Intercity Rail Program Lead | Strategy & Partnerships

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Paid Leave

Tuition Assistance

Benefits Package

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation seeks a strong Passenger Rail Program Manager to lead the agency’s oversight and delivery of the Amtrak Cascades intercity passenger rail system. This role directs and collaborates with diverse partners across Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, requiring strategic thinking, financial management, and public engagement experience.

The position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options and opportunities to shape transportation alternatives while

Qualifications

• Relationship-building and collaboration to build trusted partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Self-reflection and adaptability with a commitment to learning and growth.
• Knowledge of passenger and freight rail operations, transportation infrastructure, and applicable state and federal processes.
• Contract management, compliance monitoring, quality assurance, and risk management for complex agreements.
• Development of operational strategies, measurable goals, resource allocation, and program performance tracking.
• Experience leading multi-million-dollar program portfolios, full lifecycle budgeting, and legislative or grant-funded reporting.
• Ability to analyze financial information, assess funding strategies and organizational risk.
• Effective communication with staff, leaders, officials, partners, stakeholders, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Lead the statewide Intercity Passenger Rail Program, oversee a team, and act as Division Director when designated.
• Manage full lifecycle budgeting, financial tracking, operating budgets, investment strategies, grant applications, consultant contracts, and procurement.
• Oversee Amtrak Cascades operating and maintenance agreements, monitor performance, and ensure compliance.
• Represent WSDOT as lead ambassador for intercity passenger rail initiatives in various forums.
• Coordinate passenger rail operations with corridor partners, including neighboring agencies.
• Oversee rail stations and locomotives asset management and maintenance.
• Analyze ridership trends and forecast data to guide decisions and investments.
• Develop passenger rail schedules and ticket fares with partners.
• Collaborate with Communications and Marketing on marketing and information dissemination.
• Provide leadership and technical expertise on rail issues to leadership and stakeholders.
• Coordinate delivery of the Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset Fleet and Youth Fare Program.
• Coordinate onboard services and passenger information systems, multimodal connections, and bus services.
• Foster continuous improvement and staff development.

Skills

Relationship Building

Self-Reflection

Rail Operations Knowledge

Contract Management

Program Management

Fiscal & Budgeting

Financial Analysis

Public Leadership

Job description

Washington State Department of Transportation seeks a strong Passenger Rail Program Manager to lead the agency’s oversight and delivery of the Amtrak Cascades intercity passenger rail system. This role directs and collaborates with diverse partners across Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, requiring strategic thinking, financial management, and public engagement experience.

The position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options and opportunities to shape transportation alternatives while