DSHS OOS Assistant Director, Operations & Engagement
About The Position
This role exists to turn a bold statewide vision into coordinated, daily action. The Washington Economic Justice Alliance — hosted by the Department of Social and Health Services Office of the Secretary — is implementing Washington State's 10-Year Plan to dismantle poverty. The Alliance is a nationally recognized public-private partnership, and its mission is clear: ensure every Washingtonian can meet their basic needs, fully contribute their talents, and pass well-being on to future generations. As Assistant Director, Operations & Engagement, you'll be the organizational backbone that makes this work possible. You'll report to the Senior Director and lead three interconnected functions — team operations and workflow, strategic communications, and project management — that together keep a complex, multi-stakeholder effort running with clarity and purpose. You'll work at the intersection of government, community, philanthropy, and people with lived experience. That means regular engagement with the Governor's Office, the Legislature, tribal agencies, and community partners — coordinating councils and workgroups, driving alignment across agencies, and making sure strategy doesn't just live in documents. The biggest opportunity in front of you on day one: building consistent, reliable communication operations for the team. If you're energized by creating order from complexity — and you understand how government moves — this role will suit you well.
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in public policy, public health, business administration, communications, social or behavioral sciences, or a related field — or a comparable combination of education and experience
- At least five years of experience across operations, public policy, project management, strategic planning, performance measurement, or facilitation
- At least three years of experience in strategic communications, including digital media, content management, and graphic design tools (e.g., Canva)
- Hands-on experience with automated workflow tools, CRMs, and online facilitation platforms (e.g., Miro, Teams)
- Working knowledge of anti-poverty policy and programs in Washington State and the U.S.
- A demonstrated track record managing complex, high-stakes projects with diverse teams
- Experience embedding equity and inclusion principles into core work
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make complex information accessible
Nice To Haves
- A master's degree
- Experience working with executive and legislative leadership across sectors
- Familiarity with Results-Based Accountability or similar frameworks
- Comfortable with ambiguity
- Learns fast
- Knows how to navigate the pace and culture of government work
Responsibilities
- Design and maintain workflow and project management systems (CRM, SharePoint, Teams, Monday.com ) that keep the Alliance coordinated and moving
- Lead the Alliance's communications strategy — including brand, messaging, web, digital media, and public-facing content
- Manage end-to-end project lifecycles across policy, operations, and partnership work
- Coordinate agendas, facilitation, and follow-through for the Alliance's councils and workgroups, including LEWPRO and the Alliance Advisory and Executive Councils
- Translate complex cross-agency work into clear, shared understanding and aligned action
- Support strategic planning, policy proposals, budget requests, and legislative packages
- Analyze and communicate how policy decisions affect Washingtonians with low incomes
Benefits
- Fairness, access, and social justice commitment
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
