Please see the following website for full job posting and application link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/2308838/region-planning-director-wms3

The Opportunity:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to fill the role of Region Planning Director in Southwest Region (SWR). This position is accountable for identifying, developing, and fostering unique transportation planning partnerships with local agencies, tribes, regulatory agencies, special interest groups, partners in Oregon, and private parties. This work includes fostering and providing leadership for effective and inclusive engagement with the public.

Given the demands rapid growth is placing on the regional transportation system, a forward thinking approach to this position is essential. The planning focus is on both short and long range periods to optimize resource investments and mobility outcomes. In this position, you will work closely with the region leadership team to direct, develop, and deliver all planning related programs and services, including land-use expertise and policy direction, to maintain safe and reliable travel mobility options for all modes.

For additional and more specific regional information, please visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/regions/southwest.

At WSDOT, we value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. To learn more, please watch the following video: Why WSDOT?

This position will perform the following work:

• Provide leadership for the SWR Planning Office, and develop and implement strategies and policies on behalf of the region and the agency.
• Represent WSDOT programs, projects, and policies within the region as a member and/or alternate alongside elected or appointed officials on boards and committees including the region’s MPOs and RTPOs and in bi-state coordination.
• Represent the department’s planning activities in the SWR ensuring WSDOT’s statewide policy interests are recognized in regional decision-making.
• Work with various WSDOT divisions to ensure freight, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, TDM/TSM and other specialty subjects are integrated into region planning and that regional planning activities in these areas are accurately represented in statewide plans.
• Identify, develop, and foster partnerships with local agencies, tribes, private parties and advocacy groups that serve WSDOT’s mission.
• Communicate the state’s position on transportation related issues with local jurisdictions, tribes and agencies, the business community, community groups and private citizens.
• Ensure state interests are recognized and incorporated in decision making in regional and local forums, planning policies and implementations, Regional Transportation plans, transit planning and other relevant areas.
• Develop, monitor, and execute partnership projects/planning studies with local agencies, developers, and WSDOT Highways and Local Programs.
• Manage and administer the SWR Planning Office budget to ensure the goals and objectives of the office are met within available resources; develop and administer consultant contracts as needed.
• As a member of the region leadership team, provide leadership on region development and goals related to the adoption and integration of practical solutions, diversity and inclusion, and workforce development as well as all agency development, goals and strategies.

An ideal candidate will have the following:

• Strong planning background, knowledge of and ability to apply management principles.
• The ability to work with others to build trust and consensus and resolve disputes.
• Bachelor’s degree in planning, engineering, environmental or related field.
• Certification by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or five (5) years of leadership level experience in transportation planning, land use, or economic development.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislation (GMA, SEPA, NEPA, EAS, transportation funding bills); transportation and other related planning principles, processes and methods; public involvement methods; WSDOT programming and management methods and techniques.
• Understanding of other governmental agencies (local, state or in other states) are organized and governed and how demographic, political, economic and cultural differences impact transportation planning practices.
• Understanding of WSDOT design process, procurement processes, organization and policies; union contracts and other employment rules, processes and policies.
• Experience in workforce planning and personnel management.
• The ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders including customers, private sector, public agencies, elected officials and other decision makers, workforce, public and media.
• The ability to successfully lead and foster a diverse workforce.

How to Apply:
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please click on the large “apply” button at the top of this announcement. If you have not done so previously, you will need to set up an account profile. To be considered for this position you will need to answer the supplemental questions, and provide a cover letter and resume. Your cover letter should describe how your experience, training and education make you a viable and competitive candidate for this position.

Contact us: 
For inquiries about this position, please contact Rachel Giese at 360-905-2223 or email to gieser@wsdot.wa.gov.  Please reference recruitment number 19DOT-WMS-4W072.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities 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. For more information, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/.