WSF Deputy Director of Administration - Washington State Ferries
About The Position
Washington State Ferries (WSF), a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), is seeking a senior management professional to lead administrative functions supporting safe and reliable ferry service. The Deputy Director of Administration provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for accounting, purchasing, contracts and consultant services, and business development. The role strengthens financial stewardship and effective business operations in support of WSF’s service to communities across Washington. The position leads the Administration Department and its functions in accordance with the Director’s strategic direction, WSF priorities, and agency values. Responsibilities include fiscal oversight and compliance, legal and marine contract coordination, facilities management, financial analysis and reporting, and leadership of managers and staff. The position also promotes an inclusive workplace and supports employee development and organizational goals. This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. The stated salary includes a legislatively approved 5% premium for positions in King County. The posting also describes WSDOT’s paid leave, tuition assistance, healthcare, and retirement benefits.
Requirements
- Expert knowledge of integrating accounting, procurement, contracts, purchasing, and business functions within a large public-sector enterprise.
- Advanced knowledge of GAAP, GASB standards, OFM policies, the Budget and Accounting Act, and related fiscal statutes.
- Skill in directing large-scale public resources and aligning fiscal decisions with long-term organizational sustainability.
- Skill in developing, approving, and enforcing division-wide administrative and financial policies.
- Knowledge of enterprise risk management frameworks and internal control systems within complex governmental organizations.
- Knowledge of financial oversight requirements for large capital infrastructure programs and federally funded activities.
- Skill in making high-impact strategic and operational decisions within delegated authority.
- Skill in leading managers and professional staff across multiple organizational layers.
- Skill in communicating complex financial and administrative matters to executive leadership, oversight agencies, and legislative stakeholders.
Nice To Haves
- Experience managing financial and administrative functions within transportation, marine, or enterprise-funded operating environments.
- Experience overseeing financial management of major capital infrastructure programs.
- Experience working directly with legislative staff, OFM, or executive oversight entities.
- Knowledge of federal grant administration, procurement compliance, and funding eligibility requirements.
- Experience leading implementation or modernization of enterprise financial, procurement, or revenue systems.
- Experience serving in an acting executive or division-level leadership capacity with delegated authority.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily Administration Department operations, align performance with strategic goals, approve reports and correspondence, and promote 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, coordinating 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, advise senior leadership, and oversee financial reporting tools and 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 and collaborative workplace that supports diversity, employee development, recognition, innovation, and organizational goals.
- Embed WSF’s strategic priorities and values in the organization’s culture through leadership actions.
Benefits
- Up to 12 paid holidays and up to 25 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees.
- Tuition assistance options for permanent employees, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Comprehensive benefits package with a variety of healthcare options.
- Choice of state retirement programs.
- Work-life balance commitment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
