King County
Managing Director, Market Innovation
King County, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
SummaryLearn how Metro connects you with what matters. Join one of the nation's leading transit agencies during an exciting period of growth and innovation! King County Metro has an exciting leadership opportunity for a
Market Innovation Managing Director.
This leadership role is integral to Metro’s transformation into a cutting-edge mobility agency, with high-capacity transit at the center and shared mobility services complementing the regional system.
We are seeking a dynamic leader with a proven track record of inspiring and optimizing team performance. The ideal candidate will possess an innovative mindset, a solid understanding of the transit industry, and experience with research practices. They should be dedicated to customer satisfaction and equity, with a strong ability to build and nurture partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders. This role is critical to Metro’s mission to evolve into a forward-thinking mobility agency that delivers solutions to meet customer needs that align with Metro’s values- equity, safety and sustainability.
The Market Innovation section develops mobility solutions that fill gaps for customers by fostering innovative problem-solving based on customer research and robust evaluation. The section is comprised of approximately 40 team members and includes collaborative self-starters that work in partnership with others in Metro, local cities, transportation providers and the business community. Market Innovation is comprised of three main workgroups:
Market and Business Development
includes the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and Business Programs teams. Both teams focus on increasing access to existing mobility options by providing the information, tools and incentives people need to choose a non-drive-alone transportation mode. The TDM team focuses on working with individuals and community partners, while the Business Program team manages our employer Passport program, which enables over 800 employers to provide commute benefits to their employees.
Fare Policy
leads development of fare and pricing policy, and is managing the Enterprise Fares Initiative, which includes fund management policy updates, simplification of reduced fares, increasing use of ORCA, and development of the cashless transition plan.
Research and Innovation
includes the Research, Innovative Mobility, and Connecting to Transit teams. The Research team supports the Department with up-to-date information on customer perceptions, attitudes, and needs, and provides evaluation of programs and projects to inform decisions. Innovative Mobility tests new services for efficacy in reaching new markets and increasing ridership on alternate modes. Connecting to Transit is leading development of mobility hubs, expanding bike and walk access and managing our park-and-ride network to maximize the use of these assets.
Job DutiesApplying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. In this role, the primary duties will be focused on supporting critical operations across the section’s teams and will be responsible for a range of leadership work, including:
Key Responsibilities:
Supervise , develop, lead, and support daily operations of the Market Innovations section. Provide strategic direction and leadership across workgroups within Market Innovation; coordinate across the division and across the department to create clarity for MI team and to ensure the success of cross-agency work efforts involving the section.
Innovation Leadership:
Drive the development and adjustment of new mobility services and policies based on industry trends, disruptive technologies, and market research. Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, testing, implementing, and evaluating new products and services.
Strategic Vision:
Position King County Metro's innovation around mobility services centered on equity, sustainability, and safety.
Team Development:
Create an inclusive and respectful work environment where the team continuously learns and works together.
Administrative Oversight:
Ensure timely and accurate completion of section-level administrative functions (including but not limited to scheduling, leave and travel approvals, and expense processing).
Collaboration and Partnership building:
Work with supervisors and leads to drive results, solve problems, and address resource and staffing challenges. Gather and coordinate input from across the section to ensure appropriate representation on priorities, new mobility services, budget proposals, and employee engagement. Cultivate business and community relationships to advance regional mobility transformation.
Product Development:
Lead the development of products, services, and processes to support the transformation of mobility services and champion innovation within Metro.
Project and change sponsorship:
Provide strategic, section-level leadership for special projects and department initiatives, such as developing the department’s budget proposals, piloting new transportation technology, and transforming our mobility services lines of business, along with continuous improvement and employee engagement efforts.
Policy and Reporting:
Develop mobility policy recommendations and management reports for senior leadership, liaise with County officials, and participate in assigned projects. Act as an escalation point for critical decisions and issues requiring input from senior leadership.
Budget and finance:
Develop section budget. Oversee and ensure financial performance, efficiency and accountability of King County team as well as contractors who provide services to Metro.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, SkillsQualified candidates for this role will have the following experience, qualifications, knowledge, skills:
Organizational Leadership and Employee Management:
Progressively responsible management and leadership experience with at least three years leading people. Experience working across large teams to foster equity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace. Demonstrated understanding of how to support employee performance and provide opportunities for growth and development.
Strategic Vision:
Proven track record of leading the development and implementation of strategies to achieve organizational priorities such as safety, sustainability and equity. Ability to coordinate collaborative problem-solving across teams and levels.
