Language Access Program Manager

Language Access Program Manager

Salary

$105,000.00 - $115,000.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Remote Employment

Remote Optional

Job Number

2026-04089

Department

Office of the Governor

Division

Office of Equity

Opening Date

05/20/2026

Closing Date

6/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Join Us!

This position is exempt from civil service rules. Exempt recruitments may close at any time without prior notice. It is in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. For more information, please see WAC 357-19-195.

The Washington State Office of Equity is seeking a courageous, unapologetic champion of equity to join our team as the Language Access Program Manager. We desire a colleague who questions what is, to help find solutions for what can be.

Imagine leading transformative language access work, being part of the nation's first state-level Office of Equity, and having a lasting impact by removing barriers so every Washingtonian, regardless of preferred language, can fully participate in state services, employment, and programs.

Join the Office of Equity and help build a Washington for ALL using your language access and program management expertise to develop enterprise-wide strategies, co-create solutions with the community, and drive real policy and systems change.

This important role leads the Office of Equity's language access, equity, and justice initiatives in partnership with state, local, and community partners to advance barrier-free, culturally and linguistically appropriate state programs, activities, and services for all Washingtonians.

While your work is focused on language access, your influence is far reaching. You are a leader, innovator, and change maker in your field, improving the lives of all Washingtonians and creating a model of inclusion that moves the needle toward equity for all.

All combinations of experience and higher education relevant to the position including lived, volunteer (paid or unpaid), or professional that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work will be considered.

The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $105,000 - $115,000 annually.

This is a remote position with schedule flexibility that requires occasional travel in Washington State for meetings, events, and on-site work. The frequency of onsite work varies based on business and operational needs.

Who We Are

The Office of Equity advances policy and systems change (RCW 43.06D.040) to promote a Washington for all. We believe Washingtonians are stronger together and that Washington can be a state where everyone has access to the opportunities, power, and resources (RCW 43.06D.020) they need to thrive. We believe a government of, by and for the people, where government does its work with people instead of to them, is possible. We exist to advance a government that meets the unique needs of every community in Washington state by collaborating across agencies, branches and sectors to create efficient and effective systems that advance a Washington for All.

Our Vision

Everyone in Washington State has full access to the opportunities, power, and resources they need to flourish and achieve their full potential.

Our Mission

To promote equitable access to opportunities, power, and resources across state government that reduce disparities and improve outcomes statewide.

Our Values

• Access: Barrier-free environments so all can participate.

• Belonging: Acceptance and support from all, for all.

• Dignity: Honor for the sacred nature of every person.

• Equity: Access to opportunities, power, and resources.

• Justice: Treating people fairly, making things right.

• Love: Selfless and giving, seeking to serve and give to others.

• Ubuntu: I am because we are. We are interconnected.

Duties (Primary Functions)

Some of the primary ways our Language Access Program Manager will contribute to advancing a Washington for All:

• Lead statewide systems change for language justice and equity by partnering with state agencies, Tribes, business resource groups, advocacy groups, language access providers, and impacted communities to co-create barrier-free, culturally and linguistically appropriate policies, programs, and services for all Washingtonians, including implementation of legislative mandates.
• Own the project management of enterprise-wide language access initiatives by conducting landscape analyses, identifying gaps and barriers, developing accountability metrics, convening workgroups, and creating implementation and maintenance timelines that deliver measurable outcomes.
• Serve as the Office of Equity's language access coordinator to establish a model of excellence in language access by developing, implementing, and continuously improving the agency's own language access plan, policies, resources, and standard operating procedures so other state agencies have a clear example to follow.
• Act as the Office of Equity's subject matter expert and primary contact for language access, providing expert consultation, technical assistance, and community-centered guidance while building authentic relationships that center the voices of those furthest from equity and embed language justice across all systems and services.

Qualifications

All combinations of experience and higher education relevant to the position including lived, volunteer (paid or unpaid), or professional that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work will be considered.

