Description

Our ideal candidate has a driving passion for the work, brings humility to their job and interactions, and understands how their actions affect others. They see the needs and objectives of others and take them into account while achieving their own objectives, and they adapt their approach and expectations accordingly.

Our ideal candidate strives for engagement and partnership, even when confronted with others who are not open or collaborative. They are nimble and adaptive when faced with resistance, demonstrate resilience, and can have courageous conversations when needed.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) works to protect and safeguard the health and safety of the people in Washington State.

This position supports the Secretary of Health in advancing the priorities of the State of Washington and the Department of Health, consistent with its core values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement (EIE) and in line with the goals of DOH’s 2022 Transformational Plan: A Vision for Health in Washington State.

The Executive Office of Resiliency and Health Security (ORHS) serves as the DOH lead for emergency response activities including the full spectrum of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. ORHS has been charged with building resilience for Washingtonians and the communities in which they live in the face of a multitude of emergencies.

The Chief of the Executive Office of Resiliency and Health Security (ORHS) provides expertise and oversight of comprehensive public health actions involving the state’s health and safety in planning for a variety of emergencies or potential for such that may impact the health and well-being of the people of Washington state.

This position will also serve as a key health security liaison with internal teams, external partners and organizations that will assist in the department’s mission during emergencies. Other responsibilities will include active participation in federal, tribal, regional, state, and local planning meetings where emergency response expertise would be of benefit.

The Chief of ORHS will also serve in a leadership role within ORHS and beyond providing content expertise on relevant issues as required. This position directs budget activities across the state in disasters and emergencies, as well as disaster relief funds and unfunded liabilities.

When our Chief of the Executive Office of Resiliency & Health Security reads the phrase, “Other people are just as important as I am” they’ll think, “yes.” They might even say it out loud. And their mindset shows up in the ways they behave toward others. They take time to see the needs, objectives, and challenges of the people they impact. They accomplish what they need to accomplish in a way that helps others deliver their results as well.

When we talk with them about their values, they’ll see themselves in words like Human-Centered, Partnership, Equity, and Excellence. They’ll also see in these words a challenge to improve—personally and organizationally—in pursuit of a better impact on people and better business outcomes.

When we ask others about them, they’ll describe a person of remarkable capability, diligence, and focus. They’ll tell us about someone whose team:

• Sees and understands the objectives and challenges of people they work with and people they impact.
• Makes adjustments to what they’re doing based on what they learn.
• Holds themselves accountable for actually helping those around them succeed, as well as achieving their own business results.

It takes personal courage, tenacity, and humility to achieve big things in this way. Our ideal candidate probably wonders whether they’re up to this challenge. But they want to take it on because they’re hungry for personal growth and hungry to help build this kind of business, team, and workplace culture at the Washington State Department of Health.

Due to the unique work functions of this position to be able to respond in emergency situations, this incumbent is expected to be available 24/7 by agency issued device or otherwise except for vacations and sick leave in which case the Chief will identify appropriate back-up. In an emergency, unplanned travel across the state may be required. This may include working in unusual environments such as cold, heat, with materials, etc.

The official duty station for this position is in the Olympia, WA area (Tumwater). Telework (mobile work) is currently expected. When approved, the incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance including telework and reporting to the Tumwater, WA duty station for work activities as needed.

About the Department of Health

The Washington State Department of Health's (DOH) vision is equity and optimal health for all. Our mission is to work with others to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state.

Our Values

Good organizations know what they do and how they do it. Great organizations also understand why they do it. Our values are:

• Human-centered: We see others as people who matter like we do and take into account their needs, challenges, contributions, and objectives.
• Equity: We are committed to fairness and justice to ensure access to services, programs, opportunities, and information for all.
• Collaboration: We seek partnership and collaboration to maximize our collective impact. We cannot achieve our vision alone.
• Seven Generations: Inspired by Native American culture, we seek wisdom from those who came before us to ensure our current work protects those who will come after us.
• Excellence: We strive to demonstrate best practices, high performance, and compelling value in our work every day.

Applicant Profile (Desired Qualifications)

• Expert-level knowledge of planning and response to a public health emergency, 5 years of progressively responsible experience
• Knowledge and experience working in incident command systems
• A commitment to coordination and collaboration across divergent groups
• Ability to assess problems, prioritize risk and needs, and direct actions clearly and with authority
• Ability to work in ambiguous situations and change direction when the situation requires
• Ability to shift in varying degrees of organizational roles based on the nature and scope of tasks, and recognize changes in the roles of others

As well as demonstrated experience in the following leadership competencies:

• Start with mindset – Turn your mindset outward by seeing the humanity in others.
• Be the change – Change your mindset regardless of whether others change theirs.
• Be fully capable – Own your work, plans, actions, and impact. Position others to own theirs.
• Build relationships – Eliminate the unnecessary distinctions that create distance between yourself and others.
• Rethink systems and processes to turn them outward – Create an environment that energizes people rather than manages objects.
• Measure results – Move yourself and your teams to achieve collective goals.

Compensation

This position reports to the Secretary of Health. Learn more about the Exempt Management Service (Download PDF reader).

The annual compensation is between $89,460 to $154,140, depending upon qualifications.

Washington State offers a full benefits package including vacation and sick leave, family medical and dental coverage, life insurance, retirement, and a deferred compensation program.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is an equal opportunity employer. DOH strives to create a working environment that is inclusive and respectful. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of our workforce.

If you have questions, need alternative formats or other assistance please contact Kristina Cox at kristina.cox@doh.wa.gov, (360) 485-5249, or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 711 (Washington Relay). Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages).

Application Process

Intrigued? We’d love to hear from you. Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:

• A detailed Letter of Interest that addresses your qualifications as they relate to the position.
• A current CV or Resume detailing your professional background.
• Five (5) or more professional references, are to be included in your profile.

Important Note: Do not attach documents that contain a photo or private information (social security number, year of birth, transcripts, etc.) or documents that are password protected. These documents will not be reviewed and may cause errors within your application when downloaded.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and year of birth.

Live and Work in a Great State

Washington is America's Top State according to U.S. News (2021) and provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

Washington offers a total work/life package of pay, benefits, flexibility, and workplace opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and out of life. Washington State is a great place to work, play, and be a part of a community. Washington offers a quality of life that is unsurpassed. From the high-energy urban center of Seattle, one of the nation’s top-ranked cities, to the more relaxed pace of our rural communities, Washington’s distinctive Northwest lifestyle blends a progressive, creative culture with a casual nature.

Supplemental Information

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.