Deputy Assistant Secretary, Partnership Prevention & Services

Deputy Assistant Secretary, Partnership Prevention & Services (WMS
03)

Location:

Olympia, WA (hybrid - in-office and remote work required)

Salary: $ - $ annually. Closing date:
Monday, May 18, 2026.

The Division of Partnership, Prevention, and Services (PPS) leads the planning, oversight, and delivery of a continuum of services and supports for children, youth, and families across Washington — from prevention and early intervention to intensive supports. Reporting directly to the Assistant Secretary, the Deputy Assistant Secretary provides executive leadership, strategic oversight, and operational guidance across PPS and at the agency level.

This position leads division-wide efforts to strengthen program quality, performance, and outcomes through strategic systems such as data and performance reporting, quality assurance and continuous improvement, performance-based contracting, and leadership development. The role also advances operational excellence by improving contract processes, strengthening cross-agency partnerships, and supporting systems that improve outcomes for children, youth, and families statewide.

• Administer division operations by establishing goals, policies, budgets, systems, work processes, project management, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure coordination across division operations, agency programs, and external system implementation efforts.
• Lead on strategic vision and lead efforts to ensure services effectively meet the needs of children and families served.
• Support the Assistant Secretary by representing leadership in meetings and exercising delegated authority for program, operational, and resource decisions.
• Lead implementation of division-wide programs, policies, initiatives, and operational improvements to strengthen service delivery and program outcomes.
• Provide leadership and oversight of cross‑divisional projects involving directors, administrators, and program leadership.
• Evaluate the impact of legislative, regulatory, contractual, and policy changes, and make recommendations based on research, data and best practices.
• Develop program policies and ensure compliance with federal, state, and legislative requirements.
• Oversee state and federal funding, fiscal analysis, and budget recommendations to support division priorities and executive decision‑making.
• Represent the division with agency leadership, government officials, tribes, community partners, and other stakeholders on policy, funding, and systems improvement efforts.
• Oversee compliance, contract administration, staff support, and technical assistance to ensure quality and timely service delivery.

• Ten (10) years progressively responsible, high‑level, multi‑dimensional experience managing human service programs.
• Or a bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, health or human services, behavioral sciences, administration, or an allied field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) plus eight (8) years progressive experience managing human service programs.
• Or a master’s degree in a similar field plus six (6) years progressive experience.
• Ability to learn and grow; to meet the needs of others; to operationalize program objectives.
• Project management certification or experience with complex projects.
• Experience managing division or organizational finances for comparable‑sized divisions (200+ staff, $500M+ contracted client services).
• Knowledge of state and federal laws governing the Department of Children, Youth and Families programs.

• Demonstrated cultural humility and equity in service delivery.
• Ability to develop and maintain strategic vision and relationships.
• Track record of driving results, data‑driven decision making, and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication and collaborative leadership skills.
• Experience navigating political environments and working with tribal, state, local, and community partners.
• Experience managing large, complex budgets; coordinating multiple funding streams.
• Commitment to childhood and foster…