Fundamental (Required)

You must have lived, volunteer, or professional experience, and/or education that demonstrates your ability to

• Project management experience leading complex, cross-sector initiatives that drive policy and systems change with measurable outcomes and accountability.
• Experience developing and managing language access programs, including policies, processes, systems, and resources aligned with organizational goals.
• Experience providing consultation and technical assistance to government agencies and public sector partners.
• Experience assessing language needs and developing and implementing language access plans that ensure equitable, culturally and linguistically appropriate services in compliance with federal and state laws and best practices (e.g., Title VI, ADA, Section 504, WLAD, CLAS).
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with diverse non-English language preferred communities, including Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing communities.
• Experience collaborating and communicating with diverse stakeholders, including community members, interpreters, translators, agencies, and community-based organizations.
• Experience leading organizational change using a language access, equity, and justice framework.
• Experience applying accessibility and language access strategies (e.g., plain language, translation, interpretation, tools, and technologies) to ensure accessible information and services.
• Experience coordinating language access services and facilitating accessible meetings, events, and engagements.
• Knowledge of historical and systemic inequities impacting marginalized communities, and ability to navigate complex, ambiguous situations while engaging in difficult conversations with clarity and respect and fostering a culture of belonging.

In addition, to be part of the Equity Team, you must demonstrate your ability to:

• Take action to learn and grow and meet the needs of others
• Educate others on the underlying context of systemic oppression (past and present) and respond to resistance in a clear and direct manner.
• Lead change to remove barriers in policies, processes, and practices with unwavering principles and without regard for personal comfort.
• Advocate for the lived experiences, perspectives, and needs of others to improve government services and their impact on people and communities.
• Model cultural competence, humility, and responsiveness, and cultivate a culture of belonging where each person feels their authentic self is accepted, respected, and reflected.

Added Value (Preferred)

Additional lived, volunteer, or professional experience and/or education that demonstrates your ability to:

• Experience working with and serving tribes.
• Experience working with and serving immigrants and refugees.
• Experience working with unions.
• Proficiency in a language other than English.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint, Canva.

If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Supplemental Information

Interested? Let us hear from you!

To apply, simply click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application (you can save the application and come back to it, if needed). Please include the following:

1. Attach a current resume that describes how your lived, volunteer or professional experience and/or education make you competent and prepared for this job.

2. Attach a letter of interest that shares.

3. Include three professional references, including your current or recent supervisor, with current telephone numbers and email addresses in your application.

To report accessibility barriers with the online application system and get assistance with submitting your online application, contact the Department of Enterprise Services' job seeker support at 360.664.1960 (877.664.1960) or careershelp@des.wa.gov. You are also encouraged to view recommendations for assistive technology on the Accessibility Information Page on the careers.wa.gov website.

All applicants will be notified of their status in our process. The Office of Equity will contact the selected individuals directly to engage in our hiring process. For questions about this recruitment or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email Rob Bamba at talentacquisition@ofm.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

The Office of Equity is an equal opportunity employer. We work to create a workplace environment that honors and respects the sacred nature of each individual's personhood. Racial and ethnic members of the global majority, women, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and Vietnam-era veterans or veterans who are disabled are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodations, help in the application process, or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360-725-0158 or dial 711 to reach the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf system.

This position is exempt from civil service rules. For more information, please see WAC 357-19-195.

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

The application process requires that you attach a cover letter detailing how you meet the qualifications of this position and a resume. Please check your attachments and click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation.

• Yes, I have attached a cover letter and a resume.
• No, I have not attached a cover letter and a resume.

02

In your own words (150 or fewer), share your understanding of and position on systemic racism and anti-Black racism. *The use of AI is prohibited; it is important to rely on your own knowledge and insight.

03

In your own words, share how you would facilitate a culture of belonging with team members who report directly to you.

04

Do you project management experience leading complex, cross-sector initiatives that drive policy and systems change with measurable outcomes and accountability?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have experience developing and managing language access programs, including policies, processes, systems, and resources aligned with organizational goals?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience assessing language needs and developing and implementing language access plans that ensure equitable, culturally and linguistically appropriate services in compliance with federal and state laws and best practices (e.g., Title VI, ADA, Section 504, WLAD, CLAS)?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you experience collaborating and communicating with diverse stakeholders, including community members, interpreters, translators, agencies, and community-based organizations?

• Yes
• No

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