Deputy Executive Director (Business Operations)

Position Overview

Headquartered in Olympia, the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) is led by a nine-member governor-appointed board and advocates, coordinates and directs Washington state's system of 34 public community and technical colleges. As the largest higher education system in Washington state, our colleges work with students as they achieve their goals of transferring to a university, entering the workforce, learning basic skills, or continuing their education.

The deputy executive director for business operations is the primary financial officer for the community and technical college system, with overall responsibility for agency and college system finance which encompasses a $2.2 billion biennial operating budget, $400 million capital budget, and 200,000 headcount of students. This position is responsible for system tuition policy; resource acquisition and allocation; accounting, budgeting, and other fiscal procedures necessary to maintain proper accountability in the conduct of system financial affairs. The position supports college business operations through providing information, guidance and assistance.

The position also provides guidance and assistance for colleges on a variety of business, finance and resource related issues to state agencies and the Legislature. The position assists the Board in defining and advocating college system resource requirements to the executive and legislative branches of state government and makes policy recommendations to the Board in all areas relating to resource acquisition, distribution and accountability. This position also works integrally with the biennial budget process.

The position leads a staff of approximately 30 people working in: Accounting & Business Services, Capital Budget, and Operating Budget. This position is also leading efforts of a Shared Services Model providing support to colleges in business office and related functions.

The successful applicant will possess a strong understanding of higher education finance including funding, the legislative process, the ability to build relationships across agencies, and an understanding of state government. The successful candidate will also have a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

As leaders in their field, qualified candidates for the deputy executive director for business operations should be prepared to show that they can:

• Support Washington's community and technical college system's mission and vision.
• Think and plan strategically; examine, create, and advocate for policies and practices that support the overall college system vision and mission.
• Be an equity-minded leader who will support the agency and college system in its efforts to lead with racial equity.
• Grow and empower staff; create a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive work environment.
• Build relationships with peers and colleagues.

Mission and Vision Statement

Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities. We challenge, empower and embolden ourselves and our colleges to deliver equitable higher education through antiracist policies that ensure economic vitality across Washington. Our values are focused on racial equity and social justice, accountability, community and culture building, service, humor, collaboration and innovation.

Principal Activities

• Develop and recommend system financial policies related to equitable resource acquisition, distribution, and accountability.
• Develop strategies and processes to monitor the fiscal health and sustainability of system colleges and recommend and oversee interventions as needed.
• Supervise the preparation of college system operating and capital budget requests.
• Lead efforts to develop governor and legislative understanding of college system resource needs and support of appropriations and legislation relating to college financing and human resource activities.
• Lead staff coordination with the Office of Financial Management, legislative staff, Washington Student Achievement Council, other higher education institutions and state agencies (auditor, treasurer, etc.) in matters relating to state and college finance policy.
• Supervise the equitable allocation and distribution of financial resources within the college system.
• Supervise the development, maintenance of, and compliance with system wide procedures for the accounting, budgeting, allocation, and reporting of college financial resources.
• Participate, as a member of SBCTC¿s leadership team, in agency and system discussions on a wide range of issues affecting the agency and/or the colleges¿ ability to support students and communities.
• Collaborate and Confer with System Presidents and Business Officers on matters related to finance, budget, accounting, compliance, and risk management.
• Assess needs and develop strategies to assist colleges with business processes and automation.
• Collaborate with Information Technology on developing and implementing strategies for systemwide business process alignments, automation, and other business efficiencies.
• Work with the Business Affairs Commission on leadership development and training programs to strengthen the skills of Business Office employees at all levels.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must have:

• Five years of professional experience in an administrative capacity in a community and technical college, university, or related business setting.
• A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a Master's degree and five years of professional experience in accounting, budgeting, and/or financial experience, preferably in a community or technical college.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of concepts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion; anti-racism; racial, and economic justice and experience with leading staff to implement strategies.
• Demonstrated understanding of culture in higher education, financial and political issues, shared governance, collective bargaining, and the intersection between finance, budgeting, human resources and large-scale enterprise resource planning systems.
• Successful management, customer service and organizational change experience, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Successful experience with developing partnerships and collaborative problem-solving with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex issues effectively to a variety of audiences.

Compensation

Annual Salary: $215,000 to $215,000

Location: Olympia, Washington

Timeline

Open Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Close Date: Friday, July 10, 2026

This is a full-time, exempt position. The annual compensation for this position is listed above. Washington state has a generous benefit package including health, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement, and two optional deferred compensation programs. For more information, see Exempt Employee Benefits .

Recruitment and screening of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled. However, to ensure full consideration, return completed materials by 5 p.m. on the closing date. Note: Agency hiring authorities reserve the right - and may exercise the option - to make hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Please submit materials as soon as possible.

Supervision Reporting

This position reports to the Executive Director and directly supervises:

• Assistant to the Deputy Executive Director
• Operating Budget Director
• Capital Budget Director
• Accounting and Business Services Director

Application Process

Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following items:

• Online Application
• Cover Letter that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement.
• Detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications.
• Attach list of at least three professional references (including current supervisor) with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews.

Contact

Julie Huss

Human Resource Director

jhuss@sbctc.edu

360-704-4350

Submitted applications are the property of SBCTC and will not be returned.

Prior to new hire, the finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check as a condition of employment. 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.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

EEO Statement

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) supports Executive Order 13-01 Veterans Transition Support and is an equal opportunity employer. SBCTC complies with the American's with Disabilities Act.

Applicants who need accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-704-4301. A TDD relay service is available by dialing 800-833-6388 or voice 800-833-6384.