Cost Allocation Manager – Child Welfare; WMSOlympia

Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy—thriving physically, emotionally and educationally, nurtured by family and community.”

Cost Allocation Manager – Child Welfare (Olympia) – Non-Permanent (minimum 2 years)

Olympia, WA, Thurston County (Flexible/Hybrid)

July 16th, 2026

USD $ – $ annually

As the Cost Allocation Manager for Child Welfare, you will lead DCYF’s Child Welfare Cost Allocation unit, overseeing a team responsible for ensuring cost allocation practices comply with federal regulations and agency requirements. This role provides an opportunity to guide strategic financial operations, mentor and develop staff, establish performance goals, and support the agency’s mission through effective leadership, training, and continuous improvement.

The position requires an in‑office presence five days per week during the first six months of training, with future scheduling reassessed based on successful completion of training and business needs.

• Lead and manage the Child Welfare Cost Allocation Unit, including hiring, coaching, and supervising staff.
• Establish unit goals, objectives, and performance measures aligned with division priorities.
• Provide guidance and oversight on cost allocation procedures, methodologies, and federal compliance requirements.
• Interpret and apply federal and state laws, regulations, and policies related to child welfare funding programs.
• Ensure eligible expenditures are properly identified and charged to appropriate federal funding sources.
• Maximize federal reimbursement opportunities while maintaining compliance with federal guidelines and regulations.
• Oversee cost allocation methodologies.
• Advise agency leadership and stakeholders on federal funding requirements, policy interpretation, and financial impacts.
• Represent DCYF in cross-agency discussions regarding cost allocation principles, methodologies, and financial analysis.
• Coordinate responses to audits, support corrective action efforts, and collaborate with auditors and agency partners.
• Manage and coordinate the financial components of federal state plans, reports, and funding submissions to support continued federal awards.

• Eleven (11) years of professional experience in cost allocation, accounting, budget, or any finance related field.
• OR Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, public administration, business law, or a related field from an accredited institution
  ** AND
  * * seven (7) years professional experience in cost allocation, accounting, budget, or any finance related field.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

* Year-for-year experience in cost allocation, accounting, budget, or any finance related field may take the place of education.

• Expert level in Excel and moderate to advanced skill level in Word.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Ability to deal with change effectively and help others through the change process.
• Maintain confidentiality in and outside the workplace.
• Maintain high standards of work attendance and punctuality.
• Work within a team environment, utilizing excellent interpersonal skills.
• Conduct or facilitate effective meetings.
• Conduct experienced, thoughtful, and thorough analysis and assessments from a variety of information sources.

* Experience may be gained concurrently.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

DCYF participates in the federal E‑Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E‑Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.