Analytical and Decision-Making Skills:
Ability to analyze and anticipate problems, assess financial and operational impacts, and provide proactive solutions. Strong decision-making skills, demonstrating fairness, respect, equity, inclusivity, and credibility. Proven ability to analyze situations, evaluate information, and make reasoned judgments to solve problems effectively.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
Clear and effective communication skills, both oral and written, for a variety of internal and external audiences. High emotional intelligence and ability to foster trust and respect from others. Demonstrated ability to create clarity for teams operating in complex technical, operational or political environments.
Adaptability and Innovation:
Receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and feedback, fostering an environment conducive to innovation. Willingness to embrace change and pivot strategies as needed in a dynamic environment.
Ideal candidates will bring a unique mix of the following desirable experience, qualifications, knowledge, skills:
Proven success leading innovation and/or product development for a large public agencies, preferably transit organizations; experience leading a team of highly experienced supervisors in these areas.
Track record of building highly engaged team cultures that support the development, coaching, and team building necessary for the workforce of the future; formal organizational development and/or leadership training.
Knowledge of transportation trends, legal and policy issues, and technology changes that may affect Metro customers.
Knowledge of and experience with operationalizing racial equity and inclusion principles, strategies, and indicators; formal training in diversity, equity and inclusion best practices.
Lived experience that represents the people and communities Metro serves.
The ability to generate novel ideas and solutions, thinking outside the box to tackle challenges in unique ways; capacity to align innovative efforts to achieve organizational goals.
Proven ability to lead through collaboration with diverse teams and promote.
Supplemental InformationApplication and Selection Process
A completed online employment
application ,
resume , and a
cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position are required.
Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in one or more interviews.
Work Schedule:
This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. The work schedule is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., but this position may require additional hours as necessary, including being on-call evenings and weekends, particularly during adverse weather events, civic events, and other emergencies. This position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
Remote and Onsite Work Details:
The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of onsite and remote work arrangements. Typically, the Market Innovation Manager will be on-site at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St., Seattle) 3-4 days per week. The frequency of onsite work is determined by business needs and may be adjusted accordingly.
Remote Work Location Requirement:
Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
Union Representation:
This position is not represented by a union.
If you have any questions, please contact the recruiter, Janay Harper jharper@kingcounty.gov
Teleworking Requirement:
The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of teleworking and onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles- we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities 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. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply:
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Market Innovation Managing Director.
This leadership role is integral to Metro’s transformation into a cutting-edge mobility agency, with high-capacity transit at the center and shared mobility services complementing the regional system.
We are seeking a dynamic leader with a proven track record of inspiring and optimizing team performance. The ideal candidate will possess an innovative mindset, a solid understanding of the transit industry, and experience with research practices. They should be dedicated to customer satisfaction and equity, with a strong ability to build and nurture partnerships with diverse internal and external stakeholders. This role is critical to Metro’s mission to evolve into a forward-thinking mobility agency that delivers solutions to meet customer needs that align with Metro’s values- equity, safety and sustainability.
The Market Innovation section develops mobility solutions that fill gaps for customers by fostering innovative problem-solving based on customer research and robust evaluation. The section is comprised of approximately 40 team members and includes collaborative self-starters that work in partnership with others in Metro, local cities, transportation providers and the business community. Market Innovation is comprised of three main workgroups:
Market and Business Development
includes the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and Business Programs teams. Both teams focus on increasing access to existing mobility options by providing the information, tools and incentives people need to choose a non-drive-alone transportation mode. The TDM team focuses on working with individuals and community partners, while the Business Program team manages our employer Passport program, which enables over 800 employers to provide commute benefits to their employees.
Fare Policy
leads development of fare and pricing policy, and is managing the Enterprise Fares Initiative, which includes fund management policy updates, simplification of reduced fares, increasing use of ORCA, and development of the cashless transition plan.
Research and Innovation
includes the Research, Innovative Mobility, and Connecting to Transit teams. The Research team supports the Department with up-to-date information on customer perceptions, attitudes, and needs, and provides evaluation of programs and projects to inform decisions. Innovative Mobility tests new services for efficacy in reaching new markets and increasing ridership on alternate modes. Connecting to Transit is leading development of mobility hubs, expanding bike and walk access and managing our park-and-ride network to maximize the use of these assets.
Job DutiesApplying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. In this role, the primary duties will be focused on supporting critical operations across the section’s teams and will be responsible for a range of leadership work, including:
Key Responsibilities:
Supervise , develop, lead, and support daily operations of the Market Innovations section. Provide strategic direction and leadership across workgroups within Market Innovation; coordinate across the division and across the department to create clarity for MI team and to ensure the success of cross-agency work efforts involving the section.
