Salary : $97,356.00 - $130,992.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-04954
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: FTAA
Opening Date: 07/17/2025
Closing Date: 7/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic senior IT Project Manager at the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), IT Project Management Office (PMO) Manager, to perform full-scope IT project management for the Finance, Technology, Analytics, and Accounting Administration (FTAA) and DSHS enterprise. This is an exciting opportunity to be an instrumental player in large-scale projects and lead customer-focused project teams in delivering a solution with significant impacts to the community we serve in the State of Washington!

In this role as an expert-level project manager, you will independently lead, plan, manage, and control all aspects of assigned projects or initiatives, communicate, coordinate, and influence all those involved to achieve the project objectives on time and to the specified scope, cost, performance, and quality. You will interact with staff and leaders from various governmental business units. Your use of project management best practices and coordination with stakeholders will facilitate the delivery of complex technology solutions and lead our modernization efforts that transform WA State.
Some of what you will do:

• Provide expert-level project management and technical and organizational leadership for assigned projects to develop complex technology systems to be used or support areas across DSHS.
• Responsible for the delivery of assigned projects within the defined project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Lead project team members in a matrix environment to complete project tasks.
• Develop and maintain project documents that define scope, schedule, budget, impact analysis, and recommended solutions.
• Perform IT vendor/contract management, including developing procurement documents and managing procurement activities.
• Manage and perform a variety of assignments, work efforts, and/or day-to-day operational activities involving multiple organizational activities internal and external to DSHS.
• Perform complex analysis tasks to determine needs and make recommendations consisting of multiple applications, networks, platforms, or telecommunication environments.
• Assemble and lead project teams and apply project management processes, tools, and best practices to assigned projects.
• Identify and manage interdependencies between projects/assignments.
• Collect project requirements in collaboration with Business Analysts.
• Draft and submit budget proposals.
• Manage procurement contracts and vendors.
• Provide assistance to Product Owners in the creation, maintenance and refinement of Product Backlogs.
• Provide leadership, guidance and mentoring to teams in the values, principles and practices of Agile and Scrum.
• Facilitate and conduct Scrum events (Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospectives) throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Identify and remove impediments to team progress.

We are looking for a creative, flexible, and collaborative individual with stellar communication and problem-solving skills. Our ideal applicant knows how to articulate the business value of project management processes, communicate technology in business terms, and prioritize resources and tasks to the highest value work.

Who should apply?

• Four years of information technology experience such as consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing, and/or maintaining computer software applications, hardware, telecommunications, or network infrastructure equipment, directing projects, providing customer or technical support in information technology; or administering or supervising staff who performed work in any of these information technology disciplines.
• Two or more years of full-scope project management experience. Prior experience managing low to medium-risk projects or projects with cross-administration or cross-agency impacts is preferred but not required.
• One year of experience in a lead or management role is required. This experience could be through the performance of direct supervisory functions for staff, direct management of contract resources, or matrix management of staff resources for a project or similar endeavors.
• Seven years of relevant experience in the field of information technology, such as managing projects, consulting, analyzing, designing, programming, installing and/or maintaining computer software applications, hardware, telecommunications or network infrastructure equipment, or providing customer/technical support.

OR

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, data management, information systems or related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) AND
• Five years of experience with progressively increasing responsibilities.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Sufficient level of technical background to identify and evaluate complex project risks and issues lead and facilitate the development and implementation of mitigation plans.
• Experience interacting with both business and IT individuals at all levels including the executive level.
• Advanced knowledge of both Agile and traditional project management principles and practices.

Preferred Education, Experience, or Certifications

• Project management certification. Examples: University of Washington Project Management Certification; Project Management Institute (PMI) Certification
• Experience in state government, especially experience within DSHS is preferred but not required.
• Experience with state government IT competitive procurement process and contract negotiation is preferred but not required.
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM).
• Experience with production support processes and procedures.
• Exposure to software testing.
• Lean certification or knowledge of Lean principles.

To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following:

• Current chronological resume
• A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the job, your skills, and experience that makes you the best person for the job.
• Three professional references with current contact information

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Grant Grady atand reference project number 04954.
Supplemental Information
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 State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
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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.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022