Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Administrator

The original close date for this job posting has been extended to ensure we establish a competitive applicant pool.

The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program

The Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program is one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the country. This bi-state mega program will transform five miles of the I-5 corridor between Washington and Oregon. As the only continuous north–south freeway on the West Coast connecting Canada to Mexico, this crossing carries more than $71 million in freight every day and serves as a critical link for regional and national commerce. The program will replace the aging bridge, reconfigure seven interchanges, extend light rail across the Columbia River, and enhance active transportation, transforming mobility for generations.

The Opportunity

The Washington and Oregon Departments of Transportation (WSDOT and ODOT) are seeking a strategic executive leader with strong political acumen, financial discipline, and the ability to build durable partnerships across jurisdictions to lead the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program. The IBR Program Administrator serves as the primary executive for one of the nation’s most complex bi-state transportation megaprograms, providing strategic direction and full operational oversight.

Accountable to both WSDOT and ODOT leadership, this role guides a $6+ billion investment through planning, policy development, funding strategy, risk management, and eventual construction to ensure delivery with transparency, fiscal stewardship, and alignment with federal, state, and bi-state requirements. The Program Administrator leads multidisciplinary teams, oversees significant public funds and consultant contracts, shapes legislative and policy strategy, and serves as the program’s primary ambassador to elected officials, community leaders, industry partners, and the public.

Guided by a rare bi-state governance structure that includes both Governors, state legislatures, transportation agency leaders, cities, transit agencies, ports, and metropolitan planning organizations, IBR stands at the intersection of infrastructure delivery, public policy, and economic vitality. Far more than a bridge project – IBR is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape how two states connect, move, and grow.

What to Expect

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

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the bi-state IBR Program, defining objectives and ensuring delivery aligned with scope, schedule, budget, statutory requirements, and megaprogram best practices.
• Direct comprehensive program management, including transportation planning, budgeting, fiscal oversight, project controls, performance monitoring, and strategic resource allocation across multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams.
• Lead bi-state governance and policy coordination, identifying regulatory or policy barriers, advancing legislative and Transportation Commission engagement, and overseeing development and implementation of IBR policies and procedures.
• Guide complex decision-making and problem-solving across legal, environmental, engineering, financial, social, and political domains to maintain program momentum and public trust.
• Serve as the primary representative and spokesperson for the program, building durable partnerships with elected officials, tribal governments, community organizations, industry leaders, and the media.
• Oversee consultant, contract, and risk management functions, including large-scale professional services and construction-related agreements, mitigation strategies, and coordination with legal counsel.
• Ensure effective coordination of personnel, systems, and processes across WSDOT, ODOT, partner agencies, and blended delivery teams to achieve program objectives.
• Build and lead a high-performing, inclusive organization, exercising supervisory authority, promoting workforce development and accountability, and fostering a culture of transparency, equity, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

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

• Executive Program Leadership:Ability to provide executive-level leadership and strategic direction for large, complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure programs operating under significant fiscal, operational, and public accountability. Demonstrates the ability to lead diverse teams, promote equity and inclusion, respond effectively to stakeholder concerns, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Major Capital Program Delivery:Experience in directing or overseeing major capital infrastructure programs through environmental review, design, construction, and implementation while maintaining alignment with scope, schedule, and budget.
• Strategic Planning & Governance:Demonstrates the ability to develop and implement strategic plans, policies, procedures, and organizational frameworks that guide program execution and ensure statutory and regulatory compliance.
• Data-Driven Program Oversight:Demonstrates the ability to apply performance metrics, financial analysis, and risk assessment tools to guide program direction and support transparent decision-making.
• Multi-Agency & Intergovernmental Leadership:Experience in leading multi-agency coordination efforts or intergovernmental partnerships involving high levels of public oversight and political sensitivity.
• Political Acumen & Executive Engagement:Ability to work effectively within highly scrutinized and politically charged environments, advising senior officials, elected leaders, and policy boards on complex infrastructure and funding matters.
• Public & Stakeholder Communication:Demonstrates the ability to serve as a credible spokesperson and public representative, communicating complex technical, financial, and policy information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Financial, Contract & Risk Oversight:Experience in overseeing budgeting, finance, project controls, procurement, consultant management, and risk mitigation within large-scale capital programs.
• Dispute Resolution & Problem-Solving:Ability to collaboratively resolve complex development, delivery, claims, and contractual disputes across legal, environmental, engineering, and fiscal domains.
• 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:

• Bi-State or Multi-Jurisdictional Governance:Experience in delivering programs operating under bi-state, multi-state, or multi-jurisdictional governance structures.
• Multimodal Infrastructure Integration:Experience delivering or overseeing transportation programs that integrate multiple modes of travel (e.g., highway, bridge, transit, freight, or active transportation) and require coordination across agencies or jurisdictions.
• Complex Funding Strategy:Demonstrates experience in managing multi-source funding structures, including federal discretionary grants, tolling strategies, long-range capital financing, or public–private partnerships.
• Environmental & Regulatory Navigation:Experience in environmental permitting, NEPA processes, and regulatory compliance for major transportation infrastructure projects.
• High-Visibility Public Leadership:Ability to navigate politically sensitive environments and align diverse stakeholder interests toward shared outcomes.

Important Notes

• While this position offers flexible remote work opportunities, the selected candidate must have and maintain the ability to report to Vancouver, WA up to 4 days per week.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visitwww.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 several flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• 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.
• PlanFor 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 toState Benefitsfor 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.

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 to submit an application for 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 people, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. People 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 visitwww.uscis.gov

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter Krystle.Jones@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference “IBR” in the subject line.