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Assistant Secretary - Health Systems Quality Assurance (EMS4) DOH8649

Internal Number: DOH8649

Join a mission-driven executive team committed to improving health outcomes and advancing equity across Washington State. Reporting to the Deputy Secretary for Prevention, Safety and Health, this role provides strategic leadership to safeguard public health through sound regulatory oversight, policy development, and cross-sector collaboration.

As Assistant Secretary for HSQA, you’ll lead one of the most visible and impactful divisions within the Department of Health, responsible for licensing and regulating over 520,000 health professionals and 12,000 healthcare facilities in support of the department’s role to assure access to safe, quality healthcare. 

In this role, you will:

  • Set division-wide strategy and lead high-level policy development.
  • Represent the Secretary on critical health policy issues and legislative matters.
  • Guide and support a strong leadership team in delivering safe, equitable, and high-quality health care oversight.
  • Champion organizational culture rooted in accountability, respect, and innovation.
  • Collaborate with boards, commissions, healthcare leaders, and community partners to shape effective, transparent, and equitable regulation.

This division relies on a people-centered leader with strong systems thinking and strategic foresight. One that demonstrates exceptional judgment in aligning priorities with agency goals, cultivates engagement through active listening and transparency, and communicates with confidence and empathy, even in high-stakes situations. A mentor who can navigate political complexity with integrity, foster a culture of continuous learning and feedback, and model an unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and the well-being of staff and the communities we serve.

Learn more about the Position –  View the Complete Position Description

This position is exempt from civil service law.

Location and Flexibility

We value work-life balance and offer the convenience of remote work. This position will give you the option to work from home or from the closest DOH facility. Attending in-person events or working In-office is rarely required and would be scheduled in advance. This is a remote home-based position available to applicants residing anywhere in Washington State, as well as those living near the Oregon/Washington border and the Idaho/Washington border.

The DESIRED Candidate Profile

Experience defined below may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities. Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile. 

Option 1: Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible experience leading organizations, setting strategic direction, and supporting organizations through change and pursuit of excellence.
 
Option 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in public health, public administration, health care administration or other closely allied field;  AND five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience leading organizations, setting strategic direction, and supporting organizations through change and pursuit of excellence.

AND Demonstrated experience in the following:

  • Leading people, including senior managers, through coaching, mentoring, recognition, and performance feedback.
  • Engaging with a diverse set of interested parties including those with significant political influence, to develop and implement policy and solve complex problems.
  • Experience working with regulatory laws, regulations, and regulatory boards, commissions, or committees.
  • Experience with state or federal legislative process.

Additional Preferred Experience:

  • Four (4) or more years in regulatory or enforcement focused leadership role, master's degree in public health, public administration, health care administration, or other closely allied field is strongly preferred.
  • Executive leadership in a regulatory, enforcement or compliance field
  • Public health training and/or experience
  • Experience directing data, information technology, or other large, complex projects
  • Experience in a politically sensitive environment that requires a balance of internal and external pressures
About Washington State Department of Health
Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide information to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies. To accomplish all of these, we collaborate with many partners every day. We help ensure a safer and healthier Washington by: Working to improve health through disease and injury prevention, immunization, and newborn screening Providing health and safety information, education and training so people can make healthy choices Promoting a health and wellness system where we live, learn, work, play and worship Addressing environmental health hazards associated with drinking water, food, air quality and pesticide exposure Protecting you and your family by licensing healthcare professionals, investigating disease outbreaks and preparing for emergencies
Connections working at Washington State Department of Health
More Jobs from This Employer
https://govphcareers.astho.org/jobs/21440792/assistant-secretary-health-systems-quality-assurance-ems4-doh8649

Date Posted
06/23/2025
Job Reference
21440792
Organization
Washington State Department of Health
Location
Tumwater, WA
Category
Administrative
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