Salary : $243,468.00 Annually
Location : Clark County - Vancouver, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-8E013-1
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 09/04/2026
Closing Date: 10/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The original close date for this job posting may be extended to ensure we establish a competitive applicant pool.
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program

The Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program is one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the country. This bi-state mega program will transform five miles of the I-5 corridor between Washington and Oregon. As the only continuous north-south freeway on the West Coast connecting Canada to Mexico, this crossing carries more than $71 million in freight every day and serves as a critical link for regional and national commerce. The program will replace the aging bridge, reconfigure seven interchanges, extend light rail across the Columbia River, and enhance active transportation, transforming mobility for generations.
The Opportunity

The Washington and Oregon Departments of Transportation (WSDOT and ODOT) are seeking a strategic executive leader with strong political acumen, financial discipline, and the ability to build durable partnerships across jurisdictions to lead the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program. The IBR Program Administrator serves as the primary executive for one of the nation's most complex bi-state transportation megaprograms, providing strategic direction and full operational oversight.
Accountable to both WSDOT and ODOT leadership, this role guides a $6+ billion investment through planning, policy development, funding strategy, risk management, and eventual construction to ensure delivery with transparency, fiscal stewardship, and alignment with federal, state, and bi-state requirements. The Program Administrator leads multidisciplinary teams, oversees significant public funds and consultant contracts, shapes legislative and policy strategy, and serves as the program's primary ambassador to elected officials, community leaders, industry partners, and the public.
Guided by a rare bi-state governance structure that includes both Governors, state legislatures, transportation agency leaders, cities, transit agencies, ports, and metropolitan planning organizations, IBR stands at the intersection of infrastructure delivery, public policy, and economic vitality. Far more than a bridge project - IBR is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape how two states connect, move, and grow.
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Program Administrator will:

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the bi-state IBR Program, defining objectives and ensuring delivery aligned with scope, schedule, budget, statutory requirements, and megaprogram best practices.
• Direct comprehensive program management, including transportation planning, budgeting, fiscal oversight, project controls, performance monitoring, and strategic resource allocation across multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams.
• Lead bi-state governance and policy coordination, identifying regulatory or policy barriers, advancing legislative and Transportation Commission engagement, and overseeing development and implementation of IBR policies and procedures.
• Guide complex decision-making and problem-solving across legal, environmental, engineering, financial, social, and political domains to maintain program momentum and public trust.
• Serve as the primary representative and spokesperson for the program, building durable partnerships with elected officials, tribal governments, community organizations, industry leaders, and the media.
• Oversee consultant, contract, and risk management functions, including large-scale professional services and construction-related agreements, mitigation strategies, and coordination with legal counsel.
• Ensure effective coordination of personnel, systems, and processes across WSDOT, ODOT, partner agencies, and blended delivery teams to achieve program objectives.
• Build and lead a high-performing, inclusive organization, exercising supervisory authority, promoting workforce development and accountability, and fostering a culture of transparency, equity, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

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

• Executive Program Leadership: Ability to provide executive-level leadership and strategic direction for large, complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure programs operating under significant fiscal, operational, and public accountability. Demonstrates the ability to lead diverse teams, promote equity and inclusion, respond effectively to stakeholder concerns, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Major Capital Program Delivery: Experience in directing or overseeing major capital infrastructure programs through environmental review, design, construction, and implementation while maintaining alignment with scope, schedule, and budget.
• Strategic Planning & Governance: Demonstrates the ability to develop and implement strategic plans, policies, procedures, and organizational frameworks that guide program execution and ensure statutory and regulatory compliance.
• Data-Driven Program Oversight: Demonstrates the ability to apply performance metrics, financial analysis, and risk assessment tools to guide program direction and support transparent decision-making.
• Multi-Agency & Intergovernmental Leadership: Experience in leading multi-agency coordination efforts or intergovernmental partnerships involving high levels of public oversight and political sensitivity.
• Political Acumen & Executive Engagement: Ability to work effectively within highly scrutinized and politically charged environments, advising senior officials, elected leaders, and policy boards on complex infrastructure and funding matters.
• Public & Stakeholder Communication: Demonstrates the ability to serve as a credible spokesperson and public representative, communicating complex technical, financial, and policy information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Financial, Contract & Risk Oversight: Experience in overseeing budgeting, finance, project controls, procurement, consultant management, and risk mitigation within large-scale capital programs.
• Dispute Resolution & Problem-Solving: Ability to collaboratively resolve complex development, delivery, claims, and contractual disputes across legal, environmental, engineering, and fiscal domains.
• 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:

• Bi-State or Multi-Jurisdictional Governance: Experience in delivering programs operating under bi-state, multi-state, or multi-jurisdictional governance structures.
• Multimodal Infrastructure Integration: Experience delivering or overseeing transportation programs that integrate multiple modes of travel (e.g., highway, bridge, transit, freight, or active transportation) and require coordination across agencies or jurisdictions.
• Complex Funding Strategy: Demonstrates experience in managing multi-source funding structures, including federal discretionary grants, tolling strategies, long-range capital financing, or public-private partnerships.
• Environmental & Regulatory Navigation: Experience in environmental permitting, NEPA processes, and regulatory compliance for major transportation infrastructure projects.
• High-Visibility Public Leadership: Ability to navigate politically sensitive environments and align diverse stakeholder interests toward shared outcomes.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This position offers a flexible/hybrid work schedule, with the option to work remotely on some days. The selected candidate will be required to in-person at the Vancouver office a minimum of three days per week. Additional onsite work may be required based on business needs.
• Relocation assistance may be available for the selected individual based on WSDOT policy and applicable State Administrative & Accounting Manual (SAAM) requirements.

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 individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are several flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• 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 tofor more information.

Check out this video to learn more:

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.

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 to submit an application for this opportunity.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter Please be sure to reference "IBR" 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 Publ