Hybrid State Vital Records Program Leader

Washington Department of Natural Resources; Tumwater (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Health in Washington State seeks a Vital Records Program Manager to lead statewide vital records operations, policy development, and cross-agency collaboration. The role oversees registration, amendments, preservation, and certification of vital records across multiple jurisdictions.

The ideal candidate will provide strategic direction, manage three service areas, interpret laws, guide system improvements (WHALES), and ensure data security and compliant processing

Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience managing, administering, or providing senior-level support to complex programs or operations involving regulatory requirements, compliance, public services, records administration, or similarly complex functions.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in public administration, public health, health administration, law, social sciences, or a closely related field AND four (4) years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide vital records operations, overseeing registration, amendments, preservation, and certification services to ensure accurate, timely, and legally compliant records.
• Direct program strategy, priorities, performance measures, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen service delivery, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
• Develop and implement statewide policies and standards that promote consistent vital records practices across the Department of Health and Washington’s 39 local health jurisdictions.
• Manage three service areas through their supervisors, setting performance expectations, allocating resources, and addressing workforce and operational needs.
• Interpret laws, regulations, and legislation to guide policy decisions, assess operational impacts, and recommend changes to improve vital records administration.
• Oversee vital records technology and system improvements, working with technology teams and vendors to maintain and enhance systems that support statewide operations.
• Protect the security and integrity of vital records by establishing safeguards, conducting security reviews, addressing suspected fraud, and coordinating with law enforcement when needed.
• Resolve complex and sensitive customer issues, appeals, and legal-risk matters while managing contracts, interagency agreements, and program resources.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Policy interpretation

Staff supervision

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in public administration/public health/health administration/law/social sciences

Master's degree in public administration/public health/business administration or related field

Tools

WHALES

Job description

Washington State Department of Health in Washington State seeks a Vital Records Program Manager to lead statewide vital records operations, policy development, and cross-agency collaboration. The role oversees registration, amendments, preservation, and certification of vital records across multiple jurisdictions.

The ideal candidate will provide strategic direction, manage three service areas, interpret laws, guide system improvements (WHALES), and ensure data security and compliant processing