Deputy Director of Headquarters Operations

Community Services Division (CSD) – Economic Services Administration (ESA)

You will step into a senior leadership role that shapes how Washington delivers essential services to more than a million people each year. As the Deputy Director of Headquarters Operations for the Community Services Division, you will guide the systems, teams, and statewide infrastructure that make timely, accurate benefit delivery possible. This is a role for someone who thrives in a large, fast-moving environment where decisions influence long-term outcomes for communities, staff, and DSHS.

You will join an executive leadership team committed to expanding access, strengthening service delivery, and supporting the field through clear direction, reliable tools, and consistent statewide practices. CSD is the largest division within ESA, with more than 2,400 employees and over 60 offices statewide. The work is highly visible, closely monitored, and deeply consequential. You will ensure that headquarters operations are aligned, resourced, and responsive so field staff can meet time-sensitive expectations and deliver benefits with accuracy and care.

CSD’s scale and pace require a leader who can navigate complex operations with confidence. Experience working within CSD, or in a similar statewide service delivery environment that serves low-income populations, will help you move quickly and support teams effectively.

Some of what you will do

• Provide executive-level leadership for CSD headquarters offices and teams, setting vision, aligning resources, and ensuring consistent statewide service delivery standards.
• Guide operational direction for policy, training, quality and compliance, business and infrastructure services, project management, communications and community relations, IT systems, benefit delivery support, and other specialized program areas.
• Oversee development and monitoring of division budgets and other operational items.
• Direct and support leaders responsible for statewide operations, including six direct reports.
• Ensure reliable tools, systems, and training that enable field staff to deliver timely and accurate benefits.
• Lead enterprise project management, process improvement, facilitation, and change management efforts.
• Use complex data to inform decisions, identify areas for improvement, and recommend corrective actions when needed.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal partners, other state agencies, Tribes and Tribal organizations, community-based organizations, and federal partners, ensuring clear communication and coordinated service delivery.

Within your first six months, you will learn the strengths and needs of the many headquarters teams you oversee, build trusted working relationships across CSD leadership, and gain a clear understanding of the operational landscape. You will guide development of the new fiscal year’s budgets and staffing plans, ensure legislative work is carried out, and support business strategy projects already underway. You will also become a key partner to the CSD Director—someone relied upon for sound judgment, operational insight, and steady leadership in a multi-layered environment.

Who should apply

You bring senior-level leadership experience in large, multifaceted service delivery environments, along with the ability to guide teams through complexity with clarity and steadiness. Your background includes:

• A master's or bachelor's degree in social work, social work administration, public administration, business administration, or a related field, plus at least 10 years' experience in the planning and administration of major statewide programs and services that serve low-income individuals and families. Additional relevant professional experience will substitute year-for-year for the required education.
• Experience leading human services programs, developing or implementing public policy, and supporting staff who work directly with communities.
• Demonstrated success managing large, complex budgets with multiple funding streams.
• Experience working with elected officials, federal and local governments, Tribes and Tribal organizations, and community-based partners.
• Skill in guiding organizational planning, performance improvement, and data-informed decision-making.
• Experience developing measurable goals and targets, monitoring progress, and ensuring accountability through clear expectations.
• Experience in labor-relations environments and familiarity with collective bargaining.
• Ability to communicate clearly, motivate and empower staff, and build inclusive, respectful teams.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and culturally responsive service delivery.
• Experience managing a high-volume production environment, such as a community services office or comparable operation is preferred.

DSHS partners with people to access support, care, and resources.

Interested? Please list 3 professional references’ current contact information on your application and include:

1. A concise letter of interest (no more than 2 pages) that specifically outlines how your experience qualifies you for this leadership role.
2. A current, chronological resume with dates of employment and former supervisor contact information.

Questions? Please contact the Recruiter Jenny at bastrjl@dshs.wa.gov or 360-725-5810 and reference #03069. Learn more about DSHS.

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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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.

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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