Prevention Policy and Project Manager; HCPM​/DBHR

Prevention Policy and Project Manager (HCPM/DBHR)

Someone would want this job if they are passionate about public health, community advocacy, and policy development. It offers a rare chance to shape state-level cannabis and youth substance use policies and procedures while acting as the recognized subject matter expert for government leaders.

• Direct Social Impact:
  You directly shape initiatives that improve the lives and health outcomes of vulnerable populations across Washington State.
• High‑Level Influence:
  You serve as the go‑to expert advising senior management and collaborating with other state and federal agencies.
• Policy Shaping:
  You get to guide the actual execution of state laws (like RCW 69.50), directly translating legislation into real‑world prevention programs.
• Autonomy:
  The role functions above the first level of supervision, offering significant independent decision‑making and judgment.

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

The Policy and Project Manager is responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures for the prevention of substance misuse, specifically underage cannabis use through the execution of the Washington State RCW 69.50 and other key emerging legislative directives. This position has an exciting opportunity to lead the Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Section to ensuring Division fulfills Legislative directive, tracking legislation related to cannabis and other substance use.

This position is eligible to telework but is occasionally required to report on‑site to meet business needs. Travel is required to meet with clients or partners, conduct business, attend or provide training and/or conferences. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on‑site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA.

Frequency of on‑site work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on‑site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state‑issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.

• Manage key cannabis policy for the Dedicated Cannabis Account (DCA) funds across HCA DBHR and other key emerging prevention legislative directives.
• Oversee and track the Dedicated Cannabis Account (≈ $6.2 million per year), making recommendations for policy development, mitigating agency’s fiscal impact, and to support stakeholders statewide.
• Oversee and manage execution of RCW 69.50 prevention and Tribal initiatives, facilitating interaction between senior leadership, presenting recommendations to organization departments and sections, and preparing for legislative hearings.
• Oversee management of initiative directives with high‑level interagency groups, including Washington State Institute of Public Policy (WSIPP).
• Provide expertise, technical assistance, and linkages to evidence‑based programs for outcomes and implementation to DBHR leadership.
• Serve as the agency prevention representative for state and government entities and agencies related to substance use disorder prevention policy.
• Conduct legislative and hearing analysis for all cannabis legislation.
• Review legislation and policy to develop guidelines and directives for contractors and service providers.
• Provide expert level analysis to senior leadership regarding substance use prevention and treatment policies and procedures, that potentially impact provisos, legislation, or statutes.

• Responsible for contract management, including procurement (requests for applications), negotiating performance‑based contract deliverables, program and fiscal monitoring, and on‑time reporting.
• Provide recommendations for policy and programmatic development regarding emerging complex issues and initiatives.
• Report project outcomes, as required, to state and…