State of Washington is hiring: Assistant Secretary – Urban Mobility, Access and

Overview

Assistant Secretary – Urban Mobility, Access and Megaprograms (UMAM) at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). This executive leadership role provides strategic direction and oversight for major tolling operations and megaprograms, including SR 520, I-405/SR 167, Puget Sound Gateway, Cascadia High Speed Rail, and the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. The position reports to the Deputy Secretary of Transportation and aims to deliver programs with innovation, efficiency, and collaboration to meet mobility needs in the Puget Sound region and the Portland-to-British Columbia corridor.

WSDOT is a multimodal agency focused on planning, designing, building, and operating an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods.

Responsibilities

• Determine the overall focus of projects and positions within UMAM’s divisions and megaprograms.
• Lead, represent and correspond with Federal, State, and local officials, Indian Tribes, advisory groups, community groups, business organizations, property owners, and other citizens as necessary.
• Initiate new and/or interpret and direct policies to accomplish program elements with high public and legislative interest (e.g., managed lanes, high-speed rail, tolled facilities, I-5 corridor).
• Collaborate and integrate regional planning between UMAM and other WSDOT regions/divisions and participate in regional committees to drive regional coordination and issue resolution (e.g., Puget Sound Regional Council).
• Serve as a contact for the Transportation Commission, Governor’s Office, legislative committees, staff, congressional members, and other agencies on project delivery issues; advise on engineering and operating procedures within the portfolio.
• Direct UMAM megaprogram and division program administrators 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 programs; help develop statewide toll policies and recommendations for adoption by executives, the Transportation Commission, or the Legislature.

Qualifications

• Executive Leadership & Organizational Management: proven ability to lead large, complex organizations with strategic planning and customer-focused services; translate vision into measurable goals and foster accountability and integrity.
• Transportation Systems & Project Delivery: expertise in multimodal transportation planning, system integration, and civil engineering; knowledge of innovative delivery methods for complex projects.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Intergovernmental Relations: adept at collaborating with federal, state, local, and international partners; effective communication with executives, legislators, media, and the public on high-profile issues.
• Policy, Law & Regulatory Compliance: understanding of transportation laws and regulations at local, state, and federal levels; ability to anticipate policy and legal frameworks affecting delivery and operations.
• Financial Acumen: experience with transportation budgeting, funding mechanisms, and legislative processes; ability to align financial strategies with organizational priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in engineering, transportation planning, business administration, public administration, or related field.
• Extensive experience dealing with media on challenging issues.
• Review the full Position Description via the Contact Us section of the posting.

Other Notes

• This recruitment may be used to fill additional positions.
• Flexible/hybrid remote work options available.
• Frequent in-state and occasional out-of-state travel is required.
• Base salary may be supplemented by other compensation depending on type, duties, or location; union and non-represented compensation details are provided in applicable agreements.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit electronically. Include:

• Resume in reverse chronological order.
• Cover Letter detailing qualifications and fit for the role.
• Contact details for at least three references.

Please click the "APPLY" button and sign in or create an account to submit your application.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are valued; all persons are encouraged to apply. If you require assistance or an alternative format, contact the Recruiter. Additional information on benefits is available at State Benefits and through PEBB.