Summary

This job involves leading the creation and management of public-private partnerships to fund and build transportation projects in Washington State, including developing policies, conducting studies, and coordinating between government and private partners.

It also includes handling communications, procurement, and risk management to ensure projects benefit the public.

A good fit would be someone experienced in project management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, with a passion for innovative infrastructure solutions.

Key Requirements

Experience in developing and implementing policies for public-private partnerships (P3s)
Strong skills in project management, including feasibility studies, risk assessment, and contract oversight
Ability to facilitate communication and coordination between government agencies, private sector partners, and stakeholders
Proficiency in procurement processes, bid management, and ensuring regulatory compliance
Expertise in communication strategies, including content creation for websites, social media, and public engagement
Knowledge of transportation infrastructure, economic impact assessments, and fiscal reporting

Full Job Description

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence!

Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state.

In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a motivated Policy and Project Manager to join the Office of Innovative Partnerships (OIP), where innovation and collaboration drive the future of Washington’s transportation system.

OIP engages the private sector through public-private partnerships (P3s) to advance transportation projects, programs, and policies, while managing state and federal investments that support alternative fuel infrastructure statewide.

This management position will lead the development and implementation of policies governing WSDOT’s Public-Private Partnership program and play a key role in launching the Department’s new P3 program authorized by the 2025 Legislature.

Following program implementation, the position will oversee complex, high-profile projects that bring together public and private partners to deliver transportation infrastructure, including structuring agreements, conducting feasibility analyses, managing risk, ensuring regulatory compliance, and overseeing project execution in the public interest.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Innovative Partnership Policy and Project Manager will:

Lead the development of the department’s P3 pipeline of projects, rules, guidelines that set the policies and procedures for screening, selection, procurement, implementation and monitoring of projects.
Lead the development of feasibility studies, economic and social impact assessments, and develop the project's business case.
Serve as the primary point of contact between government agencies and private sector partners, facilitating communication and coordination to advance shared goals.
Engage with stakeholders, including governments, private investors, and the public, and address concerns to ensure project success and maintain public support.
Develop materials to support the development of P3 projects for the department, and community stakeholders as part of oversight and community engagement activities.
Develop and lead the implementation of communication strategies that further the Departments P3 mission, including the creation of content to the program website, newsletter, social media, materials used at public meetings, and facilitating positive interactions with press, community groups, and the public.
Develop and manage a fair and transparent procurement process and manage the project contract.
Manage the bid process, qualify bidders, and assist in overseeing the transaction phase up to financial close. Assist in the planning and execution of internal and external meetings/events.
Lead the development, structuring, and delivery of projects, integrating various components and managing resources across different departments.
Monitor projects, report on fiscal obligations, and implement risk management strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
Evaluate the private partner’s performance and report findings, which include administering payments, handling changes or disputes, ensure contractual obligations are met, and identify lessons learned for future projects.
Establish processes and procedures for managing and monitoring the full project lifecycle, from initial concept to completion, ensuring all objectives and deliverables are achieved on time and within scope.

Qualifications

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

Data Analysis & Evidence-Based Decision Making: Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and synthesize complex data to inform policy, program, or organizational decisions and recommendations.
Legal & Institutional Framework Application: Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply relevant legal, regulatory, or institutional frameworks to ensure compliance, sound governance, and informed decision-making.
Technical Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated proficiency in communicating complex or technical concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences using written, verbal, and visual communication methods.
Progressive Responsibility & Impact: Demonstrated career progression with increasing levels of responsibility and measurable impact on programs, projects, policies, or organizational outcomes.
Public Policy Development & Implementation: Demonstrated expertise in public policy analysis, development, and implementation, including translating policy objectives into actionable strategies and outcomes.
Project, Program & Portfolio Management: Demonstrated ability to manage projects, programs, or portfolios from initiation through delivery, including scope, schedule, risk, and performance oversight.
Project Management Methodologies & Tools: Demonstrated experience applying appropriate project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools to support effective planning, execution, and delivery.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Capability: Demonstrated strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to identify issues, evaluate options, and develop practical, data-informed solutions.
Communication, Negotiation & Relationship Management: Demonstrated ability to build relationships, negotiate effectively, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
Strategic Thinking & Organizational Alignment: Demonstrated ability to think strategically and align public-private partnership (P3) initiatives with broader organizational goals, legislative intent, and public value.
Leadership & Team Management: Demonstrated leadership capability, including guiding teams, setting priorities, managing performance, and fostering accountability and collaboration.
Financial & Budget Management: Demonstrated understanding of financial management and budgeting principles, including planning, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Complex Workload & Priority Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high-impact initiatives while balancing competing priorities, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.
Adaptability & Change Navigation: Demonstrated ability to adapt to change, navigate uncertainty, and respond effectively in dynamic or evolving policy and project environments.
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 have:

P3 Legal & Regulatory Application: Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks governing Public-Private Partnerships.
Private Sector Strategy & Integration: Proven experience designing strategies to accelerate private sector participation and integrating private investment into public operations.
Cross-Sector Coordination: Ability to align and collaborate with government agencies, private investors, and financial institutions while balancing competing objectives.
Infrastructure & Project Finance Expertise: Knowledge of infrastructure sectors, project finance, and experience with P3 development or implementation.
Financial & Economic Analysis: Proficiency in financial modeling and economic evaluation for complex infrastructure projects.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills for managing complex projects and diverse stakeholders.
Contract & Project Management: Ability to oversee contracts and multi-year projects, ensuring compliance, quality, accountability, and successful delivery.
Consensus Building & Problem Resolution: Demonstrated ability to build consensus, manage relationships, and resolve challenges arising from public-private collaboration.

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.

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.

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

Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
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 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.

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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Innovative Partnership Policy and Project Manager #0W709 in the subject line.

✓ Fresh Listing

Innovative Partnerships Policy and Project Manager (WMS Band 2)

SES Pay Grade

Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

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