Multimodal Planning Manager

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid remote work

Paid holidays & vacation

Tuition assistance

State retirement options

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a strategic planning leader to guide transportation planning and policy across the Olympic Region. This role advances equitable and sustainable solutions by strengthening partnerships with governments, communities, and stakeholders to align transportation and land-use priorities.

Lead long-range planning, policy development, and community engagement to shape investments that improve mobility and safety, champion Complete

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, engineering, environmental or related field, or experience in multimodal planning.
• Proven ability to communicate with executives, employees, elected officials, industry partners, media, and the public.
• Ability to lead and develop a diverse workforce while fostering inclusion and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Direct and provide strategic leadership for the Olympic Region Multimodal Planning Office, developing and implementing regional and agency strategies and policies to strengthen WSDOT’s influence in land‑use and transportation planning and policymaking.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with communities, local agencies, Tribes, military, and modal transportation interests to support coordinated, performance-based planning, Complete Streets, HEAL Act implementation, and shared transportation goals.
• Collaborate with Program Management on system performance, tradeoffs, pre‑design, project scoping, and budget development to support effective transportation planning and investment decisions.
• Administer current planning activities in accordance with the Growth Management Act (GMA), reviewing local agency comprehensive plans and SEPA documents for consistency with WSDOT goals, performance targets, and policies.
• Represent WSDOT programs, projects, policies, and positions on regional and statewide boards, committees, and transportation planning organizations.
• Manage the Olympic Region Planning Office budget, staffing, and personnel functions, including hiring recommendations, leave and travel approvals, performance management, corrective action, discipline, and grievances, in coordination with Human Resources and the appointing authority.
• Promote effective resource utilization, employee safety, professional development, workforce diversity, and a productive, inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace that supports the agency’s Culture of Belonging and employee growth.
• Participate in emergency planning and required training for WSDOT Olympic Region Emergency Operations Center (EOC) mobilization; assess and maintain command and control of assigned organizational units, activate the EOC when necessary, and coordinate status reporting, documentation, resources, essential functions, external partners, response and recovery activities, technical support, and evacuations.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Program Management

Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Leadership & Workforce Development

Transportation Planning Management

Service-Oriented

Growth Mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning/engineering/environmental

Graduate degree or AICP certification or PE license

Job description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a strategic and collaborative planning leader to guide transportation planning and policy development across the Olympic Region. This position advances innovative, equitable, and sustainable transportation solutions by strengthening partnerships with state and local governments, communities, and other stakeholders to align transportation and land‑use priorities. Through long-range planning, policy development, and community engagement, this role helps shape investments that improve mobility, enhance safety, and support reliable transportation options for Washington residents and businesses. The position also champions Complete Streets, environmental justice, and multimodal integration to ensure transportation decisions reflect the diverse needs of the communities WSDOT serves. By fostering collaboration, supporting staff development, and promoting responsible resource stewardship, this position advances WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options that strengthen communities and economic vitality.

What to Expect

This position provides regionwide leadership and accountability for the development and implementation of WSDOT policies and strategies related to multimodal transportation, land‑use planning, regional and tribal coordination, and integration of transportation priorities into local comprehensive plans. The position interprets and applies federal, state, and agency requirements; guides regional planning processes; and advises regional and statewide executives on current and long-range transportation investments, system needs, and project prioritization. Decisions directly influence federal funding eligibility, transportation programming, agency stewardship, and relationships with Tribes, local governments, and private-sector partners. Errors or ineffective recommendations may result in funding impacts, misaligned transportation priorities, regulatory noncompliance, and adverse political or community relations.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Direct and provide strategic leadership for the Olympic Region Multimodal Planning Office, developing and implementing regional and agency strategies and policies to strengthen WSDOT’s influence in land‑use and transportation planning and policymaking.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with communities, local agencies, Tribes, military, and modal transportation interests to support coordinated, performance-based planning, Complete Streets, HEAL Act implementation, and shared transportation goals.
• Collaborate with Program Management on system performance, tradeoffs, pre‑design, project scoping, and budget development to support effective transportation planning and investment decisions.
• Administer current planning activities in accordance with the Growth Management Act (GMA), reviewing local agency comprehensive plans and SEPA documents for consistency with WSDOT goals, performance targets, and policies.
• Represent WSDOT programs, projects, policies, and positions on regional and statewide boards, committees, and transportation planning organizations.
• Manage the Olympic Region Planning Office budget, staffing, and personnel functions, including hiring recommendations, leave and travel approvals, performance management, corrective action, discipline, and grievances, in coordination with Human Resources and the appointing authority.
• Promote effective resource utilization, employee safety, professional development, workforce diversity, and a productive, inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace that supports the agency’s Culture of Belonging and employee growth.
• Participate in emergency planning and required training for WSDOT Olympic Region Emergency Operations Center (EOC) mobilization; assess and maintain command and control of assigned organizational units, activate the EOC when necessary, and coordinate status reporting, documentation, resources, essential functions, external partners, response and recovery activities, technical support, and evacuations.

Qualifications

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

• Strategic Planning and Program Management: Demonstrated experience developing strategic plans, setting performance objectives, monitoring results, and implementing corrective actions to achieve program goals (often demonstrated by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in planning, engineering, environmental or related field, or experience in multimodal planning).
• Communication and Stakeholder Relations: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with executives, employees, elected officials, industry partners, media, and the public while addressing customer needs and concerns.
• Leadership and Workforce Development: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a diverse workforce while fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Transportation Planning Management: Applies multimodal planning principles and extensive knowledge of state and federal legislation (including GMA, SEPA, NEPA, EAS, transportation funding bills); transportation and other related planning principles, processes, and methods; public involvement methods; public sector transportation programming and management methods and techniques, traffic engineering/modeling and land use expertise (often obtained through completion of a bachelor's degree in planning, engineering, environmental or related field).
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Multimodal planning expertise:Advanced planning knowledge (often demonstrated by obtaining a graduate degree in planning, engineering, environmental or related field OR a Certification by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) OR registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington.)

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. Regular in-person presence is expected.
• 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.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn 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 a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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.