Executive Policy Director

Executive Policy Director
Location: Tumwater, WA

The Washington State Department of Corrections is a leader in professionalism, efficiency and consistency, operating a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington. To see our commitment continue to positively improve public safety, we are searching for a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as our Executive Policy Director (EPD)! This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a collaborative and enthusiastic individual to serve in a mission critical role, impacting the agency as a whole.

Our Executive Policy Director provides strategy and direction for the agency’s legislative efforts as well as policy coordination and serves as the main conduit of communication with the legislature and external criminal justice stakeholders. This position is tasked with collaborating with community stakeholders, legislators and advising the agency’s Secretary and other members of the executive leadership within the department and helps develop the agency’s policy direction.

The Executive Policy Director is responsible for helping develop the agency’s legislative agenda, working collaboratively with key members of the legislature and reviewing, monitoring, and tracking legislative proposals that are crafted and considered by the Washington State Legislature. Further responsibilities include liaison work with the elected member of the state legislature as well as staff, and leading the department’s efforts to encourage positive interaction with the community as the agency strives to promote public safety, community protection, and public understanding. Closely aligned with the Tribal Relations program, the EPD, and Executive Policy team, serves to enhance the department’s relationship with the native communities.

The position also oversees staff in our Tribal Government program, Language Access, liaison to the Office of Correction Ombuds and DOC’s Correspondence Unit.

We are searching for a teammate who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community. If this is you, we are excited to see your application! Acompleted application packet will include:

• A detailed resume
• A cover letter regarding your interest for this position with our agency
• Three professional references

The Department has established a strong positive reputation with the Legislature and stakeholders and desires a candidate who can sustain and build upon that relationship. As the Executive Policy Director, you will report to the Assistant Secretary of the Budget, Strategy, and Technology team, and will be responsible for the following:

• Providing strategic judgments and decisions or establishing approaches, which could impact legislative and policy action, for one of the largest and most complex agencies in the state
• In coordination with agency executives, ensuring the strategic plan and performance measures are incorporated into budget development, agency initiatives, routine performance measurement and legislative presentations as appropriate
• Setting standards and providing direction and leadership to staff, and guidance on the agency wide functions with regards to various policy and legislative actions
• Assuming responsibility for the agency's coordination and communication with external entities in addition to providing recommendations on legislative direction which affects all parts of the agency
• Oversight and management of 16 talented team members who function work with legislative relations, the department's Correspondence Unit, engage with the Office of Corrections Ombuds, provide administrative support and the Office of Tribal Relations
• Serving as the agency’s primary point of contact with state legislators and legislative staff and speaking on behalf of the department

What we need (required qualifications):

• 3 years’ experience in working with the legislative and executive branches of government
• Experience in writing briefing papers, preparing legislative testimony, ability to build strong and effective relationships for the public’s best interest, embraces diversity and inclusion
• At least five years' experience in two of the following areas:
• Managing policy development
• Legislative relations
• Inter-governmental coordination

In addition to the above knowledge and experience, the position requires the candidate to possess the following knowledge, skills and/or abilities:

• Knowledge of personnel management including setting expectations, evaluating performance, taking corrective or disciplinary action and hiring/terminating staff
• Advanced level of demonstrated effective written and oral communication and presentation skills
• Advanced knowledge of state government and policy issues, including the inter-relationships between agencies, programs.
• Advanced ability to communicate complex policy issues to internal and external audiences
• Advanced understanding of the legislative and political process

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• Intermediate ability to communicate effectively, negotiate and resolve conflict

Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Please be prepared to offer a minimum of three (3) professional references. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.

**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

• Please be prepared to pass a background check including criminal record history prior to being considered for hire. 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.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.

Telework Details

This position may be allocated for telework. Work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a “drop in” area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.

What We Offer:

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email mackenzie.conley@doc1.wa.gov or call us at 509-630-9160. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $93,036.00 - $160,308.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Travel reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Travel requirement:

• Travel

Work setting:

• Hybrid work
• Office

Ability to Relocate:

• Tumwater, WA 98501: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Tumwater, WA 98501