L&I Deputy Assistant Director for Strategy, Technology, and Innovation
Salary
$98,712.00 - $170,076.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type
Full Time - Permanent
Job Number
EMS 26-03
Department
Dept. of Labor & Industries
Division
Insurance Services - Administration
Opening Date
05/22/2026
Closing Date
6/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!
Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability
We will begin interviewing on June 1, 2026. It is in your best interest to apply as soon as possible.
The salary offer will be based on the candidate's job-related skills, experience and training. The target pay range of consideration for this exempt position is typically $120,804 - $170,076 annually. The full band pay range is $98,712 - $170,076 annually.
Why work at L&I?
The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety, health, and security of Washingtons workers. As administrators of the states workers compensation system, we are similar to a large insurance company providing medical and limited wage-replacement coverage to workers who suffer job-related injuries and illness.
Insurance Services is the largest division within the agency and administers one of the premier workers' compensation organizations in the nation serving over 3.8 million employees working for 260,000 employers.
Take a look at this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice. Work-life balance is a priority at L&I. We support a hybrid work model and offer flexible work schedules.
We offer great benefits which include paid leave, tuition imbursement, infants at work, generous retirement package and much more. Select on the "Benefits" tab to learn more.
Job Highlights
The Deputy Assistant Director for Strategy, Technology, and Innovation provides executive leadership and business process oversight for the division. This critical role requires a collaborative and credible leader who can oversee the division's product portfolio and technology strategy while driving innovation and modernization efforts.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead during a pivotal phase in the modernization of workers' compensation systems. The successful candidate will guide business strategy and the implementation of digital products that support operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and evolving customer expectations. Success in this role will be achieved through strategic oversight and full lifecycle management of assigned products and technology initiatives.
Duties
Some of what you'll do:
Qualifications
L&I strives to foster a healthy, values-driven workplace culture. To support that goal, we are intentional about the leaders we welcome into our agency. On entry, we expect the successful candidate to embody the Leadership Competencies included below.
Required:
Executive Leadership Experience: Five (5) years in senior-level management or executive roles, with a demonstrated track record of leading complex, enterprise-wide initiatives and managing diverse teams across multiple functions.
Leadership Competencies
Holistic Leadership
Systems Thinking
Emotional Intelligence
Enterprise Project and Portfolio Management: Five (5) years of extensive experience managing large, complex projects and portfolios from both business and technology perspectives, including modernization programs, product management and cross-functional initiatives.
Leadership Competencies
Fostering Safe and Collaborative Relationships
Innovation and Improvement Mindset
Strategic and Operational Expertise: Broad, generalist background in operational management and support functions, including technology, data, business process management, project leadership and human resources.
Leadership Competency
Technology Mindset
Change Leadership: Proven ability to influence organizational change, motivate stakeholders and drive engagement across multiple levels of the organization.
Leadership Competencies
Unifier
Adaptive Communication
Decision-Making: Demonstrated capability to operate effectively in complex environments, balancing competing priorities while maintaining focus on long-term outcomes and enterprise goals.
Leadership Competency
Sound Judgement and Decision-Making
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, organizational management, information technology, data management or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and significant, progressively responsible executive experience in strategy, technology, innovation, and enterprise leadership.
Desired:
Supplemental Information
Application process
Complete the online application and attach the following documents. Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not include the following:
Do not attach or place any medical information in the application, resume, or cover letter. You will be asked to remove the confidential information before you will be considered.
Learn more about our hiring process on L&I's website.
If you need an accommodation for the application or hiring process, please email or call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
L&I is an equal opportunity employer and doesn't discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.
This position may be stationed at any of our service locations, and you must be able to travel to Headquarters (Tumwater, WA) when required.
The frequency of telework will be discussed with the supervisor of the position at the time of offer.
Background Check Notice
Prior to placement in a position at L&I, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. The results might not disqualify candidates. L&I understands some situations may require further explanation. In these situations, candidates will have the opportunity to talk with the L&I Assistant Director of the Office of Human Resources.
Other information
Veterans Preference
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers and Date of Birth. For further information, contact L&I's Talent team.
For more Information
If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact Sally Elliott, Talent and Belonging Manager.
To receive more information on opportunities at L&I sign up for GovDelivery and select L&I job alerts.
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
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Employer State of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov