Assistant Secretary, Developmental Disabilities — Growth & Access

Advancing States; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services seeks an Assistant Secretary of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to guide the agency through its next growth phase.

You will oversee one of Washington’s largest human-services administrations, focusing on easier service access, safer transitions between settings, stronger service availability, and greater voice and choice in planning services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
• Executive-level experience leading directors, managers, and senior leaders.
• Experience with programs serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead DDA through the next phase, aligning staff and partners around the direction.
• Strengthen community engagement and ensure feedback leads to action.
• Improve accountability, coordination, and follow-through across the administration.
• Set clear priorities and create alignment among teams, programs, and partners.
• Lead with sound judgment in a 24/7 service environment.
• Strengthen relationships with legislators and federal partners.
• Communicate proactively about priorities, challenges, and opportunities.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Public administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, business administration, public administration, health care administration, finance, or related field

Job description

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services seeks an Assistant Secretary of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to guide the agency through its next growth phase.

You will oversee one of Washington’s largest human-services administrations, focusing on easier service access, safer transitions between settings, stronger service availability, and greater voice and choice in planning services.