Description

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity
We are seeking a talented and dynamic Community Engagement Program Manager to join WSDOT’s team. In this new position for the agency, you will use your knowledge and experience of best practices in inclusive community engagement to guide practitioners across the agency toward effective implementation. Your key responsibilities will include developing community engagement policy and guidance; enhancing the skill and expertise of the agency’s workforce through staff development programs; developing and implementing technical tools for equitable outreach; and representing WSDOT’s Community Engagement program outside the agency. You will play a lead role in strengthening the effectiveness of WSDOT’s outreach to promote diversity, equity and inclusion and improve access to decision-making across agency services.

As a member of the team leading WSDOT’s implementation of the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, you will join the Multimodal Planning & Data Division (MPDD) under the Assistant Secretary for Multimodal Development & Delivery (M2D2) and have the opportunity to work with a diverse set of practitioners, including the Office of Civil Rights, Environmental Services Office, Communications Division, as well as planning and project delivery staff across the agency. In this matrix-management environment, you will need to apply your ability to influence without authority to achieve objectives and work collaboratively with your colleagues to deliver results. You’ll apply and grow your knowledge and expertise at an agency where executive leaders emphasize workforce development, resilience, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. You’ll join a talented and committed multidisciplinary community working to navigate change and implement new programs. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a supportive and collaborative work environment. If you are ready to make a difference in the transportation industry and join a dynamic team of professionals, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity today!

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Community Engagement Program Manager will:

• 
  Determine best practices and lead implementation of WSDOT’s Community Engagement Plan through development and publication of associated policy and guidance for practitioners.
• Influence process owners to embed expectations for equitable community engagement in manuals and other procedural documents.
• Determine measures of effectiveness (MOE) to guide periodic assessment and evaluation of WSDOT community engagement activities related to desired outcomes as identified in the HEAL Act and agency DEI plan. Conduct analysis and publish results of MOE evaluation.
• Develop and sustain the skill and expertise of WSDOT’s workforce through a comprehensive training program for practitioners.
• Create and sustain a network of community engagement practitioners across the agency to promote the practice, align implementation methods and improve performance in measures of effectiveness.
• Coach and guide individual practitioners in the design and implementation of project-based community engagement plans.
• Operationalize HQ policy direction (HEAL, Civil Rights, Communications, Government Relations, ESO) into implementation procedures for community engagement practitioners.
• Lead investigation and response to new policies and requirements and update WSDOT guidance/direction as needed.
• Develop and implement technical tools for equitable outreach (including web, ESRI StoryMap, survey tools, social media etc.) and guide tool development, selection, and investment by WSDOT organizations.

Qualifications
Experience for both required and preferred qualifications can be gained through formal professional employment, volunteer experience, or lived experience. Applicants are encouraged to explain how their combination of education and experience meets the requirements of the position.

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

• Seven (7) years of experience involving environmental justice or community engagement OR two (2) years of experience as a Principal/Senior Planner/Transportation Planning Specialist 4/5 or an equivalent role at public agency, non-governmental organization, or private consulting firm (An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience).
• Practical, hands-on experience in conducting community engagement with one or more of the following: tribes, community groups, state, and local agencies, under-served and overburdened communities, non-governmental organizations.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to provide consulting expertise and contribute to policy and process development in community engagement experience with environmental justice focus.
• Ability to apply organizational influence by gaining the support of others, leading cross-organizational teams, building positive relationships, and communicating effectively.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Experience working in community organization, local government and/or a metropolitan or regional transportation planning organization.
• Ability to speak or write a second language or ASL.
• Experience performing environmental justice analysis.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis tools such as, ArcGIS, Tableau, or others.
• Experience with tools for engagement such as: ESRI StoryMap, Drupal, or others.
• Meeting facilitation expertise.

• To review the full Position Description, please contact the recruiter listed in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This position requires statewide travel on a routine basis to state agency partners and WSDOT regions and modal offices. Occasional in- and out-of-state travel for peer reviews, conferences, presentations, etc.
• The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. However, the first review of applications will be conducted April 12, 2023. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. 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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including occasional telework for eligible positions.
• 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 three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may 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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as 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.

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Robyn Lovely at LovelyR@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ-0W646 in the subject line.