Director of Programs

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

3d•Remote

About The Position

As a Director of Programs for the Office of Equity, you will drive policy and systems change to help Washingtonians thrive by working with communities and partners across agencies and sectors to build efficient, effective systems that move Washington for All forward. You’ll lead the team that brings this mission to life by overseeing high-impact, complex programs and guiding a talented group to deliver projects that are timely, strategic, and aligned with statutory requirements and core Equity priorities. This is an exciting opportunity to shape transformative change statewide! The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates’ qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $139,992-$150,000 annually. This is a remote position with schedule flexibility that requires travel in Washington State for meetings, events, and on-site work. The frequency of on-site work varies based on business and operational needs. The Governor’s Office may choose, but is not required, to employ individuals who reside outside of Washington on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

Embed a strategic vision and lead transformational change with significant internal and external coordination, collaboration, and impacts.
Navigate Washington state budget, contracting, legislative, and interagency processes.
Lead and supervise others by providing direction and mentoring.
Manage multiple, complex competing projects or programs simultaneously, with a track record of on-time, on-budget delivery.
Design or administer programs serving historically marginalized communities with a demonstrated commitment to equity principles.
Facilitate multiparty governance bodies (ex., advisory boards, work groups, or interagency committees) with competing interests or priorities.
Translate complex policy and program information into plain language for diverse audiences.
Build or operate within a formal project management system.
Take action to learn and grow.
Take action to meet the needs of others.
Educate others on the underlying context of systemic oppression (past and present) and respond to resistance in a clear and direct manner.
Lead change to remove barriers in policies, processes, and practices with unwavering principles and without regard for personal comfort.
Advocate for the lived experiences, perspectives, and needs of others to improve government services and their impact on people and communities.
Model cultural competence, humility, and responsiveness and cultivate a culture of belonging where each person feels their authentic self is accepted, respected, and reflected.

Nice To Haves

Comfortably manage ambiguity, shifting priorities, and competing partner demands without losing sight of long-term goals.
Demonstrate sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive community or interagency matters.
Work effectively across agencies on politically sensitive, high-visibility issues.

Responsibilities

Design and implement internal program and projects systems and workflows that navigate the intersections of policy, community, legislative, and tribal collaboration and engagement, data, communications, accessibility, and program delivery.
Develop, implement, evaluate, and improve program, project structure, and process for consistent program and project management that can be tailored to meet specific needs.
Manage ambiguity, competing deadlines, and multi-partner governance processes, while articulating the long-term vision for EQUITY’s external impact.
Lead a team of program managers to effectively and successfully manage programs and projects and ensure organizational success.
Lead, direct, and manage program managers in meeting mandates, building long-term strategies that advance project and program metrics, goals, and outcomes through data-driven performance measurement, and ensuring success in achieving the long-term vision and strategic implementation for the program or project.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with community members and organizations and state employees and leaders to ensure effective collaboration and organizational and program success.
Build effective relationships with agency partners to address concerns, eliminate bureaucratic barriers and siloes, and ensure program success.
Build and grow relationships with community leaders and partners to ensure programs are built with community voice and priorities.
In collaboration with the EQUITY Tribal Director, establish genuine relationships with Tribal governments to ensure adherence to government-to-government mandates and agreements.
In collaboration with the EQUITY legislative team, establish strong relationships with the Washington Legislature to ensure programs meet legislative intent and requirements and ensure organizational success.
Engage as a member of the Equity Leadership Team, providing expert consultation, analysis, partnership, and advocacy regarding organizational and program effectiveness and success, risk management, collaboration, and office alignment.
Coordinate with the Leadership Team to collaborate, strategize, and set direction for the office.
Develop strategic work plans and manage workload demands, capacity, and distribution.
Facilitate collaboration and cohesion within and across teams.