Deputy Secretary for Highway and Multimodal Delivery

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! The Opportunity WSDOT is seeking a mission-driven leader to serve as Deputy Secretary and principal operating and delivery officer for the state's multimodal and highway transportation system. As a key member of the Secretary's executive leadership team, this role provides agency-wide leadership in developing and implementing strategies, policies, and performance objectives that guide the planning, delivery, and operation of transportation programs across a large, complex organization. The Deputy Secretary leads executive managers in executing WSDOT's strategic plan, advancing the agency's vision, mission, and values, and ensuring the transportation system is safe, reliable, and maintained in a state of good repair despite funding constraints. In partnership with executive leadership, this role oversees near-term operations while shaping a long-term vision that supports sustainable funding, infrastructure preservation, system modernization, and the integration of innovative technologies. The Deputy Secretary also ensures alignment with legislative and strategic goals, including advancing equity, economic development, and efficient, environmentally responsible transportation solutions, while promoting Lean practices to enhance organizational effectiveness. We are looking for a passionate, action-oriented leader with an innovative approach to operational management to fill this critical role. What to Expect The Deputy Secretary serves as one of the senior-most executive roles after the Secretary for an agency of approximately 7,800 employees statewide. In conjunction with the Secretary, Assistant Secretaries and Directors, the incumbent is directly responsible for developing and implementing agency-wide strategies and policies that govern all non-marine aspects of the state's transportation system. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, theDeputy Secretary for Highway and Multimodal Delivery will: * Provide programmatic leadership and input for all strategic plan implementation processes. * Increase the focus of the organization on the use of transportation demand management, strategies and operational improvements that incorporate smart technology to maximize the operational efficiency and safety of the system. * Identify opportunities for WSDOT to leverage organizational strengths across agency programs to take advantage of new opportunities and/or to address organizational challenges. * Sponsor and champion workforce development and training programs to support staff development throughout the agency. * Lead, coach, develop, and retain WSDOT's high-performance senior management team with an emphasis on developing capacity in strategic analysis planning and program budgeting. * Prepare and submit, in partnership with the Principal Financial Officer, an annual operational budget and capital delivery plan update. * Foster a culture that promotes safety, employee satisfaction, and customer service. * Work to identify both internal and external opportunity gaps and bridge those gaps to reduce disparities. * Serve as a key external representative of WSDOT, building and maintaining strong partnerships with governmental entities, tribal governments, regional and local agencies and partner organizations to advance shared transportation goals. Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required: * Executive Leadership & Organizational Management:Ability to lead a complex, multi-program organization by setting strategic direction, directing leaders and managers, building high-performing teams, and implementing effective and innovative operational approaches. * Strategic Agility & Innovation:Demonstrated the ability to identify emerging opportunities, adapt programs to changing conditions, and implement innovative solutions within complex and evolving organizational environments. * Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development:Ability to serve as an effective spokesperson and build, sustain, and strengthen partnerships across governmental, tribal, non-profit, private sector, and community organizations to advance shared transportation and public-interest goals. * Transportation Systems & Infrastructure Knowledge:Working knowledge of multimodal transportation systems, capital project delivery, maintenance and preservation practices, and the intersection of transportation with land use, community, and economic development. * Financial & Fiscal Management: Ability to oversee complex program budgets and apply sound fiscal management practices, including budget development, resource allocation, and financial accountability across a multi-functional organization. * Data-Driven Decision Making & Performance Management:Ability to use data and performance metrics to inform priorities, communicate objectives, establish performance measures, and evaluate outcomes to drive continuous improvement. * Executive Communication & Influence: Ability to communicate clearly, persuasively, and effectively with diverse audiences, including elected officials, community members, and agency staff, through written, verbal, and facilitated communication. * Equity & Inclusive Leadership: Commitment to advancing equitable outcomes by engaging diverse partners, centering underrepresented voices, and reducing barriers to participation through inclusive leadership practices. * Process Improvement & Operational Excellence:Knowledge of and ability to apply process improvement principles, including performance management, efficiency strategies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. * Human Resource & Labor Relations Leadership:Knowledge of contemporary human resource practices, including workforce planning, performance management, and labor relations, with the ability to support and lead labor-management processes. * Adaptive Leadership & Change Management: Demonstrated ability to lead through change by adapting strategies, guiding organizational transformation, and implementing solutions in complex and dynamic environments. * Growth Mindset &Service-Oriented:Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.Takes action to meet the needs of others. It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate: * Advanced Transportation Systems Expertise:Senior-level experience with and advanced knowledge of state or regional transportation systems, including highways, transit, active transportation, and freight, as well as the associated policy, regulatory, and funding frameworks. * Capital Program Delivery & Oversight:Experience overseeing or contributing to the delivery of large, complex capital programs (e.g., mega programs, corridor programs, or system-wide investments), including risk management, stakeholder coordination and regulatory compliance. * Executive Policy Advising:Experience advising elected officials or senior executives on complex, high-visibility policy, infrastructure or community issues, including navigating politically sensitive environments. * Emergency Management & Incident Response Leadership:Experience leading organizational response to emergencies, system disruptions or high-profile incidents, including coordination with multiple agencies and public communication. * Emerging Transportation Technologies & Innovation:Familiarity with emerging transportation technologies and innovations (e.g., intelligent transportation systems, electrification, data platforms or automation) and their application to system performance and user experience. * Advanced Analytical & Policy Expertise:Background in transportation planning, engineering, public administration, economics or a related field, or equivalent advanced analytical experience supporting infrastructure or public systems decision-making. * To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting. Important Notes * The official duty station for this position may be determined based on candidate preference and overall business needs. * This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. * 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 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 individual's 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 Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date. * An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and describes your track record of effectively leading a direct service organization with a complex array of programs. * 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. 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. Contact Us For inquiries aboutthis posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter View email address on click.appcast.io. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-0E055 in the subject line.