DSHS OOS Assistant Director, Operations & Engagement

Description

This role exists to turn a bold statewide vision into coordinated, daily action.

The Washington Economic Justice Alliance — hosted by the Department of Social and Health Services Office of the Secretary — is implementing Washington State's 10‑Year Plan to dismantle poverty. The Alliance is a nationally recognized public‑private partnership, and its mission is clear: ensure every Washingtonian can meet their basic needs, fully contribute their talents, and pass well‑being on to future generations.

As Assistant Director, Operations & Engagement, you’ll be the organizational backbone that makes this work possible.

You’ll report to the Senior Director and lead three interconnected functions — team operations and workflow, strategic communications, and project management — that together keep a complex, multi‑stakeholder effort running with clarity and purpose.

You’ll work at the intersection of government, community, philanthropy, and people with lived experience. That means regular engagement with the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, tribal agencies, and community partners — coordinating councils and work groups, driving alignment across agencies, and making sure strategy doesn’t just live in documents.

The biggest opportunity in front of you on day one: building consistent, reliable communication operations for the team.

If you’re energized by creating order from complexity — and you understand how government moves — this role will suit you well.

• Design and maintain workflow and project management systems (CRM, SharePoint, Teams, ) that keep the Alliance coordinated and moving
• Lead the Alliance’s communications strategy — including brand, messaging, web, digital media, and public-facing content
• Manage end-to-end project life cycles across policy, operations, and partnership work
• Coordinate agendas, facilitation, and follow-through for the Alliance’s councils and work groups, including LEWPRO and the Alliance Advisory and Executive Councils
• Translate complex cross-agency work into clear, shared understanding and aligned action
• Support strategic planning, policy proposals, budget requests, and legislative packages
• Analyze and communicate how policy decisions affect Washingtonians with low incomes

• A bachelor's degree in public policy, public health, business administration, communications, social or behavioral sciences, or a related field — or a comparable combination of education and experience
• At least five years of experience across operations, public policy, project management, strategic planning, performance measurement, or facilitation
• At least three years of experience in strategic communications, including digital media, content management, and graphic design tools (e.g., Canva)
• Hands‑on experience with automated workflow tools, CRMs, and online facilitation platforms (e.g., Miro, Teams)
• Working knowledge of anti-poverty policy and programs in Washington State and the U.S.
• A demonstrated track record managing complex, high‑stakes projects with diverse teams
• Experience embedding equity and inclusion principles into core work
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make complex information accessible

Preferred but not required: a master’s degree, experience working with executive and legislative leadership across sectors, and familiarity with Results-Based Accountability or similar frameworks.

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Three professional references

Email recruiter Kris George kris.george.gov or call the main Talent Acquisition line at  and reference job number 04543.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver’s license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington…