Washington State ESD
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. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity WSDOT’s Budget and Financial Analysis (BFA) Division is seeking a financial professional to serve as the Assistant Director (AD) of Budget. In this role, you will ensure the integrity, credibility, and effective management of a complex $12 billion budget spanning multiple fund sources and appropriations. This position will direct and oversee financial policies, procedures, and practices, integrating program-level expertise with agency- and statewide perspectives to support consistent, informed decision-making. The AD will lead technical and program professionals in analyzing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating budgeting activities, coordinate complex financial data across multiple systems, and provide accurate, actionable information to executives, managers, Office of Financial Management (OFM) staff, and legislative committees. A strong candidate will demonstrate mastery in strategic financial management, technical and analytical expertise, executive-level communication, policy development and implementation, team leadership and mentorship, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while balancing operational and legislative budget requirements.
What to Expect This AD position is one of four assistant directors who, under the direction of BFA’s Director, direct the work of a group of budget, forecasting, and financial planning professionals. BFA staff assist and advise program professionals in developing, analyzing, proposing, directing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating agency financial policies and operational activities consistent with the department's strategic plan, legislative direction, and external environment. The AD in the headquarters budget office, the primary responsibilities involve directing and controlling the processes to prepare and administer the department’s budget, which for the 2025-27 biennium is approximately $12 billion and over 7,000 FTEs.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, theAssistant Direct of Budget will:
Lead and supervise the professional budget office staff to ensure optimum use of resources (dollar and FTE) through completing timely staff appraisals, providing clear expectations, and identifying and providing professional development opportunities.
Identify and evaluate risk and opportunities, monitor short and long-term organizational goals and operational activities, ensure appropriate, efficient, and effective use of resources are utilized to maximize public benefit.
Investigate, develop, coordinate with others and provide responses to inquiries from legislative staff, legislators, executive staff, and other interested parties.
Manage budget program restructures, which includes providing historical data as required by the Legislative Evaluating and Accountability Program Committee (LEAP).
Annually facilitates the development of biennial and/or supplemental budget requests for submittal to OFM; provide training and tools to WSDOT staff to support efficient budget development processes.
Manage the continual implementation of budgets, including anticipating and identifying financial problems; recommend solutions; inform strategic decisions, monitor variance spending, and other factors that warrant budget adjustments.
Monitor and report on expenditure trends; reviews and prepares numerous financial reports such as OFM variance reports (external) and the Quarterly Financial Report by program (internal), ensuring compliance with appropriate budget statutes, provisos, and legislative intent.
Review, analyze and provide guidance regarding direction and intent from OFM, legislature, agency executives, and other interested parties while developing and/or monitoring budgets.
Supervise development of a projected salary base using the Salary Projection System for use by the legislature in determining appropriate levels.
Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Budget Management & Analysis
Advanced education, training, and/or experience in financial management, business management, or other related fields, demonstrating competencies in developing, managing, and monitoring large, complex budgets.
Knowledge of state budget processes to develop, implement, and evaluate financial strategies, efficiencies, and savings that promote responsible resource management and measurable public benefit
Ability to promote fiscal accountability and alignment with organizational goals.
Leadership & Supervision
Demonstrated high emotional intelligence and proficiency in leading, mentoring, and developing professional staff.
Ability to establish and communicate clear expectations, conduct performance evaluations and support professional development.
Personnel Management
Demonstrated proficiency and knowledge of state and federal employment requirements to effectively manage personnel, promote diversity, and ensure accountability and engagement.
Team Development and Motivating
Demonstrated proficiency in facilitating cohesion through coaching, mentoring, and motivating staff by cultivating accountability and skillfulness.
Stakeholder Collaboration & Relationship Building
Advanced skills to build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external relationships that create positive customer satisfaction, achieve consensus and coordinate complex fiscal policies and financial activities.
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Mastery of negotiating outcomes, advocating agency positions, and resolving conflicts while maintaining professionalism and collaboration across diverse interdisciplinary teams.
