Chief of Staff Full Time

OUR MISSION AND VALUES

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) provides exceptional and cost-effective transportation services that consistently exceed customer expectations while promoting the principles and practices of livable communities and sustainable development. We value customer service, collaboration, diversity, fiscal accountability, innovation, sustainability, and safety. Employees and representatives of BFT are expected to uphold our values and mission.

NATURE OF POSITION

The Chief of Staff reports directly to the CEO and functions as a senior advisor and strategic partner in the day-to-day operations and long-term planning of Ben Franklin Transit. This position is responsible for managing cross-functional initiatives, facilitating communication and coordination across departments, and supporting the implementation of agency priorities. The Chief of Staff also serves as a liaison to the Board of Directors, government agencies, and community stakeholders, supporting executive-level governance and external relations. This role requires a high degree of discretion, organizational insight, and the ability to work effectively across complex systems and stakeholder groups.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities/KSA

• Serve as a trusted advisor and liaison to the CEO, supporting high-level decision-making and execution of strategic initiatives. Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CEO.
• Lead the implementation of agency-wide priorities, ensuring alignment across departments and timely progress on key projects.

• Manage the CEO’s high-priority projects and support agency-wide communication and coordination.

• Prepare briefings, reports, and presentations for the CEO, Board of Directors, and community stakeholders.
• Oversee interdepartmental collaboration, ensuring seamless communication, workflow integration, and accountability on cross-functional projects.
• Track and manage the progress of strategic and operational initiatives, identifying and resolving bottlenecks.
• Lead and direct special projects as delegated by the CEO, including change management and performance improvement efforts.

• Manage the agency’s legislative and regulatory strategies in partnership with executive leadership.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials, agency partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Support the development of policy positions, legislative priorities, and official communications on behalf of BFT.
• Monitor and analyze proposed legislation and administrative actions that may impact the agency’s operations, funding, or regulatory environment.
• Represent BFT in regional coalitions, public meetings, and with transportation and civic stakeholders, ensuring the agency’s voice is heard and interests are advanced.

• Oversee Executive administrative staff and management staff.
• Serve as a liaison between the CEO and the Board of Directors, supporting agenda development, meeting preparation, and follow-through on board directives.
• Ensure the CEO is well-informed and prepared for meetings, events, and key engagements.
• Foster a culture of transparency, innovation, and results-oriented performance.
• Act as a role model for organizational values and help ensure BFT continues to be a great place to work and serve.
• Mentor and support leaders across the agency, contributing to leadership development and succession planning.

• Ensure the Agency is fully prepared for monthly Board of Directors meetings by reviewing all office correspondence, memorandums, and resolutions for accuracy and consistency. Oversee the timely posting of these materials on the BFT website for public access. Exercise discretion and sound judgment in preparing the CEO for each meeting.
• Oversee records management by ensuring the timely creation, maintenance, and archiving of documents and files to preserve historical accuracy and organizational integrity

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize competing deadlines.
• Teamwork, collaboration, and punctuality.
• Familiarity with public transportation systems, regional governance, and infrastructure funding models.
• Knowledge of Washington State’s transportation landscape and public sector best practices.
• Experience in organizational development, policy implementation, and strategic communications.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Urban Planning, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in executive-level operations, government/public administration, or transit-related organizations.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-priority initiatives, leading cross-functional teams, and supporting executive leadership.
• Outstanding communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects, synthesize diverse viewpoints, and drive toward resolution and impact.
• Deep commitment to public service, equity, and community-centered leadership.

Other

• Collaboration: Shares time and knowledge with others; adjusts priorities as circumstances dictate; follows through on commitments, accepts responsibility for actions, resolves interpersonal conflicts constructively.
• Diversity: Demonstrates an awareness and respect of cultural and individual values. Treats all people with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
• Fiscal Accountability: Actively contributes to the productivity of the agency; demonstrates good stewardship of company time and resources; displays high standards of ethical conduct.
• Customer Service: Anticipates the needs of internal and external customers; delivers quality work products and services within expected timeframes. Considers and responds appropriately to people in various situations.
• Innovation: Considers new approaches to situations; encourages ideas and improvements.
• Sustainability: Actively encourages environmental benefits and the conservation of natural resources.
• Safety: Adheres to safety related laws, regulations, standards, and practices; performs work in a safe manner; encourages and supports others to be safe while at work.

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