Cascadia Director of Operations (WMS Band 4)

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a forward-thinking leader to serve as the Cascadia Director of Operations in the Seattle area. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of transportation in the Pacific Northwest by advancing two major initiatives: Cascadia High-Speed Rail and the Interstate 5 (I-5) Program. Together, these efforts aim to improve how people and goods move throughout the region, strengthen connections between communities, and maximize the performance of our transportation system for generations to come.

As the Director of Operations, you will help guide the planning and development of these complex, long-term initiatives, overseeing efforts that span transportation studies, funding strategies, environmental reviews, design, construction, and future operations.

The I-5 Program covers the corridor from the Canadian border to the Oregon border, while Cascadia High-Speed Rail envisions connecting Portland, Oregon, with Vancouver, British Columbia. This work involves collaboration with regional, state, and international partners, including the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Oregon Department of Transportation, and Metro in the Portland region.

You will also help consider how emerging air mobility options may interact with the region’s broader transportation network. This leadership role is essential to advancing WSDOT’s legislative commitments and federal grant obligations while helping lay the groundwork for an integrated, multimodal transportation system that better serves the Pacific Northwest.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Director of Operations will:

• Oversee business and finance management, project controls, reporting and schedule assessment, strategic planning, risk assessment, agreements (such as consultant agreements), document controls, public disclosure requests, tolling, legal support, office and facility management as well as right-of way management.
• Provide strategic advice, identify issues and barriers to success, and suggest solutions, as well as frame issues for decision making in cooperation with the Program Administrator and ensure implementation of decisions.
• Provide executive level oversight and support for program and financial management plans, legal issues, special disclosure requests and special projects.
• Provide strategic planning and decision making; developing comprehensive risk and mitigation strategies; developing clear goals and performance objectives; creating tools, trainings, and processes which effectively manage and monitor results and reward behaviors leading to improved performance, quality, and delivery.
• Work closely with Headquarters (HQ) divisions including CDPM and Budget Office and other Region offices, transit agencies and other jurisdictions, and UMAM divisions to build the partnerships needed to successfully deliver the Cascadia Program.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Complex Issue Resolution: Demonstrated experience proactively identifying, analyzing and resolving highly complex, high-risk, and politically sensitive policy, engineering, interagency, and public-facing issues with significant organizational or public impact.
• Public Sector Finance and Governance: Demonstrated working knowledge of public-sector finance, budgeting, programming, and project delivery processes, as well as legislative and governmental decision-making frameworks.
• Leadership in Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to navigate situations that affect policy direction, funding, public trust, safety, or operational outcomes with sound judgement. Ability to make both strategic and tactical decisions and adapt quickly to new information.
• Integrated Problem Solving: Demonstrated experience solving complex engineering or programmatic problems where solutions require integration of technical, regulatory, financial, and stakeholder considerations. Demonstrated experience performing high level negotiations and partnering with various entities with differing and complex objectives such as contractors, consultants, agencies, and local communities.
• Policy Formulation and Organizational Execution: Demonstrated experience developing, interpreting, and implementing policy, governance frameworks, and strategic plans, translating them into measurable objectives and accountable execution across complex organizations.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate

• Executive Communication and Representation: Demonstrated executive-level communication effectiveness, including shaping and delivering complex technical, financial, and policy messages to elected officials, executive leadership, stakeholders, and media in high-visibility environments.
• High-Level Negotiation and External Influence: Demonstrated success leading high-stakes negotiations and influencing outcomes among competing governmental, tribal, jurisdictional, and private-sector interests to achieve strategic WSDOT objectives.
• Adaptive Executive Leadership: Application of sophisticated management skills, ensuring high quality and efficient performance of professional WSDOT and consultant staff. Demonstrated capacity to assess emerging information, risk, and political context and recalibrate strategic direction, priorities, or delivery approaches to protect program outcomes and public confidence.
• Change Leadership and Organizational Performance: Demonstrated leadership in driving continuous improvement, innovation, and organizational change across large, multidisciplinary teams while maintaining collaboration, accountability, and delivery discipline.
• Public Trust, Transparency, and Stewardship: Demonstrated success establishing and maintaining public trust through transparent governance, ethical decision-making, and responsible stewardship of public resources in politically sensitive environments.
• Executive Talent Development: Demonstrated effectiveness leading, coaching, and empowering senior managers and professional staff to sustain high performance, accountability, and leadership succession. Coach, motivate, train, and empower employees.
• Transportation/Civil Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated professional-level knowledge of transportation and civil engineering principles, land use, and practices and standards that include transportation laws and regulations.
• Education and Professional Expertise: Advanced knowledge or expertise in a relevant field acquired through an advanced degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience.
• Complex Transportation Program Management: Demonstrated ability to manage or lead large-scale transportation programs involving significant geographic reach, financial resources, multiple technical disciplines, and diverse stakeholders with competing priorities.
• Transportation and Engineering Program Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading or managing transportation, engineering, infrastructure, or other complex programs, including coordinating technical teams, overseeing program delivery, and aligning project activities with organizational objectives.
• Senior-Level Organizational Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead large teams and complex organizational functions, establish strategic direction, guide managers and multidisciplinary teams, allocate resources, and maintain accountability for program performance and outcomes.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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, 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).

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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 a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

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 of 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.

Additional information

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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. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at. Please be sure to reference Cascadia Director of Operations #0W660 in the subject line.