WDVA Director of Veteran Services, Full-Time - ...

Overview Director of Veteran Services • EMS Band III • Full-Time - Permanent • Olympia Central Office Are you a U.S. Veteran with a wealth of experience in senior-level organizational leadership? Do you thrive in challenging professional environments requiring seasoned interpersonal tact and the ability to foster enduring relationships with city governments, federal agencies, non-profits, and corporate organizations? Here is your opportunity to directly impact positive change for the lives of Washington state's Veterans and their Families! Our agency, dedicated to Serving Those Who Served, values your expertise and passion for other Veterans and their Families. Our Director of Veteran Services is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a Veteran advocate to lead the charge in promoting and safeguarding the delivery of vital Veteran programs, grants, and contracts throughout Washington state. At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in advocacy for more than 500,000 veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. We provide critical community services through a variety of programs and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla, which offer Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans and, in some cases, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families. Relocation assistance is available to qualified candidates. Please contact the agency for additional information. Key Responsibilities Administer the statewide delivery of Veteran Services Counseling Wellness programs and services. Oversee and develop programs to improve quality of life for Washington's vulnerable Veteran population including incompetent, homeless, incarcerated, elderly, and recently separated Veterans. Review programs using performance management, continuous improvements, change management, and strategic planning. Provide the vision and leadership to guide division leaders to the highest level of excellence. Plan, implement, and monitor outcomes from all field operational areas and recommend agency policies and procedures to support the changing Veterans' environment in three main departments. Incorporate Behavioral Health, Apprenticeship Programs, and Veterans Conservation Corps into the Field Services environment to ensure a seamless delivery of benefits, homeless services, job opportunities, and mental health services statewide and first-class customer service. Develop strategic objectives addressing programs mandated by the legislature. Foster interagency and multi-jurisdictional partner coordination regarding Veteran benefits awareness, availability, and access to other agency services and outreach to Veterans to identify benefits eligibility and improve the quality of life for Veterans and their families. Provide executive management of business development with external partners; accomplish all necessary tasks to take an initiative or plan to fruition as a fully funded program. Develop and manage $41M program budget per biennium. Responsible for departmental management and oversight of approximately 85 full-time employees, over 200 contract and volunteer service providers, and 30+ diverse subprograms in 10 locations. Represent the agency at state and national initiatives, summits, conferences, and public functions. Serve as the Executive Sponsor for the Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG) and participate on related business resource groups to ensure compliance with Governor's Executive Order 19-1. Work Environment & Travel Standard business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, in-office at the Central Office in Olympia, Washington. The position is primarily in an office setting with occasional visits to DVA sites, including skilled nursing facilities and housing programs. In-person presence at various WDVA locations is required. Travel to WDVA locations statewide is frequent; occasional out-of-state travel is required. Qualifications Must be a Veteran per RCW 41.04.007 with a qualifying discharge per RCW 73.04.005. Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration, or a related field. Seven (7) years of progressive business/financial, leadership, and management experience with at least five (5) years at the senior level. A combination of education and experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis. Experience must be relevant to the position. Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, interpret data, and operate with contemporary management principles and practices. Substantive experience in program budgeting, capital and operating budgets, and overall fiscal management. Substantive understanding of the state or county legislative process, management, urban planning, contracts and procurement, intergovernmental relations, customer and public relations, fleet management, workforce planning, labor relations, and HR services. Organizational management experience with the ability to coach senior-level staff and implement innovative strategies aligned with the WDVA Strategic Plan. Core Competencies Interpersonal Influence Inclusiveness Leadership and People Management Communications Effectiveness Performance Leadership Relationship Building Ethics and Integrity Preferred/Desired Master's degree in a related field. Ten (10) years of progressive leadership and management experience, with at least five (5) years at the senior executive level. Experience managing a large division with social services, housing, and community-based interventions. Strategic planning experience. Special Requirements Background check requirements and veteran status confirmation per WDVA policy. Annual tuberculosis screening as per policy. Proficiency in English (written and spoken). Regular and reliable attendance; willingness to work as needed. Complete required training and adhere to policies and collective bargaining agreements as applicable. Emergency duties as required; sign confidentiality statement; valid driver’s license and insurance for state travel; ability to work without sponsorship for visa now or in the future. Application Process & Documents Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview. Please include: A letter of interest describing specific qualifications. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education. A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers. Other Information This position is non-represented. Applicants claiming Veterans Preference should attach DD-214 or equivalent. For questions, contact recruiters at the WDVA. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status. The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. TTY and accessibility information available on request. You are welcome to indicate your preferred name and pronouns in your materials. For questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, contact . #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-08