State Vital Records Program Lead (Hybrid)

Washington State Department of Health; Tumwater (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Health seeks a Vital Records Program Manager to lead statewide vital records operations, including registration, amendments, preservation, and certification, ensuring accuracy, security, and legal compliance. You will guide policy, oversee three service areas, and manage staff through their supervisors, shaping statewide standards.

You will interpret laws, coordinate with IT teams to improve WHales and related systems, and balance public access with data security.

Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience managing complex programs or operations involving regulatory requirements, public services, or records administration.
• Experience supervising teams or staff, providing guidance, coaching, and workload coordination.
• Experience interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and policies to complex program issues.
• Experience developing and implementing operational policies or process improvements.
• Experience working with complex information systems and processing of sensitive data.
• Experience analyzing complex programs, policy, or compliance issues and providing recommendations to leadership.
• Experience partnering with IT teams, vendors, or technical staff to support system development or enhancements.
• Experience building partnerships with agencies or community partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide vital records operations across registration, amendments, preservation, and certification to ensure accurate and legally compliant records.
• Direct program strategy, performance measures, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop statewide policies and standards for consistent vital records practices across local health jurisdictions.
• Manage three service areas through supervisors, set performance expectations, allocate resources.
• Interpret laws and regulations to guide policy decisions and recommend changes.
• Oversee vital records technology and system improvements with IT and vendors.
• Protect security and integrity of records, conduct security reviews, address fraud, coordinate with law enforcement as needed.
• Resolve complex customer issues, appeals, and legal-risk matters while managing contracts and interagency agreements.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Policy interpretation

People management

Change management

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration/public health/health administration/law/social sciences or closely related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

WHALES system

IT collaboration with vendors

Job description

Washington State Department of Health seeks a Vital Records Program Manager to lead statewide vital records operations, including registration, amendments, preservation, and certification, ensuring accuracy, security, and legal compliance. You will guide policy, oversee three service areas, and manage staff through their supervisors, shaping statewide standards.

You will interpret laws, coordinate with IT teams to improve WHales and related systems, and balance public access with data security.