Position: Executive Director, Commute Seattle
Status: Full time, Non-Exempt
Commute Seattle is a 501c(3) nonprofit Transportation Management Association founded in 2004 with a mission to foster mobility partnerships and services to keep Seattle moving and thriving for all. We are supported by local governments, transit agencies and property owners and are part of a larger organization consisting of the Downtown Seattle Association and Metropolitan Improvement District. Commute Seattle works as a trusted partner with decision makers to help implement behavior change efforts that support sustainable transportation options, and reduce the impact of motor vehicles in our communities, on our roadways, and to our environment. Commute Seattle embraces vehicle trip reduction strategies that positively change transportation behavior, improve quality of life, and support economic and environmental goals. The organization focuses on its three key strengths to achieve results: influencing behavior change, measuring system performance and results, and advising on how to build and operate a better mobility system.
Reporting Relationship:
The Executive Director currently reports to the Downtown Seattle Association and its CEO and serves as a member of DSA’s senior leadership team. Commute Seattle is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization by the DSA. The ED also consults with an advisory board that was created in 2023 to provide additional fiduciary and strategic oversight and support the role of the ED. Finally, the ED collaborates with all members of the Downtown Transportation Alliance to execute a joint annual work plan and achieve shared strategic objectives.
Job Description:
The Executive Director of Commute Seattle is responsible for working with partner organizations (the DSA, the MID, from King County Metro, the City of Seattle and Sound Transit) to deliver specific projects, overseeing the day-to-day operation of Commute Seattle, and delivering on the 2023-2026 strategic plan, which focuses on reducing single occupancy automobile trips to and within Seattle and increasing travel by other modes. The position requires the ability to work collaboratively and tap an innovative mindset in the development of programmatic solutions that will help contribute to the reduction of barriers in accessing transportation options.
The Executive Director will be responsible for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the programmatic work and overall objectives and operations of the organization.
The ED must ensure organizational capacity to implement work plans, deliver reporting, conduct sound fiscal practices, and otherwise oversee the day-to-day operations of Commute Seattle.
The ED is also responsible for staffing, engaging in coordinated reporting and communication for, and convening meetings, events, and planning sessions with partners.
The Executive Director will also represent and engage the business community on transit and transportation mobility issues; provide direction for the development and management of contracted Transportation Demand Management (TDM) services and products; develop innovative programs and services; and build relationships with clients, local and state agencies, and elected officials. The ED will be responsible for adapting the organization’s strategic vision (in partnership with the advisory board and other stakeholders) to respond to shifts in commuting and transportation behaviors.
The position oversees approximately 9 full time Commute Seattle staff responsible for delivering complementary and fee-based services to property owners, employers, and commuters in downtown, as well as some city-wide employer commute programming.
Responsibilities:
- Implement the 2023-26 strategic plan.
- Assist DTA partners in developing shared objectives and maximizing the potential of the DTA as a transportation and transit policy forum.
- Coordinate the interagency DTA Policy Staff, comprised of staff from the DTA Board partner organizations.
- Ensure staffing support, coordination, and communication with and among DTA partners and for DTA sponsored initiatives.
- Be knowledgeable of non-profit leadership and/or mission driven work.
- Knowledge of transportation issues and/or ability to step in an establish credibility on a wide range of transit and transportation issues and provide policy analysis and decision-making support to the vision, mission, goals and objectives of Commute Seattle and in support of shared DTA partnership efforts.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and partner agencies in developing and implementing strategic work plans that provide clear benefits and guidance for delivering the goals and objectives of Commute Seattle and which capture the benefits of reduced reliance on transportation via single occupancy vehicle.
- Effectively negotiate and administer agreements, contracts and research projects with partner organizations and agencies.
- Represent and promote Commute Seattle and its goals in the business community, develop partnerships with key public and private stakeholders, including DSA, MID, BOMA, Seattle 2030 District.
- Identify and pursue sustainable funding for Commute Seattle, prepare, manage, and report on program budgets.
- Effectively hire, lead and manage staff.
- Utilize a rigorous measurement and program evaluation to track overall program effectiveness and individual service effectiveness, monitor and report on key performance indicators.
Qualifications:
Successful candidates for this position will be self-starters with an entrepreneurial drive, have at least 7 years’ experience working in the public/private/non-profit sectors, and possess the following skills:
- 5-7 years of experience in a related field OR any combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the skills, knowledge and abilities required to perform the duties of the job.
- Familiarity and/or experience in the fields of public transit, public policy, behavior change, marketing and communications, non-profit agency management or related discipline.
- The leadership skills to work effectively and efficiently with top management in both the public and private sectors, and with elected officials.
- Experience working with a board to deliver on strategy.
- Experience working with volunteers including the ability to work with and coordinate program committees, strong negotiation skills.
- Experience building and leading teams to develop and implement programs.
- Ability to work independently, with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of and/or ability to step in an establish credibility on transportation demand management (TDM) principles, commute trip reduction laws, transportation choices, and an understanding of Seattle’s transportation, parking and transit issues preferred. Familiarity with how social equity intersects with sustainable transportation and mobility justice.
- Program, budget, and staff management experience including managing multiple fund sources and grants.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Success in developing program resources and funding.
- Strong verbal, writing, interpersonal and analytical skills; strong public speaking and comfort working in media relations.
Employment Details:
DSA is committed to internal and market equity. The salary range for this position is $124,800 – $205,900 DOE. Salary is determined based on internal and market equity, internal and market data/salary ranges, and the applicant’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We generally hire at the beginning to mid-range of the salary range to allow future salary growth based on an employee’s performance, professional development and increases in responsibilities and duties.
Downtown Seattle Association provides a comprehensive benefits package including but not restricted to:
*Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
PTO/Personal Holidays
*Paid FMLA
*Life Insurance
*LTD
*ORCA Card
Flexible Spending Account
Employer-Matched 401(k) Contribution with up to 5% Match
*First Choice EAP
Corporate Discounts
*Employer paid benefit
Application Instructions
Posting is open until filled. Please submit your application materials to HR@downtownseattle.org. First review of applicants will be December 7th, 2023. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
We recognize the value of the Downtown Seattle Association and our affiliate organizations and programs reflecting the diversity of our community and are intentionally and actively seeking out applications from a variety of backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).
Downtown Seattle Association is an equal opportunity employer. All employees and potential employees will be recruited, selected, trained, promoted, and, if necessary, disciplined without regard to sex, race, religion, creed, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political ideology or activity, disability, honorably discharged veteran, or military status. All applicants are carefully screened, and full consideration is given to their training, education, skills, aptitudes, experience, and previous work record. In addition, DSA does not discriminate based on genetic information in its employment related policies and practices, including coverage under its health benefits program.
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