Director of Government Affairs; Olympia

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."

Agency:
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)

Location:

Olympia, WA – Office of the Secretary. This position is headquartered at DCYF Headquarters in Olympia. Telework opportunities are available at the discretion of the Secretary; however, regular in-person work is required, particularly during the legislative session. Statewide travel is required, including overnight travel as necessary.

Reports To:

DCYF Secretary Tana Senn

Closing Date:
Monday, 7/27/2026 11:59 pm

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as our Director of Government Affairs. This executive leadership position serves as the agency’s principal advisor on legislative affairs and government relations, leading DCYF’s legislative strategy while building and maintaining strong partnerships with the Governor’s Office, Washington State Legislature, Tribal governments, state agencies, providers, advocates, and community partners.

DCYF oversees a broad portfolio of programs and services that support children, youth, and families across Washington, including early learning, child welfare, juvenile rehabilitation, licensing, and family support services. The Director of Government Affairs plays a vital role in advancing the agency’s mission by shaping legislative priorities, coordinating Agency Request Legislation (ARL), supporting budget development, and ensuring effective communication and collaboration with policymakers throughout the legislative process.

If you are a strategic thinker who thrives on building relationships, navigating complex policy environments, leading high‑performing teams, and advancing public policy that improves outcomes for children, youth, and families, we invite you to apply.

Reporting directly to the Secretary, the Director of Government Affairs provides executive leadership for DCYF’s Office of Government Affairs and serves as the agency’s primary liaison with the Governor’s Policy Office, members of the Legislature, legislative staff, Tribal governments, and key external partners.

The Director leads the development, coordination, and execution of DCYF’s legislative agenda and Agency Request Legislation while partnering closely with executive leaders, including the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Budget Director, to advance budget priorities, decision packages, and fiscal policy initiatives. This position ensures DCYF is strategically positioned throughout the legislative process, from policy development and advocacy through implementation and evaluation.

As a member of the DCYF Leadership Table, the Director contributes to agency-wide strategic planning, executive decision making, and organizational priorities. The Director provides leadership and direction to the Office of Government Affairs team, including Policy Advisors and Senior Policy Advisors, while representing the agency before legislative committees, stakeholder organizations, community partners, and executive leaders.

• Supervise, coach, mentor, and develop Government Affairs Policy Advisors and Senior Policy Advisors.
• Lead and execute DCYF's comprehensive legislative strategy and engagement efforts supporting the agency’s mission across child care, child welfare, and juvenile justice programs and services.
• Develop, coordinate, and manage the agency's legislative agenda and Agency Request Legislation, ensuring alignment with child care, child welfare, juvenile justice, and broader child and family well‑being priorities.
• Advise the Secretary and Executive Leadership Team on legislative priorities, emerging policy issues, and strategic opportunities impacting child care, child welfare, juvenile justice, and the communities DCYF serves.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with legislators, legislative staff, the Governor's Office, Office of…