State of Washington
Assistant Secretary Urban Mobility, Access and Megaprograms
State of Washington, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge and operates the largest ferry system in the nation, among other achievements. The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking an executive leader to serve as Assistant Secretary for Urban Mobility, Access, and Megaprograms (UMAM). This role provides strategic direction and oversight for major tolling operations and megaprograms, including the SR 520 Program, I-405/SR 167 Corridor Program, Puget Sound Gateway Program, Cascadia High Speed Rail, and the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. The Assistant Secretary reports to the Deputy Secretary of Transportation and ensures programs are delivered with innovation, efficiency, and collaboration while addressing mobility needs in the Puget Sound region and the Portland-to-British Columbia corridor. We are looking for a visionary and collaborative leader with deep expertise in transportation systems, large-scale program delivery, and policy development. The ideal candidate will have strong executive leadership skills, a track record of building partnerships across jurisdictions and agencies, and the ability to navigate the intersection of transportation, technology, and community needs. This is an opportunity to shape the future of integrated, multimodal mobility in a fast-growing region and ensure Washington's transportation system remains resilient, equitable, and forward-looking for decades to come. What to Expect
The Assistant Secretary UMAM will oversee a varied range of responsibilities, including: Determine the overall focus of projects and positions within UMAM's divisions and megaprograms. Lead and correspond with Federal, State, and local officials, Indian Tribes, advisory groups, community groups, business organizations, property owners, and other citizens as needed. Initiate new or interpret and direct policies to accomplish program elements with high public and legislative interest, such as managed lanes, high-speed rail, tolled facilities, and the I-5 corridor. Collaborate and integrate regional planning between UMAM and other WSDOT regions, divisions, and regional committees to drive coordination and issue resolution (e.g., Puget Sound Regional Council). Serve as a contact for the Transportation Commission, the Governor's Office, legislative committees, staff, and other state agencies on project and service delivery; advise on engineering and operating procedure issues within the portfolio. Direct program administrators and deputies to develop effective planning, contracting, design, and construction procedures and maintain relationships with consultants and contractors. Work with state and local officials, public and business groups, and the media to explain and promote tolling; help develop statewide toll policies and recommendations for adoption by WSDOT executives, the Transportation Commission, or the Legislature. Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required: Executive Leadership & Organizational Management:
Proven ability to lead large, complex organizations with strong management, leadership, and strategic planning; translate vision into measurable goals while fostering accountability and integrity. Transportation Systems & Project Delivery:
Expertise in multimodal transportation planning, system integration, and civil engineering; knowledge of alternative construction delivery methods and innovative solutions for complex infrastructure projects. Stakeholder Engagement & Intergovernmental Relations:
Ability to collaborate with federal, state, local, and international partners; communicate effectively with executives, legislators, the media, and the public on high-profile issues. Policy, Law & Regulatory Compliance:
Understanding of transportation laws and environmental design regulations at local, state, and federal levels; ability to navigate policy and legal frameworks affecting project delivery and operations. Financial Acumen:
Knowledge of transportation budgeting, funding mechanisms, and legislative processes; ability to identify funding solutions and align financial strategies with priorities. Preferred qualifications include a degree in engineering, transportation planning, business administration, public administration, or related field, plus experience interfacing with media on challenging issues. Note: To review the full Position Description, follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting. Important Notes
This recruitment may be used to fill additional positions per business needs. Flexible/hybrid remote work options are available. Frequent in-state and occasional out-of-state travel is required. Compensation includes base salary plus other forms of compensation depending on duties and location. For union positions, see the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements; for non-represented positions, see Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system and is not eligible for STEM OPT. For more information, visit the USCIS site. Why WSDOT
Work-Life Balance Flexible schedules and telework options for eligible positions. Paid Leave 12 paid holidays and up to 25 vacation days per year for full-time employees. Tuition Assistance Education expense assistance, tuition reimbursement, discounts at participating colleges, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness. Plan For Your Future Comprehensive benefits including healthcare options and state retirement programs. Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT? How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically. Provide a detailed Work Experience section, attach a Resume and a Cover Letter, and include contact details for a minimum of three references in the application. An attached Resume outlining experience in reverse chronological order. An attached Cover Letter describing qualifications and why you are a viable candidate. Reference contacts for at least three individuals who can attest to work performance and competencies. Please click the APPLY button to proceed. You will be prompted to sign in or create an account to submit an application. WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance may contact the Recruiter. WSDOT does not use E-Verify and is not eligible for STEM OPT. For more information, visit the USCIS site. Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, contact the assigned Recruiter at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please reference 25DOT-HQ-0E216 in the subject line. #J-18808-Ljbffr
