Lead financial strategy for a $18B system serving Washington's most vulnerable populations.
This is a senior leadership role with direct influence over how resources are allocated, defended, and executed across Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
As Assistant Director of the Management Services Division (MSD), you will operate at the center of financial decision-making — partnering with executive leadership, legislative stakeholders, and cross-agency teams to guide budget strategy, stabilize operations, and build the systems that support the long-term care of aging and disability services across Washington State.
MSD manages a combined $18 billion biennial budget, supporting services that ensure choice, independence, and safety for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This role reports directly to the Director of MSD and plays a critical role in aligning financial strategy with programmatic needs at scale.
This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of two days per week onsite in Lacey, WA.
In this role, you will take ownership of complex financial operations within a large, evolving system — where clarity, structure, and strong communication are essential.
You will:- Lead financial strategy and execution across a large-scale, high-impact public system
- Guide budget development, forecasting, and implementation through the biennial cycle
- Partner with executive leadership and legislative stakeholders to align funding with program needs
- Translate complex financial requirements into clear, actionable direction for internal and external partners
- Build and refine processes to improve coordination, efficiency, and long-term sustainability
- Support and develop leadership capacity within the division
Why this role stands out:- Direct ownership of financial strategy within a $18B system
- High visibility with executive leadership and legislative stakeholders
- Opportunity to stabilize, build, and improve systems during a critical period
- Balance of strategy + execution in a complex, high-impact environment
- Mission-driven work with long-term impact on communities across Washington
This role is ideal for a leader who can operate with ambiguity, scale, and accountability — while building the structure needed to move a system forward.
If you're ready to step into a role where your leadership directly shapes how a large public system operates — apply today.
Who Should Apply
Professionals with 14 years of progressively responsible experience in social service state government employment or in a non-profit long-term care industry; concurrent work experience should include:- Ability to align financial decisions with agency goals
- Supervising professional budget and/or fiscal management staff
- Skilled relationships with partners, advocating for funding priorities
- Advanced management skills, anticipating challenges, and driving results
- Developing and overseeing large statewide budget policies and fund management principles
Note: A master's degree in finance, social services, public administration, business administration, or related discipline is preferred and will substitute for 6 years of above work experience. A described bachelor's degree will substitute for 4 years of the above work experience.
Some of What You Will Do- Oversee and manage financial strategy tied to a $18B biennial budget
- Drive development and implementation of financial policies and programs
- Collaborate with executive leadership, legislative staff, and partner agencies
- Support budget development, forecasting, and funding allocation processes
- Ensure strong internal controls and oversight of audits and financial compliance
- Ensure collaboration between budget, accounting, and Medicaid rate setting offices
- Lead and support a team responsible for budget planning, accounting, and financial operations
- Contribute to cross-agency initiatives including contracts, forecasting, and operational planning
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Experience overseeing and managing Medicaid programs, including regulations and funding structures
- Experience working with legislative stakeholders and explaining complex financial topics
- Building and leading high-performing teams in complex environments
- Ability to navigate ambiguity, shifting priorities, and tight deadlines
- Commitment to equity, anti-racism, and social justice
- Contract negotiation and grant oversight experience
To Apply — Include the Following:- Resume
- Cover letter
- Three professional references with current contact information
Questions? Email peter.graham@dshs.wa.gov and reference job post number 2026-03244.
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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