Director of Programs

Note: This recruitment is open until 10/12/2026. Applications will be reviewed daily. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. We encourage all to apply as early as possible.

Join Us!

This position is exempt from civil service rules. Exempt recruitments may close at any time without prior notice. It is in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. For more information please see WAC.

The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $139992-$150000 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 Governors Office may choose but is not required to employ individuals who reside outside of Washington on a case-by-case basis.

Who We Are

The Office of Equity advances policy and systems change (RCW 43.06D.040) to promote a Washington for all. We believe Washingtonians are stronger together and that Washington can be a state where everyone has access to the opportunities power and resources (RCW 43.06D.020) they need to thrive. We believe a government of by and for the people where government does its work with people instead of to them is possible. We exist to advance a government that meets the unique needs of every community in Washington state by collaborating across agencies branches and sectors to create efficient and effective systems that advance a Washington for All.

Our Vision

Everyone in Washington State has full access to the opportunities power and resources they need to flourish and achieve their full potential.

Our Mission

To promote equitable access to opportunities power and resources across state government that reduce disparities and improve outcomes statewide.

Our Values

• Access: Barrier-free environments so all can participate.
• Belonging: Acceptance and support from all for all.
• Dignity: Honor for the sacred nature of every person.
• Equity: Access to opportunities power and resources.
• Justice: Treating people fairly making things right.
• Love: Selfless and giving seeking to serve and give to others.
• Ubuntu: I am because we are. We are interconnected.

Duties (Primary Functions)

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 EQUITYs external impact.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Qualifications

All combinations of experience and higher education relevant to the position including lived experience volunteer (paid or unpaid) experience or professional experience that demonstrate the knowledge skills and abilities necessary to perform the work will be considered.

Fundamental (Required)

You must have the lived volunteer or professional experience and/or education that demonstrates your ability to:

1. Embed a strategic vision and lead transformational change with significant internal and external coordination collaboration and impacts.
2. Navigate Washington state budget contracting legislative and interagency processes.
3. Lead and supervise others by providing direction and mentoring.
4. Manage multiple complex competing projects or programs simultaneously with a track record of on-time on-budget delivery.
5. Design or administer programs serving historically marginalized communities with a demonstrated commitment to equity principles.
6. Facilitate multiparty governance bodies (ex. advisory boards work groups or interagency committees) with competing interests or priorities.
7. Translate complex policy and program information into plain language for diverse audiences.
8. Build or operate within a formal project management system.
9. Take action to learn and grow.
10. Take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to be a leader on the Equity Team you must demonstrate your ability to:

1. Educate others on the underlying context of systemic oppression (past and present) and respond to resistance in a clear and direct manner.
2. Lead change to remove barriers in policies processes and practices with unwavering principles and without regard for personal comfort.
3. Advocate for the lived experiences perspectives and needs of others to improve government services and their impact on people and communities.
4. Model cultural competence humility and responsiveness and cultivate a culture of belonging where each person feels their authentic self is accepted respected and reflected.

Added Value (Preferred)

Additional lived volunteer or professional experience and/or education that demonstrates your ability to:

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

If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify consider again.Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Interested Let us hear from you!

To apply click Apply at the top of this page to start your application (you can save it and return to it if needed). Please include the following:

1. Attach a current resumethat describes how your lived volunteer or professional experience and/or education make you competent and prepared for this job.

2. Attach a letter of interestthat demonstrates your leadership competency in tough situations while maintaining your commitment to equity justice and impact.

3. Include three professional references including your current or recent supervisor with current telephone numbers and email addresses in your application.

To report accessibility barriers with the online application system and get assistance with submitting your online application contact the Department of Enterprise Services job seeker support at 360.664.1960 (877.664.1960) or . You are also encouraged to view recommendations for assistive technology on the Accessibility Information Page at .

All applicants will be notified of their status in our process. The Office of Equity will contact the selected individuals directly to engage in our hiring process. For questions about this recruitment or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process please email Jon Woodbury at . For TTY service please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-.

The Office of Equity is an equal opportunity employer. We work to create a workplace environment that honors and respects the sacred nature of each individuals personhood. Racial and ethnic members of the global majority women persons with disabilities persons over 40 years of age and Vietnam-era veterans or veterans who are disabled are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodations assistance with the application process or would like to receive this job announcement in an alternative format please call or dial 711 to reach the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf system.

This position is exempt from civil service rules. For more information please see WAC.