Executive Director, Washington State Board of Health (DOH8970)

ABOUT THE ROLE The Executive Director is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Washington State Board of Health, acting as the agency head. This role provides statewide leadership on policies that protect and improve public health, monitors public health trends, and adopts foundational public health rules. The Director serves as the Board's voice in high-stakes settings, negotiating and building relationships with the Governor's Office, State Legislature, governmental partners, and community groups to advance the Board's statutory responsibilities and influence state government health policy. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Anticipate and identify emerging, complex issues with statewide policy impacts and develop policy approaches and solutions. - Represent the Board and engage with state policymakers, governmental partners, Tribes, industry representatives, and community groups to develop policy options. - Initiate and manage comprehensive evaluations of state laws and rules, and direct the development of proposed legislation and rules. - Oversee and advise the Board on the adoption of critical public health and safety rules to prevent disease, ensure safe food and water, and screen infants and children. - Assist the Board in making decisions consistent with state and federal law that can be implemented equitably across the state. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Option 1: Seven years of experience in a senior or executive leadership role within a public-sector organization with responsibility for program management, budget and policy analysis, and program evaluation. - Option 2: A master's degree in public administration, public health, business administration, or a related field; and five years of senior or executive leadership experience in a public-sector organization. - Demonstrated ability to provide executive-level strategic direction and oversight for a public sector organization or major program. - Skilled in developing and directing administrative rulemaking, legislative and fiscal analysis, and regulatory or policy processes. - Experience leading policy or system changes to advance public health, safety, environmental justice, or equity initiatives. - Ability to represent an organization in high-stakes negotiations with elected officials or senior government leadership. - Knowledge of public health principles, administrative rule development, and legislative processes. - Human-centered leadership skills, including building inclusive teams and coaching staff. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle when driving for state business, or provide alternative transportation. - Must be able to work outside of core scheduled hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet Board needs and critical deadlines. - Must be able to travel long distances, alone or with others, for multiple days and nights in or out of state. SELECTION PROCESS - Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered; emailed resumes or documents will not be accepted. - Experience and education detailed in the application must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile. - Applicants claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214, NGB 22, or verification of service letter. HOW TO APPLY - Click Apply to complete the official online application. - Attach a resume, cover letter, and DD-214 if applicable. - List at least three professional references directly in the Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone supervised or led. - Do not include private details like SSN, birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, or letters of recommendation. - For questions or accommodations, contact Zach Covington at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8970. - For technical support, contact NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Full Time - Permanent position with a Flexible/Hybrid remote employment arrangement. - Official duty station is Tumwater, WA, but the incumbent may work primarily from home, a DOH facility, or an alternative remote location. - Department of Health, State Board of Health Division. - Standard schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with alternative or flexible schedules considered upon approval. - Work is performed almost exclusively indoors in an office environment, working at a computer for extended periods. - Requires daily contact with Board managers and staff, and frequent contact with state and federal agencies and partners. - The office and meeting spaces are a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, and scent-neutral environment. - Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.