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 seeking a dynamic leader to serve as Organizational Development Manager, a key member of the Public Transportation Division management team responsible for strengthening division culture and driving high-impact programs statewide. This role leads efforts in organizational development, workforce training, change management, and continuous process improvement. From shaping division-wide policies and employee development strategies to managing the State Safety Office’s federally required training programs, the position ensures teams are equipped to deliver safe, effective, and compliant services.

The manager also coaches staff on the development of grant programs, planning initiatives, and data-driven projects, while championing Lean and continuous improvement practices. As a trusted expert and strategic partner, this role works across teams and with external stakeholders to build strong, sustainable programs that meet the expectations of the public, partners, and legislators.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, Organizational Development Manager will:

• Develop and execute strategies for managing organizational change that balance the expectations and needs of the division, department, its employees, and other interested parties.
• Encourage collaboration across teams to foster a sense of community and shared purpose.
• Identify and address organizational change-related business challenges proactively.
• Propose and implement improvements to division programs, systems, policies, and practices.
• Implement and apply continuous improvement.
• Oversee the execution of organizational change implementation and deployment standards, processes, and performance metrics.
• Monitor and assess the change initiatives.
• Manage the state safety office training program to ensure that federal requirements are met and personnel have adequate and appropriate training.
• Ensure contractors are maintaining and documenting required training appropriately.
• Write and maintain federally required technical training plan, ensuring approval by the Federal Transit Administration as needed.
• Establish, maintain and monitor individual technical training plans.
• Support the division’s Management Team in developing and implementing the division’s strategic plan, operational clarity, and measuring and sharing results.
• Manage all onboarding (new employee), offboarding, and succession (employees leaving the division) planning.
• Serve as a key partner and advisor to the division’s managers and supervisors on employee engagement, recognition, inclusion and belonging, and change management.

Qualifications

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

• Leadership & People Management: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams in a progressively responsible supervisory or management role, including setting direction, managing performance, and fostering accountability and engagement.
• Organizational Development & Talent Management: Proven knowledge and application of leadership, management, and organizational development principles to support workforce planning, employee development, and organizational effectiveness.
• Executive Communication & Influence: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively present complex issues, recommendations, and strategies to senior leadership and executive audiences.
• Project & Program Leadership: Demonstrated expertise leading large, complex projects or programs, including applying project management methodologies to coordinate work, align stakeholders, and achieve desired outcomes.
• Continuous Improvement & Quality Management: Proven ability to implement and sustain quality assurance and process improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean), driving efficiency, effectiveness, and measurable results.
• Relationship Management & Collaboration: Ability to build and maintain strong, professional relationships across all organizational levels, fostering collaboration and trust among managers, supervisors, and staff.
• Conflict Resolution & Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to navigate and resolve competing priorities, conflicting perspectives, and complex challenges through thoughtful analysis and facilitation.
• Coaching, Mentoring & Staff Development: Proven ability to influence, coach, mentor, and develop employees to enhance performance, build skills, and support career growth.
• Strategic Thinking & Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate data, identify trends, and develop strategic solutions aligned with organizational goals.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Demonstrated ability to effectively work with and support diverse groups, fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable work environment.
• Partnership Development & Team Building: Ability to establish partnerships and cultivate cohesive, high-performing teams that contribute to a positive and productive workplace culture.
• Public Speaking & Facilitation: Experience presenting information clearly and confidently to large groups, facilitating discussions, and engaging diverse audiences.
• Workplace Culture & Engagement: Demonstrated commitment to creating and sustaining a work environment that promotes respect, equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Advanced Leadership & Organizational Development Expertise: Demonstrated advanced knowledge and application of leadership, management, and organizational or workforce development principles to drive organizational effectiveness and employee performance.
• Change Management & Continuous Improvement: Proven ability to lead and support organizational change initiatives, including applying Lean practices and structured change management methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, Prosci) to improve processes and outcomes.
• Supervisory & Management Excellence: Extensive experience leading teams in a supervisory or management capacity, including implementing effective management practices, driving results, and fostering a positive and accountable work environment.
• Public Sector Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of state government operations, policies, and procedures, with the ability to effectively navigate and contribute within a public-sector environment.
• Advanced Leadership Application: Proven ability to apply advanced leadership techniques, including influencing outcomes, driving alignment, and leading through complexity and change.
• Program & Project Management: Demonstrated experience managing programs and projects, including planning, execution, monitoring, and delivering results aligned with organizational goals.
• Policy Development & Implementation: Proven ability to develop, analyze, and implement policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and organizational priorities.
• Performance Measurement & Accountability: Experience establishing and utilizing performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness, inform decision-making, and drive continuous improvement.
• Risk Management & Mitigation: Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, ensuring program stability and proactive problem-solving.
• Strategic Workforce Management: Proven ability to implement sophisticated staff management strategies, including workforce planning, talent development, and performance optimization.
• Resilience & Professional Agility: Demonstrated resilience and professionalism in challenging environments, maintaining a constructive and solution-oriented approach when faced with resistance or lack of collaboration.
• Research, Data Analysis & Interpretation: Strong ability to conduct research, manage data, and interpret findings to support evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning.
• Training, Facilitation & Technical Assistance: Experience designing and delivering training, providing technical assistance, and building capacity across teams and stakeholders.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is eligible for remote work up to 100%, per supervisor approval.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
• 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.
• The official duty station for this position will be determined based on candidate preference and overall business needs.
• 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 />

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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 of 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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Organizational Development Manager #0W494 in the subject line.