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge and operates the largest ferry system in the nation, among other achievements. The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking an executive leader to serve as Assistant Secretary for Urban Mobility, Access, and Megaprograms (UMAM). This role provides strategic direction and oversight for major tolling operations and megaprograms, including the SR 520 Program, I-405/SR 167 Corridor Program, Puget Sound Gateway Program, Cascadia High Speed Rail, and the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. The Assistant Secretary reports to the Deputy Secretary of Transportation and ensures programs are delivered with innovation, efficiency, and collaboration while addressing mobility needs in the Puget Sound region and the Portland-to-British Columbia corridor. We are looking for a visionary and collaborative leader with deep expertise in transportation systems, large-scale program delivery, and policy development. The ideal candidate will have strong executive leadership skills, a track record of building partnerships across jurisdictions and agencies, and the ability to navigate the intersection of transportation, technology, and community needs. This is an opportunity to shape the future of integrated, multimodal mobility in a fast-growing region and ensure Washington's transportation system remains resilient, equitable, and forward-looking for decades to come. What to Expect
The Assistant Secretary UMAM will oversee a varied range of responsibilities, including: Determine the overall focus of projects and positions within UMAM's divisions and megaprograms. Lead and correspond with Federal, State, and local officials, Indian Tribes, advisory groups, community groups, business organizations, property owners, and other citizens as needed. Initiate new or interpret and direct policies to accomplish program elements with high public and legislative interest, such as managed lanes, high-speed rail, tolled facilities, and the I-5 corridor. Collaborate and integrate regional planning between UMAM and other WSDOT regions, divisions, and regional committees to drive coordination and issue resolution (e.g., Puget Sound Regional Council). Serve as a contact for the Transportation Commission, the Governor's Office, legislative committees, staff, and other state agencies on project and service delivery; advise on engineering and operating procedure issues within the portfolio. Direct program administrators and deputies to develop effective planning, contracting, design, and construction procedures and maintain relationships with consultants and contractors. Work with state and local officials, public and business groups, and the media to explain and promote tolling; help develop statewide toll policies and recommendations for adoption by WSDOT executives, the Transportation Commission, or the Legislature. Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required: Executive Leadership & Organizational Management:
Proven ability to lead large, complex organizations with strong management, leadership, and strategic planning; translate vision into measurable goals while fostering accountability and integrity. Transportation Systems & Project Delivery:
Expertise in multimodal transportation planning, system integration, and civil engineering; knowledge of alternative construction delivery methods and innovative solutions for complex infrastructure projects. Stakeholder Engagement & Intergovernmental Relations:
Ability to collaborate with federal, state, local, and international partners; communicate effectively with executives, legislators, the media, and the public on high-profile issues. Policy, Law & Regulatory Compliance:
Understanding of transportation laws and environmental design regulations at local, state, and federal levels; ability to navigate policy and legal frameworks affecting project delivery and operations. Financial Acumen:
Knowledge of transportation budgeting, funding mechanisms, and legislative processes; ability to identify funding solutions and align financial strategies with priorities. Preferred qualifications include a degree in engineering, transportation planning, business administration, public administration, or related field, plus experience interfacing with media on challenging issues. Note: To review the full Position Description, follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting. Important Notes
This recruitment may be used to fill additional positions per business needs. Flexible/hybrid remote work options are available. Frequent in-state and occasional out-of-state travel is required. Compensation includes base salary plus other forms of compensation depending on duties and location. For union positions, see the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements; for non-represented positions, see Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system and is not eligible for STEM OPT. For more information, visit the USCIS site. Why WSDOT
Work-Life Balance Flexible schedules and telework options for eligible positions. Paid Leave 12 paid holidays and up to 25 vacation days per year for full-time employees. Tuition Assistance Education expense assistance, tuition reimbursement, discounts at participating colleges, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness. Plan For Your Future Comprehensive benefits including healthcare options and state retirement programs. Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT? How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically. Provide a detailed Work Experience section, attach a Resume and a Cover Letter, and include contact details for a minimum of three references in the application. An attached Resume outlining experience in reverse chronological order. An attached Cover Letter describing qualifications and why you are a viable candidate. Reference contacts for at least three individuals who can attest to work performance and competencies. Please click the APPLY button to proceed. You will be prompted to sign in or create an account to submit an application. WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance may contact the Recruiter. WSDOT does not use E-Verify and is not eligible for STEM OPT. For more information, visit the USCIS site. Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, contact the assigned Recruiter at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please reference 25DOT-HQ-0E216 in the subject line. #J-18808-Ljbffr