Environmental Justice Council Manager (WMS 2) DOH8959

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.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 throughout Washington. Through collaboration, strategic leadership, and relationship building, this role creates meaningful momentum for positive change.

Requirements

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities.

• Option 1: Nine (9) years of experience leading complex public health, environmental health, social service, policy, or community-based programs.
• Option 2: Bachelor's or higher from a college or university (including Tribal colleges) in public health, environmental sciences or studies, health science, social science, public administration or policy, social work, Tribal governance, American Indian Studies, ethnic studies, human rights, or other closely related field. AND Five (5) years of experience leading complex public health, environmental health, social service, policy, or community-based programs.

Qualifications

• Leadership, program management, and technical expertise
  • Minimum of two (2) years of formal supervisory experience, including directing the work of others, coaching staff, and managing employee performance.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex programs, projects, or initiatives.
  • Experience analyzing scientific data, policies, or programs to evaluate impacts on environmental justice and health, including knowledge of applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Budget, Legislative, Strategic Planning
  • Experience navigating legislative and budget processes, including developing decision packages or comparable budget proposals, responding to legislative or executive inquiries, monitoring program budgets, and aligning resources with strategic goals.
• Governance and Facilitation
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience serving on or supporting governance bodies, such as local, state, federal, Tribal, or community Boards, Councils, or Commissions, including facilitating engagement and collaboration among partners with diverse perspectives and areas of expertise.
• Tribal Collaboration and Community Engagement
  • Experience working with Tribal governments, including early, often, and meaningful Tribal engagement.
  • Experience working with community-based organizations and diverse communities, including applying principles of environmental justice, social justice, and health equity to advance equitable outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting qualitative research in health and social policy or environmental policy.
• Experience developing strong working relationships with internal and external partners and organizations.
• Experience implementing a program benefiting or delivering social, health, or public assistance services to a broad range of clients with diverse and complex needs.
• Experience working with local, state, federal, or Tribal agencies/firms on equity, social justice, environmental justice, or climate justice activities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including facilitation, negotiation and meeting management.

Benefits

We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage.

About The Washington State Department Of Health

We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health.

Working Conditions

• Work Setting
  • The position’s work can be performed fully remotely, and the official duty station for the position is home-based.
  • The position requires regular in-person attendance to perform duties on-site at the DOH Tumwater campus and may require a significant amount of time be spent in communities across WA. If onsite or in-person work is requested by the supervisor, the request will be planned and communicated in advance.
  • Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in government, home or mobile office environments.
  • This position requires working at a computer for extended periods of time and in a frequently time-sensitive environment with multiple assignments, priority deadlines, and in occasionally stressful emergency response conditions.
• Schedule
  • Standard business hours are Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm with one hour for lunch. A flexible or alternate work schedule may be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval after initial review period.
  • May be expected to adjust work schedule or work more than 40 hours per week (including evenings, weekends, and holidays) to meet business needs, conduct priority activities, or meet critical deadlines.
• Travel Requirements
  • Legally operate a state or privately owned vehicle, OR provide alternative transportation, and capable of traveling long distances in both daylight and at night and in possibly adverse conditions.
  • Occasional travel within and outside of Washington State which may include evenings, weekends and holidays.
  • Required to attend all meetings of the Environmental Justice Council. Meetings may require travel, including overnight stays, and evening work.
  • May need to attend community forums and other meetings in the evening.
  • Some travel around state to participate in meetings, conferences and forums will be required.
• Tools & Equipment
  • Laptop computers with needed software (Microsoft suite), cell phone, basic office technology.
• Customer Interactions
  • Regular interactions with internal and external customers.
  • Work effectively with diverse communities in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.