Environmental Justice Council Manager (WMS 2) DOH8959

Environmental Justice Council Manager

Environmental Public Health, the Office of Environmental Public Health Sciences

Permanent
· Full-time

This position is home-based, with regular in-person needs that may require either onsite attendance at the DOH Tumwater campus or travel throughout Washington State to support community engagement and program activities. In-person events will be communicated in advance.

The Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works to protect and improve the health of people in Washington by advancing policies, programs, and partnerships that promote healthier communities and reduce health disparities. Within DOH's Division of Environmental Public Health, the Office of Environmental Public Health Sciences supports science-based approaches to understanding and addressing environmental factors that impact health.

The Environmental Justice Council Manager provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and staff support for the Environmental Justice Council, established through the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, Chapter 70A.02 RCW. The Council was created to advance environmental justice across Washington State by reducing environmental and health disparities and implementing recommendations from the Environmental Justice Task Force.

The Environmental Justice Council Manager leads a highly skilled team responsible for supporting a Governor-appointed Council made up of Tribal representatives, community representatives, environmental justice practitioners, business representatives, and labor representatives. The manager ensures Council members have the information, resources, and coordination needed to develop recommendations, guidance, and strategic practices that advance environmental justice throughout Washington.

This position serves as a key partner in coordinating with state agencies, the Governor's Office, the Office of Financial Management, Tribes, community organizations, and other partners to support statewide efforts that elevate environmental justice considerations in policy and program decisions.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Council Leadership and Support

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Environmental Justice Council and supporting staff functions.
• Ensure Council members have timely access to research, data, materials, and resources needed to fulfill their responsibilities.
• Coordinate Council activities, including meeting preparation, agendas, materials, follow-up actions, and decision support.
• Support the development of Council recommendations, guidance, technical assistance, and strategic practices.

Team Leadership and Program Management

• Lead, supervise, and support a skilled team responsible for Council operations, research coordination, and program activities.
• Establish priorities, manage workflows, and align staff efforts with Council responsibilities and strategic goals.
• Lead complex projects and initiatives involving multiple partners, perspectives, and areas of expertise.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive team environment.

Policy, Research, and Strategic Planning

• Coordinate research and analysis to support Council recommendations and statewide environmental justice efforts.
• Translate complex scientific, technical, and policy information into clear recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Support efforts to monitor agency progress and implementation of environmental justice policies and practices.
• Collaborate with partners to identify opportunities to reduce environmental and health disparities.

Partnerships and Engagement

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Tribal governments, state agencies, community organizations, and diverse communities.
• Support early, often, and meaningful Tribal engagement throughout Council activities and initiatives.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among partners with diverse perspectives, experiences, and areas of expertise.
• Support interagency coordination through the HEAL Interagency Workgroup and related efforts.

Legislative and Executive Coordination

• Support legislative and executive branch engagement related to environmental justice priorities.
• Develop and coordinate materials, recommendations, and responses for executive leadership, legislative audiences, and partner organizations.
• Support strategic planning and resource alignment to advance Council goals.

Why You'll Love This Role

The Environmental Justice Council Manager has the opportunity to support meaningful statewide change by helping shape how Washington addresses environmental and health disparities. This role works at the intersection of public health, policy, community engagement, and government collaboration, partnering with Tribes, communities, and state agencies to advance equitable outcomes.

The position offers the opportunity to lead a talented team, support a diverse and engaged Council, and contribute to innovative approaches that improve health and environmental conditions for communities…