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 seeking a dynamic leader to serve as Organizational Development Manager, a key member of the Public Transportation Division management team responsible for strengthening division culture and driving high-impact programs statewide. This role leads efforts in organizational development, workforce training, change management, and continuous process improvement. From shaping division-wide policies and employee development strategies to managing the State Safety Office’s federally required training programs, the position ensures teams are equipped to deliver safe, effective, and compliant services. The manager also coaches staff on the development of grant programs, planning initiatives, and data-driven projects, while championing Lean and continuous improvement practices. As a trusted expert and strategic partner, this role works across teams and with external stakeholders to build strong, sustainable programs that meet the expectations of the public, partners, and legislators. What to Expect. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, Organizational Development Manager will:Develop and execute strategies for managing organizational change that balance the expectations and needs of the division, department, its employees, and other interested parties. Encourage collaboration across teams to foster a sense of community and shared purpose. Identify and address organizational change-related business challenges proactively. Propose and implement improvements to division programs, systems, policies, and practices. Implement and apply continuous improvement. Oversee the execution of organizational change implementation and deployment standards, processes, and performance metrics. Monitor and assess the change initiatives. Manage the state safety office training program to ensure that federal requirements are met and personnel have adequate and appropriate training. Ensure contractors are maintaining and documenting required training appropriately. Write and maintain federally required technical training plan, ensuring approval by the Federal Transit Administration as needed. Establish, maintain and monitor individual technical training plans. Support the division’s Management Team in developing and implementing the division’s strategic plan, operational clarity, and measuring and sharing results. Manage all onboarding (new employee), offboarding, and succession (employees leaving the division) planning. Serve as a key partner and advisor to the division’s managers and supervisors on employee engagement, recognition, inclusion and belonging, and change management. Qualifications. To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:Leadership & People Management: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams in a progressively responsible supervisory or management role, including setting direction, managing performance, and fostering accountability and engagement. Organizational Development & Talent Management: Proven knowledge and application of leadership, management, and organizational development principles to support workforce planning, employee development, and organizational effectiveness. Executive Communication & Influence: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively present complex issues, recommendations, and strategies to senior leadership and executive audiences. Project & Program Leadership: Demonstrated expertise leading large, complex projects or programs, including applying project management methodologies to coordinate work, align stakeholders, and achieve desired outcomes. Continuous Improvement & Quality Management: Proven ability to implement and sustain quality assurance and process improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean), driving efficiency, effectiveness, and measurable results. Relationship Management & Collaboration: Ability to build and maintain strong, professional relationships across all organizational levels, fostering collaboration and trust among managers, supervisors, and staff. Conflict Resolution & Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to navigate and resolve competing priorities, conflicting perspectives, and complex challenges through thoughtful analysis and facilitation. Coaching, Mentoring & Staff Development: Proven ability to influence, coach, mentor, and develop employees to enhance performance, build skills, and support career growth. Strategic Thinking & Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate data, identify trends, and develop strategic solutions aligned with organizational goals. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Demonstrated ability to effectively work with and support diverse groups, fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable work environment. Partnership Development & Team Building: Ability to establish partnerships and cultivate cohesive, high-performing teams that contribute to a positive and productive workplace culture. Public Speaking & Facilitation: Experience presenting information clearly and confidently to large groups, facilitating discussions, and engaging diverse audiences. Workplace Culture & Engagement: Demonstrated commitment to creating and sustaining a work environment that promotes respect, equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others. It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:Advanced Leadership & Organizational Development Expertise: Demonstrated advanced knowledge and application of leadership, management, and organizational or workforce development principles to drive organizational effectiveness and employee performance. Change Management & Continuous Improvement: Proven ability to lead and support organizational change initiatives, including applying Lean practices and structured change management methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, Prosci) to improve processes and outcomes. Supervisory & Management Excellence: Extensive experience leading teams in a supervisory or management capacity, including implementing effective management practices, driving results, and fostering a positive and accountable work environment. Public Sector Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of state government operations, policies, and procedures, with the ability to effectively navigate and contribute within a public-sector environment. Advanced Leadership Application: Proven ability to apply advanced leadership techniques, including influencing outcomes, driving alignment, and leading through complexity and change. Program & Project Management: Demonstrated experience managing programs and projects, including planning, execution, monitoring, and delivering results aligned with organizational goals. Policy Development & Implementation: Proven ability to develop, analyze, and implement policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and organizational priorities. Performance Measurement & Accountability: Experience establishing and utilizing performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness, inform decision-making, and drive continuous improvement. Risk Management & Mitigation: Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, ensuring program stability and proactive problem-solving. Strategic Workforce Management: Proven ability to implement sophisticated staff management strategies, including workforce planning, talent development, and performance optimization. Resilience & Professional Agility: Demonstrated resilience and professionalism in challenging environments, maintaining a constructive and solution-oriented approach when faced with resistance or lack of collaboration. Research, Data Analysis & Interpretation: Strong ability to conduct research, manage data, and interpret findings to support evidence-based decision-making and strategic planning. Training, Facilitation & Technical Assistance: Experience designing and delivering training, providing technical assistance, and building capacity across teams and stakeholders. Important Notes This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. This position is eligible for remote work up to 100%, per supervisor approval. To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting. 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. The official duty station for this position will be determined based on candidate preference and overall business needs. 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 Why WSDOT Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity. 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 of 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 recruiter listed. Contact Us. For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Organizational Development Manager #0 W 494 in the subject line.

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