Working Title: Assistant Secretary – Health Systems Quality Assurance (EMS4) DOH8649
Office/Division: Department of Health – Office of Prevention, Safety and Health – Health Systems Quality Assurance – Assistant Secretary’s Office
Posting Close: 7/13/25
Location: Home-based
Annual Salary Range: $161,016 to $164464 EMS4
Post Open: 6/20/25
Assistant Secretary – Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA)
Permanent · Full-time · Homebased
The first review of applications will take place on July 7, 2025, with a second review conducted after the posting closes
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
Learn more about Leading People @ DOH.
Work that matters.
Public health promotes and protects the health of the people of the state of Washington and the communities where they live, learn, work and play.
The agency realizes that our efforts to achieve more equitable health outcomes for the communities we serve begins with our ability to operationalize and institutionalize equity throughout our internal policies, systems, and practices.
About DOH
Join the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding public health. As a frontline defender of our communities, DOH collaborates with partners around the clock to impact the lives of every Washingtonian and visitor. We’re not just an organization; we’re a catalyst for change, guided by our core values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement. Our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington’s health is in motion, and we invite you to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of the state by joining us in this exciting journey. Your work at DOH truly matters.
Why DOH
We are dedicated to your work-life harmony and offer one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. To learn more about “Why DOH”, visit Work@Health.
