The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) regulates our state's financial service providers and protects consumers, and we are looking to fill an executive management position - the Director of Securities. As the top executive in the Division of Securities, the Division Director (DD) will plan and direct its regulatory activities in order to accomplish the division’s statutory mission, and the mission of the agency.This position performs as a quasi-judicial officer with final oversight and management responsibility directing the various activities of the Securities Division to achieve the statutory objectives of consumer and investor protection, capital formation and investor education. These oversight responsibilities include the registration, licensing, examination, and enforcement required under the Securities Act, the Commodities Transaction Act, the Franchise Investment Protection Act, and the Business Opportunity Act.
Why work at the DFI?If you are interested in working in the public sector and doing something that can make a difference in Washingtonians lives, then you are the type of person we are looking for. Doing work that helps others can bring about great personal satisfaction. We think that one of the biggest reasons that our employees do their jobs so well is because they honestly like what they do and believe in the culture of this agency. In our work, every day presents a new and interesting challenge.The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions’ (DFI) mission is to protect consumers and advance the financial health of Washington State by providing fair regulation of financial services and educating consumers to make informed financial decisions. Collectively and independently, the Department’s 240 plus employees within its 5 divisions – Administration, Banks, Consumer Services, Credit Unions and Securities – work together to create a stronger economic future and secure financial environment for Washington’s consumers and businesses alike. DFI is self-supporting, in that none of its operating revenues come from the state’s general tax funds. Its operating revenues are paid by the organizations and individuals it regulates. To learn more about the Department of Financial Institutions, please visit our website atwww.dfi.wa.gov.Where is the DFI located?DFI headquarters is located in Tumwater, WA, just minutes from Olympia. We are also minutes from I-5, the State Capital, Tumwater Falls Park, shopping, restaurants and within walking distance of InterCity Transit bus lines and much more.The DD is responsible for developing the regulatory policy for all the regulated industries within the Division’s jurisdiction and managing the implementation of that policy by Division personnel. This principally includes oversight authority over $250 billion worth of securities offered annually in Washington state and the 250,000 registered brokers, investment advisers, and their representatives who sell those securities. It also includes decision making authority over enforcement cases.
Major Decision-Making/Responsibilities: - Provide strategic direction of the Division.
- Business Plan and Budget.
- Stakeholder relations, including relations with consumers, regulated entities, legislators, securities section of the bar association, national regulator associations, federal and state prosecutors, federal agencies, and other interested parties.
- Final authority on interpretation of the Division’s jurisdictional areas.
- Final authority, pursuant to delegation, to issue subpoenas, statements of charges, stop orders, summary cease and desist orders, orders requiring fines and costs, and other investigative and enforcement actions necessary to enforce the various acts under the Division’s jurisdiction.
- Final authority on all personnel and administrative matters for the Division.
- Final authority for all decisions affecting the policies and operational procedures and practices of all regulated industries.
- Responsible for formulating legislation impacting regulating industries.
- Press Contact for the Division.
Required Education, Experience, and Competencies.
- Incumbent must have strong management experience and knowledge of strategic planning processes including business planning, budget development and administration, performance measurement, quality process planning and other management principles.
- Have strong written and oral communication skills and be an effective public speaker and advocate
- Be able to multi-task, working with problems in numerous diverse areas and effectively delegate tasks.
- Incumbent must have ability to prioritize conflicting objectives and the ability to exercise good judgment in allocating scarce resources to meet mutually exclusive demands.
- Have a good understanding of the legislative process and be able to communicate complex ideas succinctly.
- Incumbent must have good decision-making skills and be able to exercise sound judgment because of very broad statutory authority.
- Have a broad working knowledge of the state personnel system.
- Incumbent must possess a broad knowledge of laws and policies impacting securities, commodities, franchises, business opportunities and escrow transactions, including a working knowledge of standard business practices in each of those industries.
- Possess strong negotiating and consensus building skills to work with stakeholders on legislation and policy issues and to negotiate with legal counsel representing respondents in Division enforcement actions.
- Incumbent must have strong analytical skills to resolve complex interpretive issues involving the application of numerous federal and state statutes and regulations.
- Understand the laws and policies affecting entrepreneurs and small businesses in the process of capital formation.
Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies.
Supplemental Information:The DFI values diverse perspectives and life experiences and our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. This culture of respect promotes a professional and inclusive environment where maximizing potential through opportunity is achievable by everyone.
Benefits of working for DFI include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement and deferred compensation, and generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Healthy work-life balance, wellness benefits, and ability to work in a hybrid work environment.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion where every person is recognized and valued. - Professional development and continuing education opportunities, including DFI’s in-house CLE program and other training that ensures employees are successful.
- Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per calendar year toward pursuit of advanced degrees or certifications.
- You may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Application Process:Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. If you are not able to attach a document, please notify the contact person prior to submitting your application. Submitting your application materials electronically will act as confirmation that the information submitted is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Failure to provide required application materials may result in disqualification.
Interested applicants should select the "Apply" button and attach the following materials to their application:
Background Investigation:Prior to a new hire, a background check including reference, criminal and credit record history will 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 position.
Contact Information:Tom Grant, Human Resource Office
tom.grant@dfi.wa.govor
recruiting@dfi.wa.gov
