Civil Engineering Manager
City of Tacoma
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Posted: January 8, 2026 (7 days ago)
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Civil Rights and Strategic Initiatives Program Manager - Washington State Ferries
State of Washington
Dept. of Transportation
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$91,942 - $117,910
per year
Type
Full Time
More Management & Supervision jobs →Closes
January 19, 2026More State jobs →
Job Description
Summary
This job involves leading programs focused on civil rights, equity, and accessibility for Washington State Ferries, ensuring fair treatment for passengers and employees while meeting legal standards.
You'll develop policies, manage resources like budgets and teams, and adapt initiatives to support the ferry system's goals during major changes like reducing environmental impact.
It's ideal for an experienced leader who is passionate about fairness, strategic planning, and working independently in a large public transportation organization.
Key Requirements
- Strategic leadership to set direction and lead programs with division-wide impact
- Program and policy management to translate objectives into operational practices in complex environments
- Expertise in civil rights, equity, and accessibility to ensure compliance with federal and state laws
- Ability to develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures for equitable service delivery
- Skills in planning and managing resources, including budgets, grants, contracts, and performance measures
- Experience coordinating and leading cross-divisional teams for initiative implementation
- Proficiency in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting program outcomes with independent judgment
Full Job Description
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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network.
Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day.
Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a thoughtful and experienced leader to serve as our Civil Rights & Strategic Initiatives Program Manager.
In this role, you will provide strategic direction for division-wide civil rights, equity, and accessibility programs, ensuring measurable outcomes in compliance, service delivery, and continuous improvement across one of the nation’s largest ferry systems.
Working with a high degree of independence, you will lead policy and initiative development, collaborate with teams across WSF, and respond to evolving legal requirements and community expectations directly shaping how WSF serves the public, supports its workforce, and lives its values.
As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate— and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the WSF Civil Rights and Strategic Initiatives Program Manager will:
- Lead and oversee division-wide civil rights, equity, and accessibility programs to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements and equitable service delivery.
- Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and guidance that translate civil rights laws and regulations into operational practice.
- Plan and manage program resources, including budgets, grants, contracts, and performance measures.
- Coordinate and lead cross-divisional teams to implement civil rights and equity initiatives across Washington State Ferries operations and programs.
- Monitor, evaluate, and report program outcomes, exercising independent judgment to adapt programs in response to evolving legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements.
- Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Strategic Leadership: Ability to set direction, establish priorities, and lead programs with division-wide or statewide impact.
- Program and Policy Management: Ability to translate strategic objectives into operational policies and programs in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
- Equity and Accessibility: Demonstrated commitment to civil rights, equity, and accessibility, and ability to apply equity-centered approaches to decision-making.
- Financial and Resource Management: Ability to manage public resources, including budgets and/or grants, ensure compliance, and use data to support program improvement.
- Collaboration, Communication, and Judgment: Ability to build effective partnerships, communicate complex information to diverse audiences, analyze information, and exercise sound independent judgment.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Change Leadership and Innovation: Experience leading organizational change and developing solutions in areas without precedent.
- Advanced Strategic Planning: Ability to set long-term goals, align resources, and adapt strategies to evolving priorities.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Experience building consensus and navigating sensitive issues with community partners, regulators, and operational teams.
Important Notes
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County
- 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
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 357-28of the Washington Administrative Code.
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.
- 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 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:
- 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 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.
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 the assigned Recruiter at renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-9W154 in the subject line.Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes