Assistant Secretary – Urban Mobility, Access and Megaprograms (UMAM)

Description

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world’s longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Urban Mobility, Access, and Megaprograms (UMAM). This critical role is responsible for coordinating and overseeing major integrated transportation programs and projects initiatives across Washington State. This position works closely with regional and local governments, federal agencies, and transportation partners in Western Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, ensuring the seamless integration and delivery of megaprograms. This position will lead efforts to address transportation challenges in the Puget Sound region, with a focus on multimodal solutions, system resiliency, and strategic planning to improve mobility and enhance the experience for the traveling public.

The UMAM Assistant Secretary role requires a forward-thinking leader to drive innovation in transportation solutions, manage toll operations, and ensure that the transportation system adapts to current and future needs. Additionally, this position will play a key role in coordinating transportation efforts for major events, such as the MLB All-Star Game and FIFA World Cup. The ideal candidate will possess strategic vision, strong leadership skills, and a passion for building an integrated, multimodal transportation network that supports growth and sustainability throughout the Puget Sound area.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Secretary of Urban Mobility, Access, and Megaprograms will:

• Coordinate, collaborate, and integrate across WSDOT regions, divisions, and other agencies, including megaprograms, Management of Mobility Division, and Public Transportation Division.
• Direct megaprogram administrators and division leaders to develop effective planning, contracting, design, and construction procedures, while strengthening relationships with consultants and contractors.
• Participate in regional and multijurisdictional committees (e.g., PSRC) to drive coordination and issue resolution.
• Ensure WSDOT speaks with one voice on transportation opportunities and challenges in the Puget Sound region and Western Washington; representing the department with elected officials, tribes, advisory groups, and the public.
• Serve as a contact for the Transportation Commission, Governor’s Office, legislative committees, and other stakeholders on project delivery, advising on engineering and operational procedures.
• Identify and plan integration of regional transportation solutions for seamless connections and accessibility for travelers throughout Western Washington.
• Develop, interpret, and direct policy for programs with high public and legislative interest, such as managed lanes, high-speed rail, and tolled facilities.
• Work with interest groups looking at transportation needs and solutions, such as Challenge Seattle and the Cascadia Innovation Corridor.

Qualifications

As part of the WSDOT Executive Management Team, the UMAM Assistant Secretary is expected to be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical, strategic, and political aspects of regional project planning and delivery statewide. This position serves as a key partner in shaping the transportation vision for the greater Puget Sound and Cascadia megaregion for the next 20 to 30 years.

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

• Significant years of project or organizational management experience.
• Extensive experience dealing with media on challenging issues.
• Solid foundation of highly developed management and leadership skills and strategic planning principles, including:
• Ability to communicate effectively with executives, legislators, internal stakeholders, media and the public.
• Developing policies for complex organizations.
• Translating strategic plans into detailed goals and objectives.
• The ability to analyze, anticipate and resolve complex issues in an area with few prescribed or established approaches.
• Working closely with federal, state, and public officials on subjects that affect any regional transportation matters, as well as partners from other states or countries on multijurisdictional transportation system planning and development.
• Transportation, multimodal planning, and civil engineering problem solving skills.
• Strong ethical standards of conduct. Integrity and honesty, and the ability to apply judgment when making decisions.
• Identifying resource needs and solutions.
• Knowledge of:
• Customer focused services.
• Laws and regulations at the local, state, and federal level affecting the delivery and operation of transportation and services.
• State and local politics and legislative processes; state and agency budgeting and programming processes.
• Transportation funding options, processes, and sources at its various levels, including federal, state, and local involvement.
• Transportation and civil engineering practices and standards.
• Environmental laws and regulations.
• Highway design laws and regulations.
• Multimodal system integration, including rail and air mobility.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have the following:

• Ten years of project or organizational management experience.
• Registration in the State of Washington as a Professional Engineer (PE) and/or AICP certification.
• Substantive experience in program and project budgeting.
• Experience in labor negotiations and organizational management.
• Ability to engage a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• To review the full Position Description, don’t hesitate to contact the Recruiter in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This high-level executive position may occasionally speak or act for the Secretary. The incumbent must successfully build coalitions, establish partnerships, create constituent support, and influence public opinion on issues vital to a successful project and program delivery. In addition, there is always the potential for media exposure and planned or spontaneous interaction with elected and appointed officials from the local, state, and federal governments. Constituent and stakeholder interaction will occur regularly.
• Frequent in-state and occasional out-of-state travel is also required for this position.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Working extra hours on weekends, holidays, and evenings is often normal for a position at this level.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. 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. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring that our staff experiences 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 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 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. 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 your salary. Therefore, the “Work Experience” portion of the application should be completed in as much detail as possible. 

To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlines (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. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; it does not require an additional attachment.

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 apply for 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 Krystle Jones, jonesk@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference ‘UMAM’ in the subject line. 

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

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