WSF Deputy Director of Administration - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid remote work options

Paid holidays

Tuition Assistance

Job summary

Washington State Ferries is seeking a senior management professional to lead key administrative functions, providing strategic leadership for accounting, purchasing, contracts, consultant services and business development. This role ensures financial stewardship across WSF, aligning with director direction and public-resource management.

The Deputy Director of Administration will guide compliance with GAAP, GASB, OFM policies, oversee risk, and manage cross-location facilities while championing

Qualifications

• Public-sector integration of accounting, procurement, contracts and related functions.
• GAAP, GASB, OFM policies and related fiscal statutes.
• Direct large public resources with sustainable fiscal decisions.
• Develop and enforce division-wide administrative/financial policies.
• Enterprise risk management and internal controls knowledge.
• Capital and federal funding oversight experience.
• Strategic/operational decision-making under delegated authority.
• Lead managers and professional staff across multiple layers.
• Executive/stakeholder communication with oversight bodies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily Administration Department operations aligned to strategic goals.
• Lead accounting, purchasing, contracting, and business development under Director direction.
• Oversee legal services and marine contract development; coordinate with AG's Office on risk.
• Maintain accounting standards and fiscal controls per policies and GASB/GAAP.
• Monitor funding/expenditures, analyze trends, and report to senior leadership.
• Direct facility management and maintenance across multiple locations.
• Manage hiring, development plans, training, and disciplinary processes for staff.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace promoting diversity and growth.
• Uphold strategic priorities and values in the agency's culture.

Skills

Public-sector integration

Fiscal compliance

Policy development

Risk management

Executive communication

Organizational leadership

Strategic decision-making

Stakeholder communication

Financial oversight

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!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

The Opportunity

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a senior management professional to lead key administrative functions that support safe, reliable ferry service. This position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for accounting, purchasing, contracts and consultant services, and business development. By strengthening financial stewardship and ensuring effective business operations, this leader helps WSF deliver dependable service to the communities that rely on Washington's ferry system. Join a team dedicated to responsible management of public resources and keeping Washington moving.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate, and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Deputy Director of Administration will:

• Manage daily Administration Department operations, aligning performance with strategic goals, approving reports and correspondence, and promoting collaboration.
• Lead accounting, purchasing, contracting and consultant services, and business development in alignment with the Director’s strategic direction.
• Oversee legal services and marine contract development and administration; coordinate with the Attorney General’s Office on risk and legal matters.
• Maintain accounting standards and fiscal controls, ensuring compliance with WSDOT and OFM policies, the state’s Budget and Accounting Act, GAAP, and GASB standards.
• Monitor funding and expenditures, analyze trends, and advise senior leadership; oversee reporting tools and financial information for internal and external audiences.
• Direct facility management and maintenance across multiple locations.
• Manage hiring, succession planning, evaluations, development plans, training, and progressive discipline; coach managers and exercise delegated appointing authority.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace that supports diversity, employee development, recognition, innovation, and organizational goals.
• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions

Qualifications

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

• Public-Sector Business Integration: Expert knowledge of integrating accounting, procurement, contracts, purchasing, and business functions within a large public-sector enterprise.
• Fiscal Compliance: Advanced knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, Office of Financial Management (OFM) policies, the Budget and Accounting Act, and related fiscal statutes.
• Public Resource Management: Skill in directing large-scale public resources and aligning fiscal decisions with long-term organizational sustainability.
• Policy Development and Enforcement: Skill in developing, approving, and enforcing division-wide administrative and financial policies.
• Risk Management and Internal Controls: Knowledge of enterprise risk management frameworks and internal control systems within complex governmental organizations.
• Capital and Federal Funding Oversight: Knowledge of financial oversight requirements for large capital infrastructure programs and federally funded activities.
• Strategic and Operational Decision-Making: Skill in making high-impact strategic and operational decisions within delegated authority.
• Organizational Leadership: Skill in leading managers and professional staff across multiple organizational layers.
• Executive and Stakeholder Communication: Skill in communicating complex financial and administrative matters to executive leadership, oversight agencies, and legislative stakeholders.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Transportation and Enterprise Operations: Experience managing financial and administrative functions within transportation, marine, or enterprise-funded operating environments.
• Capital Program Financial Management:Experience overseeing financial management of major capital infrastructure programs.
• Legislative and Oversight Coordination: Experience working directly with legislative staff, OFM, or executive oversight entities.
• Federal Grant and Procurement Compliance: Knowledge of federal grant administration, procurement compliance, and funding eligibility requirements.
• Enterprise Systems Modernization: Experience leading implementation or modernization of enterprise financial, procurement, or revenue systems.
• Delegated Executive Leadership: Experience serving in an acting executive or division-level leadership capacity with delegated authority.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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 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?

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