Director of Equity Programs & Strategic Impact

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Remote; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington is seeking a Director of Programs for the Office of Equity to drive policy and systems change across agencies, guiding high-impact programs and teams. This remote role requires travel within Washington and ensures delivery on strategic equity priorities within statutory requirements.

The successful candidate will oversee complex programs, partner with tribal and legislative teams, and align initiatives with the state’s equity goals and operational needs.

Qualifications

• 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement internal program and projects systems and workflows that navigate policy, community, legislative, and tribal collaboration and engagement, data, communications, accessibility, and program delivery.
• Lead a team of program managers to effectively and successfully manage programs and projects and ensure organizational success.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with community members and organizations and state employees and leaders to ensure effective collaboration and organizational and program 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.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy navigation

Program management

Equity focus

Stakeholder governance

Plain language communication

Project management system

Team development

Change coordination

Job description

State of Washington is seeking a Director of Programs for the Office of Equity to drive policy and systems change across agencies, guiding high-impact programs and teams. This remote role requires travel within Washington and ensures delivery on strategic equity priorities within statutory requirements.

The successful candidate will oversee complex programs, partner with tribal and legislative teams, and align initiatives with the state’s equity goals and operational needs.