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 currently seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Region Planning and Strategic Community Partnerships Director in Spokane, WA. In this role, you will work closely with the Eastern Region leadership team to direct, develop, and deliver all programs and services related to the Eastern Region Planning office including functional areas for Planning Studies (Corridor and Multimodal Transportation Analysis), Developer Service, Complete Streets Tribal Liaison, Region and International Planning (Region/ Metropolitan Planning coordination), Local Planning (Land Use/ Transportation Integration), Community Engagement, Grant Development and Administration, and Restorative Lease Lands Program Pilot. The strategic leadership of this position involves developing and implementing policy and direction for land use integration with transportation; multimodal transportation planning (long and short range) region strategic partnerships; comprehensive transportation modeling and analysis; community engagement; and inclusion for the Eastern Region serving seven counties, the largest metropolitan area east of the Cascades with various surrounding rural communities requiring bi-state (WA/Idaho) and international (WA/ British Columbia, Canada) coordination.    This individual must work extensively with executive management and provide on-the-spot responses and decisions in various meetings to include public hearings, project and program open houses, trial/court situations, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) meetings, community planning groups, and media appearances. The Region Planning and Strategic Community Partnerships Director must use independent professional judgment and decision making when working with area developers, local agencies, communities, and stakeholders on projects that impact WSDOT to ensure that WSDOT's strategic goals, standards, and policies are being met. Your expertise will ensure consistency with WSDOT's mission to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality for people and businesses.  What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Region Planning and Strategic Community Partnerships Director will: * Direct the Eastern Region Planning office including four specialized functional areas (Developer Services, Transportation Modeling/Data Analysis, Tribal Liaison, and Corridor Planning). * Establish, direct, and maintain meaningful relationships with various communities, agencies, and other organizations to strengthen partnerships to increase credibility, drive priorities, and inform decision making. * Represent WSDOT programs, projects, policies, and positions within the Eastern Region as a member and/or alternate on numerous politically sensitive boards and committees. * Identify, develop, and foster transportation planning partnerships with local agencies, tribes, various transportation modes, and private parties that serve the interest of the state transportation system. * Communicate and ensure the state's interests are recognized and incorporated in decision making in regional and local forums such as local planning policies and implementations (e.g. Complete Streets, Urban Growth Area updates, Pedestrian/ Bicycle Plans, etc.) and the development of the Regional Transportation plans, Spokane Transit Authority plans, and climate change laws/policies. * Manage and administer the Eastern Region Planning Office budget to ensure the goals and objectives of the office are met within the available resources by monitoring and analyzing project budgets and schedules.   Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required: * Seven (7) years of progressive experience in the planning and/or engineering profession that includes three (3) years of leadership level planning responsibility or a Bachelor's degree in planning, engineering, public administration or a close related field and three (3) years of leadership level planning responsibility along with: * Leadership level experience in transportation planning, community development, economic development, engineering or public administration. * Advanced written, verbal, and presentation skills to effectively communicate with a variety of internal and external audiences in a professional and respectful manner. * Experience and knowledge of urban regional planning, tribal planning, federal (including NEPA) state (including SEPA, GMA, EAS) land use and transportation laws and regulations. * Knowledge of transportation practices and standards, environmental and highway design laws and regulations, requirements, and initiatives. * Experience and knowledge and ability to manage project delivery to effectively manage scope, schedule, and budget. * Management, leadership, and strategic planning principals that empower and support a diverse staff with the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. * Strong analytical skills and attention to detail. * Experience working independently and prioritizing workload to complete multiple work assignments proactively, efficiently and within established deadlines. * Advanced skills in negotiating and settling disputes, and problem-solving complex issues. * Proficiency with computer software to evaluate and analyze data, prepare, and generate professional reports, and prepare and deliver presentations. * Experience adhering to safety policies and diligence in performing work in a safe manner.   In addition to the above, the following are also required: * An unrestricted Washington State Driver's License.  * An exceptional grasp of managerial and professional expertise expected for leadership and direction of current and long range coordinated planning in the second largest Washington metropolitan area and various rural areas in Eastern Region.  * Possess a strong command in strategic planning focused on sustainable long-term performance and operation of the region's transportation system including strong command in the federal and state legislative process, laws, and regulation, public administration processes, strategic prioritization, and performance measurements particularly relating to national, statewide, regional and local transportation planning; project definition; programming; design; and construction.  * Possess profound knowledge in management, leadership, and the "3-C" strategic planning principles; public administration; urban regional planning; tribal planning; state planning laws and regulations (Growth Management act); multimodal transportation practices and standards; project development and delivery; legislative process and protocols; personnel administration and merit system rules, regulations, and policies. * Understanding of government-to-government relations; and knowledge of the Governor's and Secretary's transportation priorities as well as regional priorities, policies, processes, and political environments. * Knowledge and ability to manage project delivery to efficiently and effectively manage and monitor project level budgets; and to successfully negotiate/ mediate contractual agreements and disputes. * Ability to: * Build trust and consensus; facilitate competing interest groups/individuals in solving complex problems. * Effectively communicate and engage diverse audiences in verbal and written formats, including the ability to communicate complex information to technical and nontechnical groups. * Initiate, foster, and sustain diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. * Make decisions and analysis in areas with few prescribed or established approaches. * Influence actions and outcomes. * Integrate short term needs with long term strategic goals, including planning and engineering problem solving. * Address multiple complex short- and long-term issues simultaneously. * Solve complex cross-functional, multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional issues in a proactive manner. * Frame concepts in the perspective of WSDOT. * Negotiate. * Navigate the legislative process, particularly transportation funding and policy legislation. * Train and mentor partner agencies and staff. * Apply transportation planning and engineering methodologies along with knowledge of the Department's planning and engineer activities in Eastern Region including the state's multi-modal interests in public transportation, freight, rail, air, and pedestrian/bicycle.  * A thorough understanding of federal and state transportation design and operating standards. It is preferred that qualified candidates also have: * A graduate level degree in planning, public administration, engineering or equivalent. * Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). * Knowledge and experience with coordinated transportation and land use planning. * Knowledge and experience with multimodal transportation planning. * Knowledge and experience coordinating with local agencies, MPO's, RTPO's and developers. * Knowledge and experience in WSDOT design and/or construction processes. * Knowledge and experience in traffic engineering, modeling and/or design.   * To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.   Important Notes  * This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. * This position requires frequent in-state and occasional out-of-state travel for meetings.  * 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 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.   * 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 Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov . Please be sure to reference 24DOT-ER-6W002 in the subject line.