Innovative Partnerships Policy and Project Manager; WMS Band 2

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. WSDOT maintains over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, executes an Active Transportation Plan, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation.

WSDOT is seeking a motivated Policy and Project Manager to join the Office of Innovative Partnerships (OIP). The role drives innovation and collaboration to advance transportation projects, programs, and policies, and manages 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.

After 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.

Among the varied range of responsibilities, the Innovative Partnership Policy and Project Manager will:

• Lead the development of the department’s P3 pipeline of projects, rules, and 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 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 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 P3 mission, including content for 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 planning and execution of internal and external meetings and events.
• Lead the development, structuring, and delivery of projects, integrating components and managing resources across 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, including administering payments, handling changes or disputes, ensuring contractual obligations are met, and identifying lessons learned for future projects.
• Establish processes and procedures for managing and monitoring the full project lifecycle from concept to completion, ensuring objectives and deliverables are achieved on time and within scope.

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…