Assistant Secretary for Urban Mobility, Access, and Megaprograms

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 is currently seeking an accomplished executive leader to serve as Assistant Secretary for Urban Mobility, Access, and Megaprograms (UMAM). This role provides strategic direction and oversight for some of Washington’s most complex and high-profile transportation initiatives, including major tolling operations and megaprograms such as the SR 520 Program, I-405/SR 167 Corridor Program, Puget Sound Gateway Program, Cascadia High Speed Rail, and the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. Reporting directly to the Deputy Secretary of Transportation, the Assistant Secretary ensures these programs are delivered with innovation, efficiency, and collaboration while addressing the evolving mobility needs of the Puget Sound region and the greater 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 bring 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 across one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions and ensure Washington’s transportation system remains resilient, equitable, and forward-looking for decades to come.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Secretary – UMAM will:

• Determine the overall focus of projects and positions within UMAM’s divisions and megaprograms.
• Lead, represent and correspond with Federal, State, and local elected/appointed officials, Indian Tribes, advisory groups, community groups, business organizations, business owners, property owners, and other citizens as necessary.
• Initiate new and/or interpret and direct policies to accomplish program elements with high levels of public and legislative interest, such as the future of managed lanes, high-speed rail, current and upcoming tolled facilities, and the I-5 system border-to-border.
• Collaborate and integrate regional planning and activities between UMAM and other WSDOT regions and divisions, as well as participate in regional and multijurisdictional committees to facilitate and drive for regional coordination and issue resolution (i.e., Puget Sound Regional Council).
• Serve as a contact for the Transportation Commission, the Governor's Office, legislative committees and staff, congressional members and staff, and other state agencies for issues of project and service delivery, as well as advising and consulting on engineering and operating procedure issues within the position's portfolio.
• Direct UMAM megaprogram and division program administrators and deputies to develop effective planning, contracting, design, and construction procedures as well as maintain and strengthen relationships with consultants and contractors within the programs.
• Work with state and local officials, public and business groups, and the media to explain and promote a tolling program; help develop statewide toll policies, directions, and recommendations for adoption by WSDOT executives, the Transportation Commission, and/or 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 a strong foundation of highly developed management, leadership skills, and strategic planning principles for customer-focused services. Skilled at translating vision into measurable goals while fostering accountability and integrity.
• Transportation Systems & Project Delivery: Expertise in multimodal transportation planning, system integration, and civil engineering practices. Demonstrated knowledge of alternative construction delivery methods and innovative solutions for complex infrastructure projects.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Intergovernmental Relations: Adept at collaborating with federal, state, local, and international partners on multi-jurisdictional initiatives. Skilled in communicating effectively with executives, legislators, the media, and the public on sensitive and high-profile issues.
• Policy, Law & Regulatory Compliance: Deep understanding of transportation-related laws and regulations – including environmental and highway design – at the local, state, and federal level. Ability to anticipate and navigate policy and legal frameworks impacting project delivery and long-term system operations.
• Financial Acumen: Strong grasp of transportation budgeting, funding mechanisms, and legislative processes at all levels of government. Skilled in resource planning, identifying funding solutions, and aligning financial strategies with organizational priorities.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Degree in engineering, transportation planning, business administration, public administration, or related field.
• Extensive experience dealing with media on challenging issues.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Frequent in-state and occasional out-of-state travel is required.
• 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. 
• 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 may 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.  
• Plan For 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 Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can 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.

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, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-HQ-0E216 in the subject line.