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 Regional Administrator to provide executive leadership for the Olympic Region, overseeing the delivery of transportation programs and services across Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, and Thurston counties. Reporting directly to the Assistant Secretary for Regions, this position leads regional operations within the Governor's and Secretary of Transportation's policy direction, guiding multidisciplinary teams responsible for program management, project development, engineering, environmental services, construction, maintenance and operations, planning, safety, communications, local programs, and administrative services. This instrumental role is responsible for ensuring the customer-focused, cost-effective, and timely delivery of transportation programs and services by establishing regional priorities, driving organizational performance, developing high-performing leaders, and fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Serving as the region's primary ambassador and spokesperson, this role builds and maintains strong partnerships with elected officials, tribal governments, local agencies, regional organizations, business and community leaders, and other key stakeholders to advance transportation priorities, strengthen public trust, and support successful program delivery.
What to Expect
This is a senior executive position, responsible for an entire transportation region, requiring demonstrated leadership outcomes, executive judgment, stakeholder influence, organizational management, and transportation program delivery.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Regional Administrator will:
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Provide leadership and direction to three Assistant Regional Administrators managing the many regional program areas ensuring the region's goals are met.
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Provide leadership and direction to the region Public Information Officer/Communications Manager, and the Executive Assistant.
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Provide direction for regional transportation planning and budgeting.
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Align region processes and efforts with WSDOT’s Strategic Plan, Executive Orders, and agency priorities.
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Solve problems involving dealing with coordination, legal, social, environmental, engineering and fiscal matters to meet project scope, budget and delivery timelines.
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Serve as a member of WSDOT, State or nationally appointed policy teams and committees.
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As an appointing authority, approve new hires, promotions, transfers, corrective/disciplinary actions, and establishment of positions in accordance with the state personnel rules.
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Model leadership and performance characteristics that promote professionalism, integrity, accountability and public service.
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Drive to multiple worksites across the region and state in support of agency operations and program objectives.
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Facilitate partnerships/consensus among legislators, local officials, citizens, and other internal and external forces through the complex process of public involvement and legal, environmental, engineering and fiscal constraints associated with producing projects on schedule, within budget that meet needs of parties involved.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
Executive Leadership and Organizational Management
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Demonstrated ability to lead large, complex organizations through multiple levels of management and establish strategic vision, goals, performance measures, and accountability systems and balance short-term operational needs with long-term strategic objectives.
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Skills to direct leadership of multiple divisions, departments, regions, or business units; develop and mentor leaders and management teams.
Transportation Program and Infrastructure Leadership
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Demonstrated ability to direct complex transportation, infrastructure, public works, engineering, construction, maintenance, operations, or capital improvement programs and make decisions involving asset preservation, safety, mobility, environmental considerations, and funding constraints.
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Skills to integrate planning, design, environmental review, construction, maintenance, and operations functions to achieve organizational objectives and lead through crises and emergency situations.
Public Sector Leadership and Governance
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Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within a governmental or a highly regulated environment and interpret and implement laws, regulations, executive directives, policies, and administrative requirements.
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Advanced expertise and knowledge of professional transportation and civil engineering practices and standards, and environmental and highway design laws and regulations. Skills to exercise sound judgment in politically sensitive situations and serve as an executive responsible for personnel actions.
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Experience in a leadership role within state, federal, tribal, county, municipal, or other public-sector organizations and/or experience working with elected and appointed officials.
Strategic Planning and Execution/Financial and Resource Management
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Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with organizational priorities, translate strategic objectives into measurable operational outcomes and balance competing priorities, risks, resources, and stakeholder interests.
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Skills to deliver complex programs and initiatives on schedule and within budget and manage competing funding priorities and resource constraints.
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Skills to direct large operating and capital budgets, allocate resources strategically to achieve organizational objectives, and exercise fiscal stewardship and accountability.
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Experience having responsibility for multimillion-dollar budgets.
Stakeholder Engagement and External Relations
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Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with officials, tribal governments, community leaders, businesses, partner agencies, and advocacy organizations.
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Skills to represent an organization as a spokesperson and executive ambassador; build coalitions and facilitate consensus among groups with competing interests.
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Skills to communicate complex technical and policy issues to diverse audiences.
Growth Mindset and Service-Oriented
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Fosters a culture of inclusion, collaboration, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
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Promotes workplace safety and employee well-being. Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.
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Leads organizational change and transformation initiatives.
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Takes action to meet the needs of others and actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
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Transportation Expertise: Knowledge of state transportation systems, highway operations, maintenance, construction, and multimodal transportation programs. Knowledge of transportation funding and programming processes.
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Tribal Relations: Experience consulting and partnering with Tribal governments. A solid understanding of government-to-government relationships.
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Legislative and Policy: Experience working directly with legislative bodies, congressional offices, or executive-level policy development.
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Emergency Management: Experience leading transportation or public infrastructure operations during emergencies, natural disasters, or major incidents.
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
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This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
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This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
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The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
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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.
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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
Why WSDOT
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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 a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
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Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
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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.
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Plan For 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:
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An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
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An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
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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 about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at
[email protected]. Please be sure to reference
26DOT-HQ-3E213e in the subject line.
