Executive Director, Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises; OMWBE

Job Title

Director for the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises

The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the starting salary range of $101,000 - $169,000 annually. This recruitment will remain open until filled with a first review of applicants the week of June 1, 2026. The hiring authority reserves the right and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time.

We encourage all to apply as early as possible. Our physical office is located in Olympia, WA. This is a hybrid position with the ability to telework. However, you will need to attend in-person meetings or community events as required by the position.

Terms of Appointment:
Per RCW, the Executive Director shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor, in consultation with the council.

Why work for the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises? The Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) leads Washington State's Minority and Women's Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program and is the state's sole agency responsible for certifying minority- and women-owned businesses for participation in public contracting.

OMWBE supports small and diverse businesses through certification, technical assistance, and supplier diversity initiatives. The agency partners with the Governor's Subcabinet on Business Diversity, state agencies, and higher education institutions to promote equitable and inclusive procurement practices across Washington State.

Our mission is to create and implement programs that provide maximum opportunity for participation of businesses owned by minorities, women, and other under-represented communities in public contracting.

The job opportunity We're looking for a Director who believes government can open doors and expand opportunities in public contracting and procurement. You'll provide vision and leadership, ensuring small businesses—especially those owned by women, people of color, veterans, and other historically underrepresented entrepreneurs—have fair access to government contracts.

You'll also set the strategic direction and oversee policy, staffing, and resource decisions that support our mission and statutory responsibilities. The role also represents the agency with state and local governments, tribes, community partners, and the private sector, and works with peers across the country advancing supplier diversity and certification programs.

This is a highly visible leadership role that works at the intersection of policy, community partnership, and economic opportunity. You'll lead the agency's strategic planning, budget and legislative priorities, and statewide data reporting on contracting equity. Your collaboration across government and with community partners will be equally important to reduce barriers, expand access to opportunity, and strengthen accountability in public procurement.

If you're a collaborative, strategic leader who is committed to equity, public service, and building an economy where all Washington businesses can succeed, we encourage you to apply now!

What you'll work on

• Plan, lead, organize, and direct the work performed by the agency while ensuring that the agency is fulfilling the full scope of duties outlined in RCW 39.19.
• Advocate for fair and equitable practices and the ability for small certified firms to have opportunities to engage in state contracting.
• Examine all procurement practices, evaluate legislation related to practices and procedures, and ensure that diverse firms are represented in the decisions that impact them.
• Implement barrier reduction strategies and practices for the enterprise.
• Activate leaders across the enterprise to align their departments to achieve greater equity in contracting and procurement efforts.

What we need you to bring

Required Qualifications:

• Experience leading complex organizations by aligning staffing, resources, budgets and priorities with strategic goals.
• Understanding of legislative processes and policy development.
• Experience building strong relationships with other state agencies, government leaders,…