Deputy Director of Marine Operations - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington•King County - Seattle – Belltown, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network, carrying nearly 20 million passengers annually. WSF is seeking a Deputy Director to serve as an integral member of the executive leadership team and help guide strategic initiatives across WSF’s operational sectors. This senior leadership role provides system-wide direction focused on workforce development, operational readiness, and reliable service delivery while promoting consistent application of policies, procedures, and operational standards. The Deputy Director strengthens WSF’s ability to maintain a highly qualified and prepared workforce while fostering a culture grounded in WSF’s values of Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate. This position plays a vital role in advancing safe, efficient, customer-focused ferry operations and ensuring dependable transportation service. As WSF undergoes a transformation to decarbonize its system, this role is crucial in upholding strategic priorities like Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People.

Requirements

Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning, adapting, and improving operational practices. Applies feedback, embraces new approaches, and supports continuous improvement across vessel and terminal operations.
Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of customers, employees, and partners. Maintains a customer-first mindset in decisions affecting ferry service reliability and workforce support.
Operational Leadership Competencies: Operational Decision-Making, Systems Thinking, Ability to operate within the Incident Command System (ICS), support emergency response activities, and maintain continuity of operations during critical incidents. Demonstrates readiness to work extended hours when needed.
Policy Development & Implementation: Ability to develop, interpret, and implement policies that guide vessel and terminal operations. Ensures policies are clear, actionable, and aligned with regulatory requirements and organizational goals.
People Leadership Competencies: Workforce Development, Labor Relations & Collaboration, Team Leadership & Engagement.
Communication & Stakeholder Competencies: Executive Communication, Stakeholder Partnership.
Operational Management Competencies: Budget Stewardship, Process Improvement & Change Management, Safety Leadership.
Obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card within 3 months of employment.

Nice To Haves

Maritime or High-Tempo Operations Experience
Systems Building & Organizational Modernization
Leadership Development & Team Capability Building
Continuous Improvement & Change Leadership
Data Literacy & Operational Analytics
Hands-On Operational Leadership
Creative Problem-Solving & Get-to-Yes Mindset
Diverse Backgrounds, Perspectives, and Experiences
Regulatory & Maritime Familiarity
Public Sector or Military Leadership Experience

Responsibilities

Direct and monitor marine operations across WSF terminals and vessels to support safe, reliable, efficient, and customer-focused service; develop and implement operational policies, SOPs, and service delivery strategies.
Ensure safety and regulatory compliance with WSF’s Safety Management System, USCG requirements, state and federal regulations, and industry best practices; oversee incident trends, corrective actions, and safety initiatives.
Lead workforce planning and development for Marine Operations, including staffing, recruitment, training, succession planning, performance management, coaching, recognition, and progressive discipline.
Lead labor relations activities, including collective bargaining, grievance resolution, labor-management meetings, and administration of collective bargaining agreements in partnership with HR, unions, and OFM.
Support strategic and financial planning, including operating and capital budgets, expenditure monitoring, financial controls, resource allocation, and stewardship of public funds.
Drive business process improvement and organizational change using Lean principles, technology, data, and change management practices to strengthen operational efficiency and service delivery.
Provide strategic leadership and collaboration across WSF, fostering accountability, effective communication, continuous improvement, and a respectful and inclusive organizational culture.
Support emergency response and legal compliance, including assigned Incident Command System (ICS) responsibilities, Public Disclosure Requests, litigation holds, and coordination with the Attorney General’s Office.
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.