Communication and Presentation
Mastery of effective communication and demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex financial information both verbally and in writing.
Advanced skills and the ability to prepare and present recommended budget strategies, policies, and materials tailored for decision-makers and diverse audiences.
Ability to represent the department in meetings and hearings.
Visionary and Strategic Thinking
Ability to develop a clear picture of the future and advanced skills to create and execute strategic and tactical unit plans that support near- and long-term organizational goals.
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Ability to apply advanced analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills to objectively evaluate information, navigate legal principles, interpret complex laws, rules, policies and procedures, identify issues, communicate contrary points of view and support sound decision-making.
Organizational & Project Management
Mastery of skills to effectively organize, prioritize, and manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities while delivering with advanced attention to detail, timeliness, and accuracy.
Digital Literacy & Technology Proficiency
Advanced experience utilizing technology and digital tools to manage budgets, communicate and create digital content; proficient in researching financial systems to find, evaluate and manage digital information.
Growth Mindset
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
Preferred Qualifications
State Legislative & Federal Budget Expertise : Advanced knowledge of state legislative budget processes, federal funding programs and procedures, and WSDOT’s budget and funding structures, including transportation-related issues.
Technical Proficiency : Advanced experience using Microsoft O365 applications to support financial analysis, reporting, and communication.
Organizational & Political Expertise : Experience navigating complex organizations and understanding the unpredictable nature of politics to effectively achieve organizational goals.
Influence & Stakeholder Engagement : Ability to influence, persuade, and build consensus among stakeholders in politically active or high-stakes environments.
*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
This position is required to have an alternate, flexible schedule and/or additional hours may be required during peak work periods, such as budget development and allotment preparation and legislative session.
In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT
Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
PlanFor Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
An attached Cover Letter that tells us why they are interested in this opportunity and what they believe the biggest challenges and opportunities are for WSDOT’s budget (no more than 2 pages).
An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the APPLY button to proceed.
Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-HQ-0W192 in the subject line.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
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The Opportunity WSDOT’s Budget and Financial Analysis (BFA) Division is seeking a financial professional to serve as the Assistant Director (AD) of Budget. In this role, you will ensure the integrity, credibility, and effective management of a complex $12 billion budget spanning multiple fund sources and appropriations. This position will direct and oversee financial policies, procedures, and practices, integrating program-level expertise with agency- and statewide perspectives to support consistent, informed decision-making. The AD will lead technical and program professionals in analyzing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating budgeting activities, coordinate complex financial data across multiple systems, and provide accurate, actionable information to executives, managers, Office of Financial Management (OFM) staff, and legislative committees. A strong candidate will demonstrate mastery in strategic financial management, technical and analytical expertise, executive-level communication, policy development and implementation, team leadership and mentorship, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while balancing operational and legislative budget requirements.
What to Expect This AD position is one of four assistant directors who, under the direction of BFA’s Director, direct the work of a group of budget, forecasting, and financial planning professionals. BFA staff assist and advise program professionals in developing, analyzing, proposing, directing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating agency financial policies and operational activities consistent with the department's strategic plan, legislative direction, and external environment. The AD in the headquarters budget office, the primary responsibilities involve directing and controlling the processes to prepare and administer the department’s budget, which for the 2025-27 biennium is approximately $12 billion and over 7,000 FTEs.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, theAssistant Direct of Budget will:
Lead and supervise the professional budget office staff to ensure optimum use of resources (dollar and FTE) through completing timely staff appraisals, providing clear expectations, and identifying and providing professional development opportunities.
Identify and evaluate risk and opportunities, monitor short and long-term organizational goals and operational activities, ensure appropriate, efficient, and effective use of resources are utilized to maximize public benefit.
Investigate, develop, coordinate with others and provide responses to inquiries from legislative staff, legislators, executive staff, and other interested parties.
Manage budget program restructures, which includes providing historical data as required by the Legislative Evaluating and Accountability Program Committee (LEAP).
Annually facilitates the development of biennial and/or supplemental budget requests for submittal to OFM; provide training and tools to WSDOT staff to support efficient budget development processes.
Manage the continual implementation of budgets, including anticipating and identifying financial problems; recommend solutions; inform strategic decisions, monitor variance spending, and other factors that warrant budget adjustments.
Monitor and report on expenditure trends; reviews and prepares numerous financial reports such as OFM variance reports (external) and the Quarterly Financial Report by program (internal), ensuring compliance with appropriate budget statutes, provisos, and legislative intent.
Review, analyze and provide guidance regarding direction and intent from OFM, legislature, agency executives, and other interested parties while developing and/or monitoring budgets.
Supervise development of a projected salary base using the Salary Projection System for use by the legislature in determining appropriate levels.
Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Budget Management & Analysis
Advanced education, training, and/or experience in financial management, business management, or other related fields, demonstrating competencies in developing, managing, and monitoring large, complex budgets.
Knowledge of state budget processes to develop, implement, and evaluate financial strategies, efficiencies, and savings that promote responsible resource management and measurable public benefit
Ability to promote fiscal accountability and alignment with organizational goals.
Leadership & Supervision
Demonstrated high emotional intelligence and proficiency in leading, mentoring, and developing professional staff.
Ability to establish and communicate clear expectations, conduct performance evaluations and support professional development.
Personnel Management
Demonstrated proficiency and knowledge of state and federal employment requirements to effectively manage personnel, promote diversity, and ensure accountability and engagement.
Team Development and Motivating
Demonstrated proficiency in facilitating cohesion through coaching, mentoring, and motivating staff by cultivating accountability and skillfulness.
Stakeholder Collaboration & Relationship Building
Advanced skills to build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external relationships that create positive customer satisfaction, achieve consensus and coordinate complex fiscal policies and financial activities.
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Mastery of negotiating outcomes, advocating agency positions, and resolving conflicts while maintaining professionalism and collaboration across diverse interdisciplinary teams.
Communication and Presentation
Mastery of effective communication and demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex financial information both verbally and in writing.
Advanced skills and the ability to prepare and present recommended budget strategies, policies, and materials tailored for decision-makers and diverse audiences.
Ability to represent the department in meetings and hearings.
Visionary and Strategic Thinking
Ability to develop a clear picture of the future and advanced skills to create and execute strategic and tactical unit plans that support near- and long-term organizational goals.
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Ability to apply advanced analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills to objectively evaluate information, navigate legal principles, interpret complex laws, rules, policies and procedures, identify issues, communicate contrary points of view and support sound decision-making.
Organizational & Project Management
Mastery of skills to effectively organize, prioritize, and manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities while delivering with advanced attention to detail, timeliness, and accuracy.
Digital Literacy & Technology Proficiency
Advanced experience utilizing technology and digital tools to manage budgets, communicate and create digital content; proficient in researching financial systems to find, evaluate and manage digital information.
Growth Mindset
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
Preferred Qualifications
State Legislative & Federal Budget Expertise : Advanced knowledge of state legislative budget processes, federal funding programs and procedures, and WSDOT’s budget and funding structures, including transportation-related issues.
Technical Proficiency : Advanced experience using Microsoft O365 applications to support financial analysis, reporting, and communication.
Organizational & Political Expertise : Experience navigating complex organizations and understanding the unpredictable nature of politics to effectively achieve organizational goals.
Influence & Stakeholder Engagement : Ability to influence, persuade, and build consensus among stakeholders in politically active or high-stakes environments.
*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
This position is required to have an alternate, flexible schedule and/or additional hours may be required during peak work periods, such as budget development and allotment preparation and legislative session.
In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT
Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
PlanFor Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
An attached Cover Letter that tells us why they are interested in this opportunity and what they believe the biggest challenges and opportunities are for WSDOT’s budget (no more than 2 pages).
An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the APPLY button to proceed.
Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-HQ-0W192 in the subject line.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
#J-18808-Ljbffr