Deputy Director - Real Property

Salary range is $133K to $245K with a midpoint of $189K. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

GENERAL PURPOSE:Under administrative direction from the Director, Real Property, manages, directs, and coordinates the real property acquisition, relocation and property management functions for all lines of business for Sound Transit projects and needs; ensures property is acquired in compliance with federal and state laws, guidelines and directives and with ST policies, procedures and guidelines to maximize federal participation in the funding of Sound Transit (ST) projects; manages ST owned property, between acquisition and start of construction, lease, sell or otherwise manages properties that are surplus to ST's transit needs and manages utilization of non-operational ST properties after completion of construction in conformance with federal requirements and ST policies, procedures and guidelines; provides real estate support and services to financial services, facilities, operations and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) units in the areas of appraisal, title, escrow and closing, environmental due diligence and negotiations; and leases or acquires property for Sound Transit Facilities and/or operations needs.

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.

• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work of Real Property Project Manager and Senior Real Property Agents and support staff; assigns work activities and coordinates schedules, projects, and programs; provides constructive feedback; reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations.
• Coaches, trains and motivates staff; manages employee relations; manages the workflow and prioritization of projects and measures the performance of the staff and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary; provides advice and counsel to staff; prepares developmental work plans for staff; implements or recommends corrective actions, as appropriate/necessary.
• Assists the Director in the oversight and management of the right of way acquisition, relocation and disposition functions for multiple projects for all lines of business to ensure compliance with federal, state and ST policies, procedures and guidelines in order to maximize federal participation in projects; assumes management responsibility for the services and activities of the Real Estate Division within the Design, Engineering & Construction Management (DECM) Department; develops and administers programs for acquisition of real property, relocation, appraisals, title procurement and evaluation, and transit oriented development; and responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen and stakeholder inquiries and complaints.
• Manages the acquisition of complex or politically sensitive properties that may require creative solutions to meet the needs of the agency, property owner and community.
• Provides acquisition strategy to project teams; meets with property owners to review process and procedures; represents real property program at community and stakeholder meetings.
• Provides assistance to the Director, Real Property in the procurement and management of consultant contracts for the performance of real estate/property management related activities either directly or through subordinate employees; directs division consultants and contractors in the administration and implementation of projects and/or project phases; ensures that projects, services, and operations of the division are completed within the scope, schedule, and budget and that all objectives are successfully met; and assumes responsibility for staff and general administration support and application of Sound Transit agency policies and Sound Transit Values.
• Assists the Director by participating in and coordinating real estate/property management activities internally and with other partners, agencies and stakeholders including but not limited to the Cities of Seattle, Bellevue, Tukwila, SeaTac, Redmond, and other jurisdictions within the Sound Transit district; serves as the liaison for the Real Estate Division with other divisions, programs, departments/offices, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; supports the community outreach and public information effort(s) applicable to the Division and to the Agency in general; participates in and disseminates information about real estate activities at public meetings and hearings; serves as the division's liaison with Agency Board members, elected officials, the media, local community groups, and the general public regarding division services and activities; and makes regular briefings to executive management and the Board(s).
• Manages the condemnation process from the Real Estate perspective and participates with counsel to acquire property that cannot be acquired through voluntary negotiations; provides appraisal support to ST Legal staff and outside counsel; and participates in mediations with legal counsel and property owners to resolve compensation issues to avoid/minimize litigation.
• Represents Real Estate directly or through subordinate staff at meetings for the various projects throughout the agency; provides responsible staff assistance to the Director of Real Property; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; summarizes and analyzes division issues and provides recommendations to the Director of Real Property on strategies to resolve these issues; recommends modifications to functional areas, policies, and procedures as appropriate; and conducts follow-up to ensure that the issues have been resolved.
• Participates in the development and administration of the Division's annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures that Division, and where applicable individual project(s), expenditures and cost estimates are adequately documented and monitored throughout the Division and to their completion; reviews and approves Division expenditures; and implements adjustments.
• Provides support to the department on matters as directed; serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
• 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 Business Administration, Insurance, Real Estate, Finance, or closely related field and six years of experience in real estate including right of way acquisition, relocation, property management and relocation assistance for federally funded programs; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Four years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

• Senior Right of Way Agent designation awarded through the International Right of Way Association.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a real property program including real estate acquisition, relocation, property management and disposition.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Advanced real estate principles and practices related to the appraisal, acquisition, management, and sale of public real property assets.
• Advanced relocation assistance principles and practices and laws governing condemnation proceedings.
• Advanced laws, practices, and legal instruments involved in real estate transactions and contracting.
• Advanced principles and methods utilized in the management of real property.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Principles and practices used in contract preparation and administration.
• Negotiation practices and techniques.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other division staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
• Overseeing and participating in the management of a comprehensive Real Property program including real estate acquisition, relocation, property management and disposition.
• Applying advanced principles and techniques of acquiring real property including handling complex negotiations, mediation, and/or managing the condemnation process.
• Reading, understanding, and interpreting complex documents involved in land transactions including title reports, right-of-way plans, legal and technical documents, and financial statements.
• Reading and understanding terms and symbols as used in engineering, architectural drawings, and construction plans.
• Reading, understanding, and interpreting complex documents involved in real property transactions.
• Working effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
• Applying advanced project management techniques and principles.
• Preparing clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Applying appropriate oral and written communication techniques to various individuals ranging from Agency employees, the general public, elected officials, community leaders, and local, state, and federal agencies.
• Working cooperatively with other divisions, Agency officials, and outside agencies.
• Developing and monitoring division and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules.
• Managing multiple projects simultaneously involving all the lines of business.
• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Must be available to work in the office at least 3 days per week.
• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds; may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery when visiting job sites during construction and when working in the field.
• This position will be responsible for attending evening meetings, conducting site visits, meeting with property owners, and doing property inspections.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.