Director, Health Care Authority
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Olympia, WA 98501
Description:
Salary : $145,404.00 - $251,208.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-01235
Department: Office of the Governor
Division: Office of the Governor
Opening Date: 02/13/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Please Note: To allow for growth and salary progression over time in this role, the full salary range is $145,404 - $261,720 annually. The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the starting salary range. This recruitment will remain open until filled and the hiring manager may make a hiring decision at any time. First review of applications will occur the week of February 24, 2025.
Terms of Appointment: , the authority shall have a director appointed by the governor, with consent of the senate, who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.
Make a Difference at the WA State Health Care Authority!
Are you passionate about improving health outcomes and driving innovation? The is on a mission to transform health care for over 2.7 million people across the state, and we need dedicated individuals like you to help make it happen!
As the state's largest health care purchaser and the single authority for Apple Health (Medicaid), behavioral health services, and Public and School Employee Benefits programs (PEBB/SEBB), HCA is at the forefront of health care innovation. We are committed to using value-based policies, evidence-based treatments, and cutting-edge technology to create a healthier future for Washington residents.
With 1,500+ employees, we put people first. Join an organization that is committed to health equity, fairness, and accountability. HCA's vision of a healthier Washington is powered by the people who work here, so join our team by applying now!
The opportunity
We are seeking a visionary leader to serve as our Director, driving the strategic vision and operational excellence of health care delivery, policy, and purchasing across the state. In this role, you'll report directly to the Governor and have the opportunity to shape the future of health care for over 2.7 million people. Your leadership will steer a system of health care provided through a mix of managed care frameworks and fee-for-service programs, all while managing a biennial budget of nearly $32 billion-over 24% of the state's total operating budget.
This cabinet-level position requires someone with outstanding leadership skills, deep expertise in health care policy, and the ability to navigate complex federal and state regulations. Your influence will directly affect policy decisions and the operational excellence that drives Washington's public health and wellness initiatives.
Duties
What you'll work on
Key Challenges and Opportunities
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
Competencies and Skills:
Personal Attributes:
Desired Qualifications:
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it or contact us with questions about the required qualifications and how your experience relates to them.
Supplemental Information
What we offer:
We foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.
Please visit our for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here's a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that we offer:
Application Process: Once you've decided to apply for a state government job, you'll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person is going to read it. We do not use AI or other technology that screens your application and rejects it. So please be sure to provide clear and detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you need reasonable accommodation in applying, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
When completing your application, we encourage you to attach all of the following:
Questions:
Our Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard of hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at
For more information about this opportunity, please contact:
LeAnna Spriestersbach
Principal
Anvil Rock Consulting, LLC
253-227-5821
The Office of the Governor is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.
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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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, are entitled to three (3) 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
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-01235
Department: Office of the Governor
Division: Office of the Governor
Opening Date: 02/13/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Please Note: To allow for growth and salary progression over time in this role, the full salary range is $145,404 - $261,720 annually. The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the starting salary range. This recruitment will remain open until filled and the hiring manager may make a hiring decision at any time. First review of applications will occur the week of February 24, 2025.
Terms of Appointment: , the authority shall have a director appointed by the governor, with consent of the senate, who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.
Make a Difference at the WA State Health Care Authority!
Are you passionate about improving health outcomes and driving innovation? The is on a mission to transform health care for over 2.7 million people across the state, and we need dedicated individuals like you to help make it happen!
As the state's largest health care purchaser and the single authority for Apple Health (Medicaid), behavioral health services, and Public and School Employee Benefits programs (PEBB/SEBB), HCA is at the forefront of health care innovation. We are committed to using value-based policies, evidence-based treatments, and cutting-edge technology to create a healthier future for Washington residents.
With 1,500+ employees, we put people first. Join an organization that is committed to health equity, fairness, and accountability. HCA's vision of a healthier Washington is powered by the people who work here, so join our team by applying now!
The opportunity
We are seeking a visionary leader to serve as our Director, driving the strategic vision and operational excellence of health care delivery, policy, and purchasing across the state. In this role, you'll report directly to the Governor and have the opportunity to shape the future of health care for over 2.7 million people. Your leadership will steer a system of health care provided through a mix of managed care frameworks and fee-for-service programs, all while managing a biennial budget of nearly $32 billion-over 24% of the state's total operating budget.
This cabinet-level position requires someone with outstanding leadership skills, deep expertise in health care policy, and the ability to navigate complex federal and state regulations. Your influence will directly affect policy decisions and the operational excellence that drives Washington's public health and wellness initiatives.
Duties
What you'll work on
- Strategic Leadership: Build and guide a high-performing, dedicated team in improving health outcomes and delivering value-based care. Lead statewide health system transformation, integrating behavioral health into a comprehensive model.
- Policy and Innovation: Drive implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Cascade Care Select, and Medicaid Transformation Waiver. Influence state and federal health care policy and oversee initiatives addressing legal and policy issues in behavioral health.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee Apple Health, PEBB, and SEBB programs, providing coverage for millions of residents and employees. Foster relationships with Medicaid providers to ensure robust coverage and equitable access.
- Budget Management: Manage a $32 billion biennial budget, ensuring alignment with state priorities.
- Partnership Engagement: Collaborate with local, state, tribal, and federal entities, as well as legislative bodies and labor organizations. Chair key Boards and Committees, strengthening partnerships with community and health care providers.
Key Challenges and Opportunities
- Behavioral Health Integration: Address rising behavioral health needs through expanded services and innovative solutions.
- Health System Transformation: Lead the shift from volume-based to value-based health care delivery.
- Medicaid Evolution: Adapt to changes in federal funding and policy while maintaining high-quality care.
- Cost Management: Develop creative strategies to mitigate rising health care costs without overburdening employees or the State.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- Senior management experience in a complex public or private health care organization.
- Experience managing a diverse workforce delivering services to a complex client base.
- Extensive knowledge of federal and state medical assistance programs, managed care operations and principles, the health care provider marketplace and health care purchasing, federal health care reform and policy as well as employee benefit programs.
- Proven success in policy development, and collaboration with local, state, tribal, and federal government agencies and officials.
Competencies and Skills:
- Visionary leadership with the ability to coach, inspire and manage large teams.
- Ability to understand and articulate national trends, federal requirements, and state mandates to a variety of audiences and organizations.
- Ability to lead and energize staff through large scale, systemic change to achieve a common goal.
- Exceptional communication / public presentation and negotiation skills.
Personal Attributes:
- Curious and thoughtful; demonstrates a commitment to innovation and creative problem solving.
- Collaborative and relationship-oriented leadership style.
- Strong ethical foundation and accountability.
- Strong critical and analytical thinking capability.
Desired Qualifications:
- Graduate level degree in social services, public administration, health care policy, public health, law, or a closely related field.
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it or contact us with questions about the required qualifications and how your experience relates to them.
Supplemental Information
What we offer:
We foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.
Please visit our for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here's a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that we offer:
- An environment of
- Tuition reimbursement
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
- State retirement programs
Application Process: Once you've decided to apply for a state government job, you'll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person is going to read it. We do not use AI or other technology that screens your application and rejects it. So please be sure to provide clear and detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you need reasonable accommodation in applying, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
When completing your application, we encourage you to attach all of the following:
- Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
- Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
- References: at least three professional references and their contact information.
Questions:
Our Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard of hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at
For more information about this opportunity, please contact:
LeAnna Spriestersbach
Principal
Anvil Rock Consulting, LLC
253-227-5821
The Office of the Governor is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.
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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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, are entitled to three (3) 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
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022