Innovation Leadership:
Drive the development and adjustment of new mobility services and policies based on industry trends, disruptive technologies, and market research. Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, testing, implementing, and evaluating new products and services.
Strategic Vision:
Position King County Metro's innovation around mobility services centered on equity, sustainability, and safety.
Team Development:
Create an inclusive and respectful work environment where the team continuously learns and works together.
Administrative Oversight:
Ensure timely and accurate completion of section-level administrative functions (including but not limited to scheduling, leave and travel approvals, and expense processing).
Collaboration and Partnership building:
Work with supervisors and leads to drive results, solve problems, and address resource and staffing challenges. Gather and coordinate input from across the section to ensure appropriate representation on priorities, new mobility services, budget proposals, and employee engagement. Cultivate business and community relationships to advance regional mobility transformation.
Product Development:
Lead the development of products, services, and processes to support the transformation of mobility services and champion innovation within Metro.
Project and change sponsorship:
Provide strategic, section-level leadership for special projects and department initiatives, such as developing the department’s budget proposals, piloting new transportation technology, and transforming our mobility services lines of business, along with continuous improvement and employee engagement efforts.
Policy and Reporting:
Develop mobility policy recommendations and management reports for senior leadership, liaise with County officials, and participate in assigned projects. Act as an escalation point for critical decisions and issues requiring input from senior leadership.
Budget and finance:
Develop section budget. Oversee and ensure financial performance, efficiency and accountability of King County team as well as contractors who provide services to Metro.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, SkillsQualified candidates for this role will have the following experience, qualifications, knowledge, skills:
Organizational Leadership and Employee Management:
Progressively responsible management and leadership experience with at least three years leading people. Experience working across large teams to foster equity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace. Demonstrated understanding of how to support employee performance and provide opportunities for growth and development.
Strategic Vision:
Proven track record of leading the development and implementation of strategies to achieve organizational priorities such as safety, sustainability and equity. Ability to coordinate collaborative problem-solving across teams and levels.
Analytical and Decision-Making Skills:
Ability to analyze and anticipate problems, assess financial and operational impacts, and provide proactive solutions. Strong decision-making skills, demonstrating fairness, respect, equity, inclusivity, and credibility. Proven ability to analyze situations, evaluate information, and make reasoned judgments to solve problems effectively.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
Clear and effective communication skills, both oral and written, for a variety of internal and external audiences. High emotional intelligence and ability to foster trust and respect from others. Demonstrated ability to create clarity for teams operating in complex technical, operational or political environments.
Adaptability and Innovation:
Receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and feedback, fostering an environment conducive to innovation. Willingness to embrace change and pivot strategies as needed in a dynamic environment.
Ideal candidates will bring a unique mix of the following desirable experience, qualifications, knowledge, skills:
Proven success leading innovation and/or product development for a large public agencies, preferably transit organizations; experience leading a team of highly experienced supervisors in these areas.
Track record of building highly engaged team cultures that support the development, coaching, and team building necessary for the workforce of the future; formal organizational development and/or leadership training.
Knowledge of transportation trends, legal and policy issues, and technology changes that may affect Metro customers.
Knowledge of and experience with operationalizing racial equity and inclusion principles, strategies, and indicators; formal training in diversity, equity and inclusion best practices.
Lived experience that represents the people and communities Metro serves.
The ability to generate novel ideas and solutions, thinking outside the box to tackle challenges in unique ways; capacity to align innovative efforts to achieve organizational goals.
Proven ability to lead through collaboration with diverse teams and promote.
Supplemental InformationApplication and Selection Process
A completed online employment
application ,
resume , and a
cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position are required.
Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in one or more interviews.
Work Schedule:
This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. The work schedule is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., but this position may require additional hours as necessary, including being on-call evenings and weekends, particularly during adverse weather events, civic events, and other emergencies. This position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
Remote and Onsite Work Details:
The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of onsite and remote work arrangements. Typically, the Market Innovation Manager will be on-site at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St., Seattle) 3-4 days per week. The frequency of onsite work is determined by business needs and may be adjusted accordingly.
Remote Work Location Requirement:
Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
Union Representation:
This position is not represented by a union.
If you have any questions, please contact the recruiter, Janay Harper jharper@kingcounty.gov
Teleworking Requirement:
The work associated with this position will be performed through a combination of teleworking and onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles- we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities 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. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply:
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
#J-18808-Ljbffr