Deputy Assistant Secretary of Mega Projects

The Opportunity:

WSDOT is proud to announce an exceptional opportunity to become an executive-level leader for the agency. This position serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Mega Projects for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and reports to the Assistant Secretary of Regions and Mega Projects – Chief Engineer. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of Mega Projects provides leadership and policy direction for the Program Administrators of the Puget Sound Mega Projects which include all aspects of: the $1.9 Billion Puget Sound Gateway Program; the $4.5 Billion SR 520 Floating Bridge and Landings Program, the $1.9 Billion I-405 Corridor Program, and the $3.1 Billion SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program.

The primary objective of this position is to ensure that WSDOT’s engineering, operations and communications for the Puget Sound Mega Projects consistently reflect best practices, and the products, services, and outcomes meet or exceed industry standards. This position serves on the agency’s executive management team.

At WSDOT, we honor diversity in the workplace and support one another with respect and trust. If you would like to join our team-oriented environment and enjoy continuously changing environment with a great deal of career stability and growth, definitely consider a career opportunity with WSDOT.

This position will perform the following work:

• Determine and lead the overall focus of WSDOT Mega Project programs, projects and positions; work in partnership with Federal, State and local elected/appointed officials, Indian Tribes, advisory groups, community groups, business organizations, business owners, property owners, and all other stakeholders.
• Provide ongoing direction and oversight in creating and implementing improved practices and operating policies and procedures that deliver transportation system value and sustainability to the communities and citizens of Washington State.
• Collaboratively work with WSDOT executives, staff and external stakeholders (including governmental/legislative officials) to solicit meaningful input, develop options, and implement best practices and solutions that improve project delivery, operations, and asset management processes.
• Collaboratively work with external organizations and firms to develop effective planning, contracting, design, maintenance, construction, and traffic operations procedures.
• Support internal teams that provide continuous review and improvement of processes.

Minimum requirements include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or closely related field; and/or licensed as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington (or the ability to obtain a Washington license if licensed in a different state); and/or ten years of progressively responsible experience in civil or highway engineering and/or construction and maintenance.
• In addition, significant experience at an executive level interacting with elected officials and other regional stakeholder groups is required.

An ideal candidate for this position will have the following:

• Experience in strategic leadership, precise communication, effective negotiation and persuasive advocacy.
• 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.
• Significant highway experience directing highly complex projects.
• Management, leadership, and strategic planning principles.
• Experience with highway transportation design, construction, or operations.
• Ability to build effective relationships with the public, build consensus, and facilitate competing interest groups/individuals in solving complex problems.
• Ability to invent, implement, and encourage continuous improvement/change.
• Ability to translate strategic plans into details, goals, and objectives.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including ability to communicate complex information to diverse technical and non-technical groups and the media.
• Experience in organizational and change management.

How to Apply: To be considered for this position you will need to send a resume and letter of interest to Matt Elam at Elamm@wsdot.wa.gov . Your letter of interest should describe how your experience, training, and education make you a viable and competitive candidate for this position.

Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Matt Elam at (360) 705-7509 or email to Elamm@wsdot.wa.gov . Please reference recruitment number 17DOT-EMS-0E241

The Washington State Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call or email the recruiter.