Washington State Ferries – Senior Level Project Manager (Dispatch System Replacement)

Washington State Ferries – Senior Level Project Manager (Dispatch System Replacement)

Project Details:

• Agency: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
• Project Name: Senior Level Project Manager – WSF Dispatch System Replacement Project (DISPR)
• Performance Period: 4/1/2026 – 3/30/2027 (with option to extend)

Project Overview:
The DISPR project is a mission-critical initiative to modernize WSF’s legacy dispatch system, replacing manual processes with a robust solution for terminal employees and vessel crew. The project will streamline dispatch operations, improve compliance with US Coast Guard regulations, and increase operational efficiency.

The Senior PM will oversee the full lifecycle of DISPR delivery, coordinating system analysis, vendor management, requirements refinement, scheduling, solution execution, and cross-team collaboration. This role ensures delivery on time, within scope, and within budget, while meeting operational, safety, security, and regulatory expectations.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead overall scheduling, solution delivery, and cross-team coordination for the DISPR project.
• Coordinate governance, decision-making, budget, vendor management, and cross-program communication with WSDOT TSD IT Manager.
• Manage vendor deliverables including system development, data migration, integrations, training, go-live, and hypercare.
• Support requirements refinement and ensure traceability through evaluation, configuration, testing, and deployment.
• Oversee the integrated project schedule.
• Ensure operational readiness, training, and transition-to-support activities meet established standards.
• Facilitate Agile or hybrid delivery ceremonies including planning, review, and retrospectives.
• Communicate clearly and consistently with leadership, stakeholders, and oversight partners.
• Ensure compliance with WaTech gated review processes and OFM budget oversight.

Work Schedule, Location & Travel:

• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 40 hours/week
• Location: Hybrid; primary work at WSF HQ (2901 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121) with frequent in-person meetings. Occasional visits to Puget Sound ferry terminals required.
• Travel: Reimbursed for pre-approved travel outside King County; other travel reimbursed at State rates if approved.
• Start Date: Must be available by 4/1/2026 or soon thereafter.

Mandatory Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience managing large, complex IT replacement or modernization projects in operational or safety-critical environments.
• Expertise in Agile project management and cross-functional sprint coordination.
• Strong ability to manage integrated schedules, budgets, risks, interdependencies, and escalations.
• Vendor and contract management experience, including oversight of major systems integrators.
• Proficiency with Azure DevOps or similar tools for requirements, traceability, acceptance criteria, and delivery management.
• Experience collaborating with IT, operations, finance, procurement, and executive stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, negotiation, and executive reporting skills.

Desirable Skills & Certifications:

• Project Management certification (PMI preferred)
• Agile certification/training (CSM, PMI-ACP, SAFe)
• Experience with statewide oversight bodies (WaTech, OFM) and gated reviews
• Experience with dispatching, emergency response, crew scheduling, or transportation industry systems

Vendor Submission Requirements:

• Cover Letter detailing:
• Experience and certifications aligned with mandatory/desirable skills
• Availability and ability to focus on this project
• Other relevant qualifications that make the vendor ideal
• Employment Terms:
• Both 1099 and W2 employment options are available
• Visa sponsorship is not available
• Rate Information (Competitive):
• 1099: $80–$110 per hour
• W2: $60–$90 per hour
• Rates will be negotiated based on experience, qualifications, and project requirements
• Resumes of proposed staff
• Right to Represent statement

Pay: $60.00 - $110.00 per hour

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Seattle, WA 98121