Director - Agency Accountability

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.
• 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:

As the Director of Agency Accountability, this role will establish and lead the Agency Accountability Department and serve as the primary point of contact for receiving, documenting and investigating reports of potential violations of Sound Transit policies. This senior level role will conduct, oversee, and manage complex investigations with a focus on fairness, consistency, transparency and integrity. This role will play a critical role in shaping the department's long-term success by implementing robust case management systems and developing agency-wide investigative standards and best practices. This position requires sound judgement, discretion and a proactive approach to workplace accountability and organizational trust.

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.

• Manages the Agency Accountability Department, and investigates alleged personnel misconduct, business misconduct, and policy violations.
• Develops and manages the Agency Accountability team and leads the workplace investigation strategies, processes, procedures, and priorities.
• Leads the overall operations of the Agency Accountability Department team and makes significant operational decisions to ensure operational excellence.
• Experience interpreting and applying labor and employment laws, HR policies, civil rights regulations and ethics standards.
• Develops, communicates and implements business plans, objectives, and budgets to achieve the department's results through people management,
• Manage end-to-end investigative processes for employee complaints involving violations of law or policy, which could include allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, bullying, safety violations, financial fraud or waste, failure to escalate, conflicts of interest, and other inappropriate behavior.
• Conduct or oversee intake interviews with Sound Transit employees and external sources reporting concerns or potential policy violations.
• Conduct timely, thorough, and objective investigations, which may consist of performing background research, reviewing documents (including potentially contrasting documents), interviewing complaining parties, witnesses and accused parties, reporting findings verbally and in writing, and informing relevant partners of the outcome of the investigation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare thorough, unbiased reports and briefings.
• Proven ability to implement and manage case tracking and documentation systems to ensure all relevant investigation related information is recorded in a timely manner in the team's case management system.
• Develop and participate in team education and awareness activities.
• Collaborate with managers and employees to assist them in addressing personnel issues, policy violations, and improving operational effectiveness.
• Respond to high-level policy violations or personnel concerns, consulting directly with the Executive Director of Sound Transit People, General Counsel, Senior Legal Counsel, and Executive Leadership.
• Communicate regularly with the team, department, and organization regarding Agency Accountability and policies and keep appropriate Executive Leadership informed about investigation outcomes.
• 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: Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Eight years of experience conducting workplace investigations or equivalent; or related field; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Six years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard 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.