About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project. 
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT has an outstanding opportunity for an innovative transportation leader to fill the role of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Transportation of Multi-Modal Development and Delivery (M2D2). The M2D2 Office sets the stage for future generations by creating the foundation of a sustainable transportation system using Practical Solutions and innovative approaches through integrating smart growth policy.
 
The Deputy Assistant Secretary of M2D2 requires forethought and creativity in leading a diverse group of WSDOT staff.  In this role, you will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight, direction, and policy support of Division Directors that develop programs to guide the agency’s Strategic Plan Implementation. This position ensures WSDOT's planning, engineering and operational procedures consistently reflect best practices and meet or exceed industry standards. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of M2D2 assists the Assistant Secretary in guiding the agency in developing and implementing initiatives that result in successfully integrated transportation systems within the communities of Washington State.  

What to Expect
This position is a member of WSDOT'S Executive Team and supports the M2D2 Assistant Secretary in making necessary planning, engineering and operational, personnel and policy decisions for the agency. 
 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Deputy Assistant Secretary will:

• Lead the implementation of policy and direction that ensures all modes of transportation are considered and integrated within the planning, programming, development and delivery of transportation systems and projects.
• Provide oversight of the development and implementation of policy and technical guidance, communication, and training for the agency's Strategic Plan initiatives.
• Collaborate with agency executive leadership, legislative leadership, key local officials, and other external stakeholders to identify, advocate for, and implement policies and best practices as they relate to delivery and management of the transportation system.
• Ensure a systems approach, addressing all modes of travel that are used when planning and designing transportation projects and programs.
• Track strategic accountability information for departmental reporting across all departmental programs and policy priorities, including external reporting, such as WSDOT's federal performance management, the Gray Notebook, quarterly project reports, agency performance scorecards, agency budget proposals, legislative briefings, briefings and reports for departmental interagency, interstate, and federal executives, and disclosure to the public.
• Successfully build coalitions, establish partnerships, create constituent support and influence public opinion on issues vital to successful multimodal projects, program development, and delivery.
• Align the processes with WSDOT's Strategic Plan, the Governor's initiatives, and the agency's priorities, which include Resilience, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion, and Workforce Development.
• Model leadership and performance characteristics that promote professionalism, integrity, accountability, and public service.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Transportation, Public Policy, or related degree field. (Additional years of professional experience may substitute for degree).
• Ten (10) years of experience in engineering, planning, and/or public policy. (A master’s degree may substitute for two year of professional experience).
• Extensive senior managerial experience with a focus in strategic leadership.
• Transportation related expertise to include multimodal systems, policy development, community, and economic development.
• Experience dealing with issues associated with land use, economic development, housing, demand management and environmental goals.
• Substantive understanding of government operations including, but not limited to legislative process, budget creation and administration and project/program delivery processes.
• Proven ability to develop staff skills by effectively coaching, mentoring and training; management, leadership, and strategic planning principles
• Reputation for building trust and consensus while maintaining effective business partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including facilitating competing interest groups/individuals in solving complex problems.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including ability to communicate complex information to diverse technical and nontechnical groups, legislators, and the media.

• Experience in labor negotiations and organizational management.
• Substantive experience in program and project budgeting.
• Ability to engage a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Master’s in Civil Engineering or Urban and Regional Planning, or Transportation Planning, or Public Policy.
• Registration in the State of Washington as a Professional Engineer (PE) and/or AICP certification

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. 
• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. An exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.  
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle. 
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees can 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 federal student loan forgiveness eligibility.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs and much more.
   
  WSDOT is an equal-opportunity employer. We value creating an environment where all employees 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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam-era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
   
  Contact us
  For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Rachel Giese at gieser@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 22DOT-HQ-0E237 in the subject line.