Special Note: This position is exempt from civil service rules.
In this position, you will help the state develop a new culture that centers equity in all its work, which ultimately leads the state toward its goal of providing all Washingtonians with an opportunity to thrive. You will use your innovation and vision to build this office from the ground and develop the statewide strategy from scratch. Limited resources, high expectations, and potential pushback/reluctance from staff are key challenges that pose real risk to the success of the office. You will need to be able to mitigate these risks as part of the overall state strategy.
Duties
- Develop and implement a five-year equity strategic plan for the state with measurable outcomes and goals.
- Establish a shared understanding of equity that relates to government and communities.
- Promote a shared understanding of equity-related terms and concepts.
- In partnership with GOIA, establish the appropriate level of communication and consultation with tribal governments, non-federally recognized tribes, and American Indian organizations.
- Build connectivity with communities that are underrepresented or isolated.
- Convene a Community Advisory Board.
- Recommend strategies on how to center community voice in order to deliver barrier-free access to government services.
- Coordinate/convene workgroups to establish standards and produce innovative solutions.
- Maintain an inventory of DEI efforts within and across agencies.
- Provide guidance and technical assistance to agencies on language assistance services.
- Collaborate with the Office of Financial Management and Department of Enterprise Services to identify workforce development needs, and develop policies and training on maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and culturally sensitive workforce.
- Publish each agency’s performance and progress over their baseline.
- Report directly to the Governor and submit a report to the Legislature every biennium.
Qualifications
Required Experience:
- Three years of experience working in a DEI leadership or consulting position that demonstrated your commitment to diversity.
- Five years of experience in a senior/executive level position performing policy development or policy analysis.
- Experience interacting with senior leaders, senior staff, the Legislature, media, stakeholders and/or community organizations.
- Experience in cultural competency skills development and implementing equity, diversity and inclusion programs, trainings and educational tools.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- A fundamental understanding of current issues and challenges facing individuals from underserved communities including sensitivity to racial equity/diversity.
- Commitment to improving government effectiveness and deliver meaningful, real-world results to the people of Washington.
- Ability to serve as a change agent and experience in change management.
- Ability to influence areas without direct reporting relationships.
- Ability to communicate personal vision and strategic direction, both internally and externally.
- Ability to facilitate and mediate to achieve outcomes.
- Knowledge of state government, systems and service delivery.
- Ability to travel throughout Washington State up to 10% annually.
Desired:
- Certificate or DEI credential.
- Relationship building and collaboration with the cabinet, the Legislature, state agencies and other jurisdictions as well as diverse community organizations to achieve statewide outcomes.
- Experience in nonprofit or coalition management or leadership.
- Advanced experience in strategic planning and leadership with an equity and inclusion focus.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION PROCESS
The top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the required and desirable qualifications described above.
Interested applicants MUST submit the following:
- A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
- A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
- A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment, the incumbent will need to file a Financial Affairs Statement with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission.
The Office of the Governor is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process, or who wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format may call 360-725-0158 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf: 711 Relay.
For questions about this recruitment or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email jill.thompson@ofm.wa.gov or call us at (360) 688-4098. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.