Executive Director, Washington State Board of Health (DOH8970)

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote work with scheduled onsite work at our facility in Tumwater and meetings with partners throughout the state.

About the Role

The Executive Director is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board (RCW 43.20.030) and acts as the agency head. The Washington State Board of Health shapes policies that protect and improve public health across Washington, from water safety to newborn screening. The Board provides statewide leadership by monitoring public health trends, serving as a public forum for policy development, and adopting foundational public health rules. It makes recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, and Secretary of Health, and collaborates with the Governor's Interagency Council on Health Disparities to complete health impact reviews—evidence-based analyses of how proposed legislative or budgetary changes may affect health and equity.

The Board works alongside the Governor's Interagency Council on Health Disparities, a distinct entity staffed by the Board, to address high-profile policy issues of statewide significance. As Executive Director, you will lead a mission-driven team, working with public servants, agency leaders, policymakers, and community partners to tackle complex public health challenges. This role offers the opportunity to influence statewide priorities, drive meaningful change, and strengthen the public health system for all Washingtonians.

Responsibilities

• Anticipate and identify emerging, complex issues with statewide policy impacts, and work with Board members, staff, and system partners to develop policy approaches and solutions.
• Represent the Board and engage with state policymakers, governmental system partners, agency heads, Tribes and tribal health organizations, industry representatives, and other interested parties to develop policy options for the Board’s consideration.
• Initiate and manage comprehensive evaluations of state laws and rules, and direct the development of proposed legislation and rules as directed by the Board.
• Oversee and advise the Board on the adoption of statewide public health and safety rules to prevent disease, ensure safe food and water, screen infants and children for disorders, and support thriving communities.
• Assist the Board in making decisions consistent with state and federal law that can be implemented and enforced equitably by state and local agencies.
• Interpret state law, participate in and advise the Board’s discussions on policy approaches, and ensure implementation of Board policies.
• Assure the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Health is implemented and maintained.
• Guide the Board in developing creative, strategic, long-term policy solutions with statewide impact.
• Serve as co-lead of the Foundational Public Health Services Steering Committee and represent the Board on the Public Health Advisory Board.

Requirements

The successful candidate will bring strong, human-centered leadership to this role, leading with cultural humility, fostering an inclusive and psychologically safe workplace, and integrating diverse perspectives. They will connect mission to action, communicate with clarity and accountability, and build team health by modeling healthy leadership behavior. They motivate and develop others by articulating a compelling vision and investing in their team’s growth while staying attuned to the impact of their leadership.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Option 1: Seven years of experience in a senior or executive leadership role within a public-sector organization (government or non-profit), with responsibility for program management, budget and policy analysis, and program evaluation.
• Option 2: A master’s degree in public administration, public health, business administration, or a related field; and five years of experience in a senior or executive leadership role within a public-sector organization (government or non-profit), with responsibility for program management, budget and policy analysis, and program evaluation.

Additional Requirements (Apply to Both Options):

• Demonstrated ability to provide executive-level strategic direction and oversight for a public sector organization or major program, including policy development, budget, personnel, and operational management.
• Skilled in developing and directing administrative rulemaking, legislative and fiscal analysis, and regulatory or policy processes.
• Demonstrated experience leading policy and/or system changes to advance public health, safety, environmental justice, or equity initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to represent an organization in high-stakes negotiations with elected officials, legislative staff, or senior government leadership.
• Knowledge of public health principles and programs, administrative rule development, and legislative processes.
• Demonstrated human-centered leadership through building inclusive teams, fostering equity and belonging, and coaching and developing staff toward shared goals.
• Skilled communicator able to translate complex policy issues for diverse audiences, including policymakers, government partners, and community members.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound, independent judgment in a fast-changing environment with competing interests and significant public impact.
• Demonstrated experience applying evidence-based decision-making.
• Demonstrated experience in the review of scientific literature and health policy.
• Experience applying an understanding of political and social determinants of health to program or policy decisions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in or collaborating with state or local government.
• Experience working in or collaborating with a public health agency.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects and maintaining strong working relationships with diverse organizations.
• Understanding of Tribal sovereignty, particularly Washington’s government-to-government obligations and statutory requirements.
• Working knowledge of state administrative or transparency laws (e.g., Administrative Procedures Act, Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records Act).
• Experience serving as a public-facing spokesperson or media representative for an organization.
• Experience directly and indirectly supervising executive, management, or professional staff across multiple teams.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Retirement plans to help you plan for the future.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities.

Schedule

This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week, with standard business hours of Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role may require working outside of core hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet Board needs and critical deadlines. An alternative or flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.

Working Conditions

• Work Setting: The official duty station is Tumwater, with occasional onsite requirements. The incumbent may work primarily from home, a DOH facility, or another remote location. Work is performed almost exclusively indoors in an office environment, with extended computer use.
• Travel Requirements: Travel is required for meetings, including State Board of Health meetings, Health Disparities Council meetings, public health system meetings, legislative meetings, community forums, conferences, and other engagements. Travel may involve long distances, multiple days, and overnight stays in or out of state. The incumbent must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle for state business.
• Tools & Equipment: Duties require the use of office equipment (e.g., desk, computer, printer, phone, copier) and A/V equipment for hybrid (virtual and in-person) public meetings.
• Customer Interactions: Daily contact with Board managers, staff, and members, as well as governmental public health system partners. Frequent contact with other state and federal agencies.