Assistant Director of Equity in Public Spending

Assistant Director of Equity in Public Spending

Salary

$90,000.00 - $120,000.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-OMWBE

Department

Minority & Womens Business Enterprises

Opening Date

05/12/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Assistant Director of Equity in Public Spending

(WMS BAND 2)

This is an overtime exempt role, and the position can expect to work beyond a 40 hour work week occasionally. Standard business hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm but expected to adjust the work schedule and work additional hours as needed to meet business demands and deadlines. The position will be required to work weekends as well as early mornings and late evenings to meet the business needs of the agency. Flexible work schedules and hybrid telework are available. Due to regular interaction with customers, core business hours must be met.

About OMWBE

The Washington State Office of Minority and Womens Business Enterprises (OMWBE) leads the states efforts to ensure fair and equitable access to public contracting and procurement. As the sole state agency authorized to certify small minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs), OMWBE administers a comprehensive program that includes business certification, small business support, and robust Supplier Diversity initiatives. We collaborate with state agencies, institutions of higher education, local and regional governments, and small diverse businesses to instill equitable and inclusive contracting and procurement policies and practices across the state of Washington and lead the Governors Subcabinet on Business Diversity. Our work ensures small businesses, and businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities secure more government contractsstrengthening local economies, enhancing community resilience, and improving the quality of life for all Washingtonians.

Our Purpose

To be a vital and trusted resource for small businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communitiesimproving access, visibility, and opportunity in public contracting and procurement. We promote equity in Washington State spending by dismantling barriers to participation and advancing inclusive economic growth.

To learn more about how OMWBE supports Washington State, click here to explore our website.

About this Opportunity

The Assistant Director of Equity in Public Spending is a strategic and operational leader responsible for advancing equity in public contracting through oversight of compliance programs that currently include the statewide Supplier Diversity Program and the Audit and Review Program established by House Bill 1259. This position supports OMWBEs mission to facilitate the maximum practicable opportunity for equitable participation by minority- and women-owned businesses in public works, goods, and services with state agencies and educational institutions. The Assistant Director ensures program integrity, strengthens public procurement equity, and leads innovation in inclusive practices statewide.

The role reports directly to the Deputy Director and serves as the agencys lead strategist and subject matter expert in supplier diversity, compliance reviews, and public-sector equity initiatives. The Assistant Director manages a team of professional staff and actively engages across agencies, community partners, and policy forums to ensure meaningful inclusion of diverse businesses in Washingtons economy.

As a direct report to the Deputy Director, this position helps translate strategic direction into programmatic execution, provides high-level insight on emerging risks and opportunities, and ensures operational alignment with executive priorities. The Assistant Director serves as a critical advisor and partner in agency-wide decision-making, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement.

For the full job description, email the recruiter: Rachel Vaughan jobs@des.wa.gov.

Duties

Some of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position include:

Supplier Diversity Program

• Oversee planning, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the Supplier Diversity Program in alignment with RCW 39.19
• Develop tools, training, and resources to assist agencies in meeting supplier diversity goals and embedding equity into procurement practices
• Track and assess key performance indicators (KPIs) and use data insights to improve program delivery

Audit and Review Program

• Manage and implement the Audit and Review Program to detect fraud and enforce compliance with RCW 39.19
• Establish rules and procedures for penalties, including decertification and debarment
• Create and maintain systems for investigation tracking, reporting, and continuous improvement
• Provide technical support and outreach on eligibility and compliance requirements

Collaboration, Outreach, and Policy Leadership

• Serve as agency liaison to statewide procurement bodies and cross-agency working groups
• Represent the agency at public forums, industry events, and policy discussions

Leadership, Supervision, and Workforce Development

• Provides strategic supervision and inclusive leadership to professional staff, including Supplier Diversity Program Managers and Compliance Analysts
• Develops individualized growth plans, delivers or coordinates technical training, and facilitates ongoing feedback through one-on-one meetings, team discussions, and collaborative problem-solving
• Maintains supervisory documentation and ensures compliance with agency policies, performance management standards, and collective bargaining agreements
• Coordinates with Human Resources on hiring, performance evaluations, professional development, and other personnel matters

