Salary : $139,992.00 - $150,000.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Office of the Governor
Division: Office of Equity
Opening Date: 09/28/2026
Closing Date: 10/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Note: This recruitment is open until 10/12/2026. Applications will be reviewed daily. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. We encourage all to apply as early as possible

As a Director of Programs for the Office of Equity, you will drive policy and systems change to help Washingtonians thrive by working with communities and partners across agencies and sectors to build efficient, effective systems that move Washington for All forward. You'll lead the team that brings this mission to life by overseeing high-impact, complex programs and guiding a talented group to deliver projects that are timely, strategic, and aligned with statutory requirements and core Equity priorities. This is an exciting opportunity to shape transformative change statewide!

The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $139,992-$150,000 annually.

This is a remote position with schedule flexibility that requires travel in Washington State for meetings, events, and on-site work. The frequency of on-site work varies based on business and operational needs. The Governor's Office may choose, but is not required, to employ individuals who reside outside of Washington on a case-by-case basis.

Duties (Primary Functions)

Design and implement internal program and projects systems and workflows that navigate the intersections of policy, community, legislative, and tribal collaboration and engagement, data, communications, accessibility, and program delivery.

• Develop, implement, evaluate, and improve program, project structure, and process for consistent program and project management that can be tailored to meet specific needs.
• Manage ambiguity, competing deadlines, and multi-partner governance processes, while articulating the long-term vision for EQUITY's external impact.

Lead a team of program managers to effectively and successfully manage programs and projects and ensure organizational success.

• Lead, direct, and manage program managers in meeting mandates, building long-term strategies that advance project and program metrics, goals, and outcomes through data-driven performance measurement, and ensuring success in achieving the long-term vision and strategic implementation for the program or project.

Establish and maintain effective relationships with community members and organizations and state employees and leaders to ensure effective collaboration and organizational and program success.

• Build effective relationships with agency partners to address concerns, eliminate bureaucratic barriers and siloes, and ensure program success.
• Build and grow relationships with community leaders and partners to ensure programs are built with community voice and priorities.
• In collaboration with the EQUITY Tribal Director, establish genuine relationships with Tribal governments to ensure adherence to government-to-government mandates and agreements.
• In collaboration with the EQUITY legislative team, establish strong relationships with the Washington Legislature to ensure programs meet legislative intent and requirements and ensure organizational success.

Engage as a member of the Equity Leadership Team, providing expert consultation, analysis, partnership, and advocacy regarding organizational and program effectiveness and success, risk management, collaboration, and office alignment.

• Coordinate with the Leadership Team to collaborate, strategize, and set direction for the office.
• Develop strategic work plans and manage workload demands, capacity, and distribution.
• Facilitate collaboration and cohesion within and across teams.

Qualifications

All combinations of experience and higher education relevant to the position, including lived experience, volunteer (paid or unpaid) experience, or professional experience that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work, will be considered.

Fundamental (Required)

You must have the lived, volunteer, or professional experience and/or education that demonstrates your ability to:

1. Embed a strategic vision and lead transformational change with significant internal and external coordination, collaboration, and impacts.
2. Navigate Washington state budget, contracting, legislative, and interagency processes.
3. Lead and supervise others by providing direction and mentoring.
4. Manage multiple, complex competing projects or programs simultaneously, with a track record of on-time, on-budget delivery.
5. Design or administer programs serving historically marginalized communities with a demonstrated commitment to equity principles.
6. Facilitate multiparty governance bodies (ex., advisory boards, work groups, or interagency committees) with competing interests or priorities.
7. Translate complex policy and program information into plain language for diverse audiences.
8. Build or operate within a formal project management system.
9. Take action to learn and grow.
10. Take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition, to be a leader on the Equity Team, you must demonstrate your ability to:

1. Educate others on the underlying context of systemic oppression (past and present) and respond to resistance in a clear and direct manner.
2. Lead change to remove barriers in policies, processes, and practices with unwavering principles and without regard for personal comfort.
3. Advocate for the lived experiences, perspectives, and needs of others to improve government services and their impact on people and communities.
4. Model cultural competence, humility, and responsiveness and cultivate a culture of belonging where each person feels their authentic self is accepted, respected, and reflected.

Added Value (Preferred)

Additional lived, volunteer or professional experience and/or education that demonstrates your ability to:

1. Comfortably manage ambiguity, shifting priorities, and competing partner demands without losing sight of long-term goals.
2. Demonstrate sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive community or interagency matters.
3. Work effectively across agencies on politically sensitive, high-visibility issues.

If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Supplemental Information
Interested? Let us hear from you!

To apply, click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application (you can save it and return to it if needed). Please include the following:

1. Attach a current resume that describes how your lived, volunteer, or professional experience and/or education make you competent and prepared for this job.

2. Attach a letter of interest that demonstrates your leadership competency in tough situations while maintaining your commitment to equity, justice, and impact.

3. Include three professional references, including your current or recent supervisor, with current telephone numbers and email addresses in your application.

To report accessibility barriers with the online application system and get assistance with submitting your online application, contact the Department of Enterprise Services' job seeker support at 360.664.1960 (877.664.1960) or You are also encouraged to view recommendations for assistive technology on the Accessibility Information Page at careers.wa.gov.

All applicants will be notified of their status in our process. The Office of Equity will contact the selected individuals directly to engage in our hiring process. For questions about this recruitment or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email Jon Woodbury at For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

This position is exempt from civil service rules. For more information, please see
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.