align Agency and Tribal Government interests.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with Tribal Leaders, Tribal staff, elected officials, executive leadership, project teams, community partners, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries and influence decision-making without direct authority.
• Exceptional verbal, written, presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information effectively to audiences of diverse social, cultural, ethnic, educational, political, and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate with tact, diplomacy, cultural awareness, and professionalism in high-profile and sensitive environments.
• Strong understanding of government-to-government consultation processes, environmental review, permitting, infrastructure development, and transportation planning.
• Ability to understand, analyze, and communicate complex technical, environmental, financial, regulatory, and policy information.
• Knowledge of Sound Transit’s mission, system expansion objectives, and project delivery processes.
• Understanding of the political, legislative, and regulatory environment affecting Sound Transit and Tribal Governments.
• Ability to navigate sensitive political issues and effectively engage elected officials, tribal governments, regulators, and community stakeholders.
• Skill in policy analysis and application of government relations principles and practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of ethics, integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously.
• Self-motivated with a willingness to take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated skill in conflict resolution, negotiation, consensus-building, and problem-solving.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:  

• Work is performed in a hybrid office and field environment. 
• Work is performed in a hybrid environment with an expectation of working in office a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
• Position may include regional travel not serviced by the transit system.
• 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.