Data Analysis and Program Evaluation

• Support agency strategic planning, budgeting, and legislative reporting

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Ways to qualify for this position:

[OPTION 1]

• Four (4) years of full-time professional experience demonstrating:

Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills

Oral and written communication through presentations and reports

Teamwork, collaboration, and leadership

Use of data to communicate complex information

Project and/or program management

Continuous improvement using Lean, Agile, or similar methodologies

Contracting and procurement practices

[OPTION 2]

• Bachelors degree in business administration, public administration, law, public policy, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university

AND

In addition to meeting with one of the above requirements, applicants must possess the following:

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in supplier diversity management, contract compliance, and/or implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives related to public spending
• Two (2) years of experience in community engagement
• Two (2) years of experience in program management
• One (1) year of experience in purchasing, contracts, and/or procurement
• At least two (2) years of experience supervising or leading staff

Note: All of the above experience may be concurrent.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to design and implement complex initiatives
• Advanced writing and communication skills, including plain language and audience engagement
• Strong listening, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, make timely decisions, and maintain high performance under pressure
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data visualization tools
• Understanding of Lean/Agile methodologies and continuous improvement practices
• Skilled in public speaking and presenting to diverse audiences
• Knowledge of procurement laws, small business programs, and supplier diversity policy

Equity and Inclusion:

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in public service
• Awareness of cultural differences and systemic inequities
• Proven ability to foster inclusive environments and challenge structural barriers
• Experience working with diverse communities and partners

Accountability & Professional Integrity

• Accepts personal responsibility for actions, decisions, and their consequences
• Demonstrates honesty, professionalism, and ethical conduct in all situations
• Communicates progress and challenges regularly with agency leadership and stakeholders
• Maintains reliability under pressure and upholds trust with internal teams and executive leadership

Customer & Service Orientation

• Proactively identifies and anticipates customer and stakeholder needs, including those from historically underrepresented groups
• Delivers responsive, respectful, and high-quality service with a focus on removing barriers and improving experiences
• Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and consistency in all service interactions
• Keeps leadership informed of customer trends, emerging needs, and service improvements

Effective Communication & Active Listening

• Communicates complex information clearly, concisely, and appropriately for diverse audiences, including executive leaders
• Engages in regular dialogue with agency leadership to ensure alignment, transparency, and shared understanding
• Listens with intention, respects differing viewpoints, and encourages open, inclusive dialogue across all levels of the organization
• Facilitates meetings and conversations that support collaboration, understanding, and strategic decision-making

Commitment to Quality & Precision

• Produces accurate, complete, and thoughtful work products with strong attention to detail
• Proactively identifies errors or gaps and takes initiative to resolve them
• Delivers dependable results that meet or exceed expectations in quality and consistency
• Keeps agency leaders informed of progress, quality standards, and any issues impacting delivery

Technical Mastery & Subject Expertise

• Applies deep knowledge of relevant fields, including public contracting, certification, procurement equity, or program management
• Shares technical expertise with teams and agency leadership to inform decision-making and drive strategy
• Keeps skills up to date and aligns technical work with current policies, systems, and tools

Learning Agility & Growth Mindset

• Demonstrates curiosity and self-motivation in learning new concepts, systems, and methods
• Adapts to new information, feedback, and changing environments with flexibility and resilience
• Seeks opportunities for personal and team development, and shares learning insights with leadership to inform agency growth

Sound Judgment & Decision-Making

• Makes timely, well-reasoned decisions using relevant data, stakeholder input, and professional insight
• Communicates key decisions, rationales, and implications clearly to agency leadership and affected teams
• Weighs risks and consequences, adjusts as needed, and demonstrates confidence in high-stakes decision-making

Time & Task Management

• Plans effectively prioritizes competing responsibilities, and consistently meets deadlines
• Manages time independently and efficiently while respecting the time of others, including leadership
• Provides timely updates to agency leaders on task status, dependencies, and potential roadblocks

