Senior Director of Finance, Administration & Employee Services

Title: Senior Director of Finance, Administration & Employee Services

, Washington State Ferries

Location: King County United States

Job 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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel. 

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking an experienced and multifaceted business professional to serve as Senior Director of Finance, Administration, and Employee Services for the Washington State Ferries Division. This role oversees multimillion-dollar operating and capital budgets, financial planning and analysis, accounting, procurement, contracts and legal services, grants management, and program delivery. The Director ensures fiscal accountability, compliance with state and federal requirements, and effective resource management to sustain a safe and reliable marine transportation system.

The Finance, Administration, and Employee Services Director is a senior-executive position that guides a large, multidisciplinary team while partnering with fellow leaders, state legislators, and funding agencies to shape long-term financial strategy for WSF. This position requires a steady balance between strategic vision and operational expertise in a complex, high-profile public transportation environment.  As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system - guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate- and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People - there's never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Senior Director of Finance, Administration, and Employee Services will:

• Provide leadership and direction to WSF Finance & Administration, including accounting, contracts and legal services, business development, consultant services, operating budget management, capital program development and delivery, financial planning and analysis, and grants management.
• Develop strategic long-range planning of state and federal budget needs to ensure continuation of ferry service.
• Direct the annual budget process and provide final recommendations to the Assistant Secretary.
• Ensure fiscal controls, compliance with state financial laws and practices, and effective coordination of budget between WSF departments and WSDOT Finance.
• Oversee development and management of multimillion-dollar operating and capital budgets; monitor funding and expenditures, analyze trends, and advise senior leadership.
• Manage revenue strategies, including maintaining existing sources, seeking new revenues, and hedging the price of WSF's fuel purchases.
• Oversee preparation of financial information for internal and external audiences; advise leadership on grant, contract, accounting, and procurement matters.
• Lead and develop managers and staff, serving as appointing authority for personnel actions, and ensure effective and efficient operation of the Finance & Administration Division.
• 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

Qualifications

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

• Government Budget Leadership - Experience leading complex governmental budget processes, including interaction with officials who have funding authority.
• Finance & Operations Leadership - Progressive leadership experience managing multiple departments such as finance, accounting, legal/contracts, procurement, business development, and/or program delivery.
• Financial Planning & Analysis - Expertise in synthesizing large datasets to forecast trends, advise leadership, and align spending to mission-driven outcomes.
• Budget Development - Knowledge and experience with cost forecasting, legislative authorization, and long-term financial planning.
• Accounting & Purchasing Compliance - Experience managing accounting and purchasing processes in accordance with laws, regulations, and fiscal controls.
• Contracting Knowledge - Familiarity with public works and/or enterprise contracting, including consultant agreements and facilities maintenance.
• Financial Communication - Skilled in preparing and presenting complex financial information to internal and external stakeholders, including legislators, oversight agencies, and the public.
• Decision-Making - Proven ability to make independent, timely, and effective financial and operational decisions with both strategic and tactical impact.
• Workplace Culture & Inclusion - Demonstrated ability to create and support an inclusive, respectful, and equitable work environment.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Washington State Budget Experience - Direct experience with Washington State budget processes, including legislative interaction and reporting.
• Executive Management Experience - Experience in a senior management role with responsibility for enterprise-wide financial or operational strategy.
• Large-Scale Organizational Leadership - Experience managing in a large and complex organization, including oversight of other senior leaders or managers.
• Related Educational Background - Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field.

Important Notes 

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• Application review will begin on August 28, 2025. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible. 
• 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 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 telework options 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 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. 

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. 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 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 visit www.uscis.gov

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact Krystle.Jones@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 'FINANCE DIRECTOR' in the subject line.