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Home Managing Director of Market Innovation - Apply by 7/10!

Job Description: Join one of the nation's most innovative public transit agencies at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation. King County Metro Transit is seeking a visionary, people-first leader to serve as Managing Director of Market Innovation—a role at the forefront of reshaping how mobility services are developed, delivered, and experienced throughout the region.

As a key member of Metro's leadership team, this role provides strategic direction to the Market Innovation (MI) section, a 40-person unit that designs solutions to meet real-world transportation needs through research, policy development, and pilot programs. The Managing Director will oversee a talented, cross-functional team working to expand equitable access to mobility while enhancing service integration, customer engagement, and innovation.

The teams you will lead: The Market Innovation section is made up of three interconnected workgroups:
• Market & Business Development: Includes Transportation Demand Management and Business Programs, focused on helping individuals and employers access sustainable commute options.
• Fare Policy: Develops equitable fare strategies, manages the Enterprise Fares Initiative, and leads Metro's transition toward cashless payments and increased ORCA card adoption.
• Research & Innovation: Gathers and interprets customer insights, tests emerging mobility solutions, and leads the development of mobility hubs, bike and walk access, and park-and-ride programs.
Together, these teams are transforming how people move through King County—reducing drive-alone trips, making transit easier to use, and addressing transportation gaps with inclusive solutions.

Key Responsibilities (Full list is available on the official job posting)
• Lead and develop a diverse team, fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Provide strategic oversight of the section's operations, vision, and innovation priorities.
• Develop mobility solutions that reflect emerging trends, community needs, and Metro's core values of equity, sustainability, and safety.
• Advance new transportation technologies and policies that center customer experience and accessibility.
• Champion continuous improvement through data, research, and user feedback.
• Cultivate partnerships with cities, transportation providers, employers, and community organizations.
• Ensure effective communication across departments and alignment with Metro's broader goals.
• Oversee budget planning, performance monitoring, and contract management.
• Represent Market Innovation in leadership forums and high-level project decision making.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and inclusive leader with a demonstrated ability to manage complex teams and deliver measurable impact in a fast-changing environment.

Some of the minimum qualifications include: (Full list is available on the official job posting)
• At least three years of experience managing teams or programs, preferably in public service, mobility, or innovation-oriented fields.
• A strong track record in team development, strategic planning, and equity-driven leadership.
• Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence, with the ability to foster clarity and trust.
• Proven experience implementing solutions that align operations with strategic goals.

Some of the preferred qualifications include: (Full list is available on the official job posting)
• Experience managing innovation, product development, or service design for a large public agency.
• Familiarity with transit trends, fare policy, research methods, or emerging mobility technologies.
• Formal training or lived experience related to racial equity, organizational development, or inclusive workplace practices.
• Demonstrated creativity and systems thinking in solving transportation challenges.
• Ability to represent diverse communities and bring a customer-first perspective to mobility planning.