Cascadia Director of Operations (WMS Band 4)

Salary : $141,750.00 - $173,376.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-NWR-0W660
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Northwest Region
Opening Date: 10/26/2026
Closing Date: 11/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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

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.

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.

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.
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