Results-Oriented Execution

• Maintains focus on impact, outcomes, and progress toward strategic goals
• Takes initiative and follows through on commitments, even in the face of obstacles
• Drives high performance by holding self and others accountable for measurable results
• Aligns results with agency priorities and communicates outcomes to leadership for continuous improvement

Inclusive Practice & Equity-Driven Perspective

• Actively values different backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives in decision-making and planning
• Practices cultural humility and promotes access, fairness, and representation in service delivery and workplace culture
• Works to identify and address structural barriers that limit opportunity or create disparate outcomes in public systems
• Keeps agency leaders informed of equity-related efforts, trends, and progress toward inclusive outcomes

Supplemental Information

Special Requirements / Condition of Employment

• Ability to travel, sometimes overnight, and work outside of normal business hours on occasion managing staff in multiple locations

How to Apply:

Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click Apply at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with their updated contact information.

Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).

Please Note: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify the information provided. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the duties summary section of the online application. Please do not say refer to resume for detail in your question responses, or your application may be disqualified.

Opportunity for All:

The Office of Minority and Womens Business Enterprises celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan via email at jobs@des.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Are you a current employee of OMWBE?

• Yes
• No

02

I understand that the information provided in this application is subject to verification. I consent to the agency contacting my references and previous employers and reviewing my state employment history to verify my professional qualifications and performance.

• Yes
• No

03

Please identify your level of knowledge and skill as a senior leader in the public or private sector?

• Developing - Building foundational knowledge; may require guidance or supervision to complete tasks
• Proficient - Fully functional and capable of performing all duties independently; consistently meets all standards and requirements
• Advanced - High-level mastery; handles complex, non-routine, or high-stakes situations with ease and often mentors others
• Expert - Recognized as a top-tier strategist or subject matter expert whose expertise influences agency-wide or statewide policy and direction.

04

Please identify your level of knowledge and skill in engaging with diverse communities.

• Developing - Building foundational knowledge; may require guidance or supervision to complete tasks
• Proficient - Fully functional and capable of performing all duties independently; consistently meets all standards and requirements
• Advanced - High-level mastery; handles complex, non-routine, or high-stakes situations with ease and often mentors others
• Expert - Recognized as a top-tier strategist or subject matter expert whose expertise influences agency-wide or statewide policy and direction

05

Please identify your level of knowledge and skill in Managing Complex Enterprise-Wide Programs.

• Developing - Building foundational knowledge; may require guidance or supervision to complete tasks
• Proficient - Fully functional and capable of performing all duties independently; consistently meets all standards and requirements
• Advanced - High-level mastery; handles complex, non-routine, or high-stakes situations with ease and often mentors others
• Expert - Recognized as a top-tier strategist or subject matter expert whose expertise influences agency-wide or statewide policy and direction

06

Please identify your level of knowledge and skill in Compliance, Audit, and Supplier Diversity Initiatives

• Developing - Building foundational knowledge; may require guidance or supervision to complete tasks
• Proficient - Fully functional and capable of performing all duties independently; consistently meets all standards and requirements
• Advanced - High-level mastery; handles complex, non-routine, or high-stakes situations with ease and often mentors others
• Expert - Recognized as a top-tier strategist or subject matter expert whose expertise influences agency-wide or statewide policy and direction

07

OMWBE is a civil rights agency that intentionally cultivates culturally responsive practices and centers the lived experiences of marginalized business owners to dismantle structural barriers in public spending. Describe a specific professional instance where you identified a systemic policy or practice that created a barrier to equity. What concrete actions did you take to address this barrier, and how did you ensure your approach was inclusive by design and reflective of the communitys unique needs?

08

This position requires that applicants submit all required documents (resume, letter of interest, 3 updated professional references with current contact information). References can be submitted if invited to interview. Did you remember to submit all required documents with your application?

• Yes
• No

09

How did you learn about this job posting?

• Careers.wa.gov
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Job Board
• Coworker/Friend
• Other

10

If you selected Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov