State of Washington
Puget Sound Gateway Program Administrator (EMS5)
State of Washington, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
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.
Opportunity WSDOT is seeking an experienced program administration professional to lead and direct all aspects of the SR 167 and SR 509 Gateway Program, a multi‑billion‑dollar initiative and part of the Connecting Washington transportation package.
What To Expect The Puget Sound Gateway Program is a $2.83 billion capital initiative spanning the SR 167 and SR 509 corridors, the largest program in the $16 billion Connecting Washington package. This executive‑level position provides leadership over program planning, construction administration, and stakeholder coordination to ensure delivery of complex, multi‑regional transportation projects.
Responsibilities
Provide leadership for the Puget Sound Gateway Program, its projects, and positions, building consensus with program executive committees and representing WSDOT to elected officials, Indian tribes, community and business groups, property owners, and other stakeholders.
Direct program staff from Megaprograms, Olympic and Northwest Regions, and HQ Divisions to ensure program goals and objectives are achieved.
Serve as the primary point of contact for all program activities, representing WSDOT to the media, citizens, local jurisdictions, legislators, tribal agencies, businesses, and stakeholders, and facilitating resolution of transportation issues.
Guide WSDOT transportation planning, budgeting, and problem‑solving to deliver the program within scope, budget, and schedule, addressing coordination, legal, social, environmental, engineering, and fiscal challenges.
Coordinate major projects across the Olympic and Northwest Regions, integrating with Sound Transit’s light rail, access to Sea‑Tac International Airport, and ongoing I‑5 Master Plan development efforts, ensuring effective collaboration across South King and North Pierce Counties.
Serve on WSDOT, state, or nationally appointed policy teams and committees.
Ensure adequate resources for all disciplines, provide leadership and career development, approve or recommend workforce actions, and promote safety, morale, and professional growth.
Model professionalism, integrity, accountability, and public service, while resolving conflicts and complaints internally or with other agencies, community groups, and stakeholders.
Qualifications
Demonstrated experience directing large, complex, multi‑modal capital transportation programs with multi‑billion‑dollar budgets, from planning and environmental review through design, construction, and closeout.
Professional‑level knowledge of transportation and civil engineering principles, practices, and standards, including environmental and highway design laws and regulations.
Experience independently analyzing and resolving highly complex, high‑risk, and politically sensitive engineering, inter‑agency, and public‑facing issues.
Experience communicating and advising executive leadership, legislators, division and regional leadership, media representatives, and the public on complex technical, policy, or project‑related matters.
Experience representing an organization as an authorized spokesperson in public forums, including community meetings, legislative briefings, and executive‑level discussions.
Working knowledge of public‑sector finance, budgeting, programming, and project delivery processes, as well as legislative and governmental decision‑making frameworks.
Professional judgment and discretion in situations affecting policy direction, funding, public trust, safety, or operational outcomes.
Experience solving complex engineering or programmatic problems requiring integration of technical, regulatory, financial, and stakeholder considerations.
Commitment to learning and growth.
Willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated executive‑level communication effectiveness, including shaping and delivering complex technical, financial, and policy messages to elected officials, executive leadership, stakeholders, and media.
Success leading high‑stakes negotiations and influencing outcomes among competing governmental, tribal, jurisdictional, and private‑sector interests.
Capacity to assess emerging information, risk, and political context and recalibrate strategic direction to protect program outcomes and public confidence.
Experience exercising independent executive judgment over strategic and tactical decisions with material impacts on policy direction, funding, schedule, public trust, and organizational reputation.
Success establishing and maintaining public trust through transparent governance, ethical decision‑making, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Important Notes
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
Recruitment is for a position located in Downtown Seattle with satellite construction offices in SeaTac, Fife, and Puyallup. The position balances time between virtual telework and in‑person meetings and office time as required.
Position may require overnight travel to different locations within the region, throughout the state, and on occasion out of the state.
Position may require meetings during mornings, evenings, and weekends.
The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
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, further information is in 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, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, visit www.uscis.gov.
Why WSDOT
Work‑Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring staff experience the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle.
Paid Leave – Full‑time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year in addition to 12 paid holidays.
Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for education assistance.
Comprehensive benefits package, including health and retirement plans. Employees also choose from state retirement programs.
How To Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. In order to be considered, please include the following with your online application:
Resume outlining experience in reverse chronological order.
Cover Letter explaining qualifications and why you are a viable candidate.
Contact details for a minimum of three references available in the online application.
Please click the “APPLY” button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to sign in or create an account. This step is required to submit an application.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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. WSDOT does not use the E‑Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, visit www.uscis.gov.
Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, contact the assigned recruiter, Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov. Please reference 25DOT-NWR-8E007 in the subject line.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Opportunity WSDOT is seeking an experienced program administration professional to lead and direct all aspects of the SR 167 and SR 509 Gateway Program, a multi‑billion‑dollar initiative and part of the Connecting Washington transportation package.
What To Expect The Puget Sound Gateway Program is a $2.83 billion capital initiative spanning the SR 167 and SR 509 corridors, the largest program in the $16 billion Connecting Washington package. This executive‑level position provides leadership over program planning, construction administration, and stakeholder coordination to ensure delivery of complex, multi‑regional transportation projects.
Responsibilities
Provide leadership for the Puget Sound Gateway Program, its projects, and positions, building consensus with program executive committees and representing WSDOT to elected officials, Indian tribes, community and business groups, property owners, and other stakeholders.
Direct program staff from Megaprograms, Olympic and Northwest Regions, and HQ Divisions to ensure program goals and objectives are achieved.
Serve as the primary point of contact for all program activities, representing WSDOT to the media, citizens, local jurisdictions, legislators, tribal agencies, businesses, and stakeholders, and facilitating resolution of transportation issues.
Guide WSDOT transportation planning, budgeting, and problem‑solving to deliver the program within scope, budget, and schedule, addressing coordination, legal, social, environmental, engineering, and fiscal challenges.
Coordinate major projects across the Olympic and Northwest Regions, integrating with Sound Transit’s light rail, access to Sea‑Tac International Airport, and ongoing I‑5 Master Plan development efforts, ensuring effective collaboration across South King and North Pierce Counties.
Serve on WSDOT, state, or nationally appointed policy teams and committees.
Ensure adequate resources for all disciplines, provide leadership and career development, approve or recommend workforce actions, and promote safety, morale, and professional growth.
Model professionalism, integrity, accountability, and public service, while resolving conflicts and complaints internally or with other agencies, community groups, and stakeholders.
Qualifications
Demonstrated experience directing large, complex, multi‑modal capital transportation programs with multi‑billion‑dollar budgets, from planning and environmental review through design, construction, and closeout.
Professional‑level knowledge of transportation and civil engineering principles, practices, and standards, including environmental and highway design laws and regulations.
Experience independently analyzing and resolving highly complex, high‑risk, and politically sensitive engineering, inter‑agency, and public‑facing issues.
Experience communicating and advising executive leadership, legislators, division and regional leadership, media representatives, and the public on complex technical, policy, or project‑related matters.
Experience representing an organization as an authorized spokesperson in public forums, including community meetings, legislative briefings, and executive‑level discussions.
Working knowledge of public‑sector finance, budgeting, programming, and project delivery processes, as well as legislative and governmental decision‑making frameworks.
Professional judgment and discretion in situations affecting policy direction, funding, public trust, safety, or operational outcomes.
Experience solving complex engineering or programmatic problems requiring integration of technical, regulatory, financial, and stakeholder considerations.
Commitment to learning and growth.
Willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated executive‑level communication effectiveness, including shaping and delivering complex technical, financial, and policy messages to elected officials, executive leadership, stakeholders, and media.
Success leading high‑stakes negotiations and influencing outcomes among competing governmental, tribal, jurisdictional, and private‑sector interests.
Capacity to assess emerging information, risk, and political context and recalibrate strategic direction to protect program outcomes and public confidence.
Experience exercising independent executive judgment over strategic and tactical decisions with material impacts on policy direction, funding, schedule, public trust, and organizational reputation.
Success establishing and maintaining public trust through transparent governance, ethical decision‑making, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Important Notes
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
Recruitment is for a position located in Downtown Seattle with satellite construction offices in SeaTac, Fife, and Puyallup. The position balances time between virtual telework and in‑person meetings and office time as required.
Position may require overnight travel to different locations within the region, throughout the state, and on occasion out of the state.
Position may require meetings during mornings, evenings, and weekends.
The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
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, further information is in 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, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, visit www.uscis.gov.
Why WSDOT
Work‑Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring staff experience the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle.
Paid Leave – Full‑time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year in addition to 12 paid holidays.
Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for education assistance.
Comprehensive benefits package, including health and retirement plans. Employees also choose from state retirement programs.
How To Apply Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. In order to be considered, please include the following with your online application:
Resume outlining experience in reverse chronological order.
Cover Letter explaining qualifications and why you are a viable candidate.
Contact details for a minimum of three references available in the online application.
Please click the “APPLY” button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to sign in or create an account. This step is required to submit an application.
Equal Opportunity Employer 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. WSDOT does not use the E‑Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, visit www.uscis.gov.
Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, contact the assigned recruiter, Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov. Please reference 25DOT-NWR-8E007 in the subject line.
#J-18808-Ljbffr