Office of Strategic Initiatives and Collaboration Project Manager (MA5) - Olympia

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Company: State of Washington

Location: Olympia, WA 98501

Description:

Salary: $6,227.00 - $8,377.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-02834
Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: Office of Transformation
Opening Date: 04/22/2025
Closing Date: 5/6/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally, and academically, nurtured by family and community."

Job Title: Office of Strategic Initiatives and Collaboration Project Manager (MA5)
Location: Olympia, WA (Flexible/Hybrid schedule. These positions will require attending in-person meetings in Olympia.)
Closes: 5/6/25
Salary: $6227 - $8377 monthly. The indicated salary does not include a 3% general wage increase effective July 1st, 2025.

We are looking for two Project Managers (MA5) to join our team with the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Collaboration (OSIC) within the Transformation Division, who embrace innovation and have experience managing and implementing multiple projects in an ever-changing environment. If you like learning about many different areas of work and enjoy new challenges every day, this position may be for you.

Click here to learn more about

The Opportunity:
These positions are responsible for working across teams to scope, plan, track, and complete projects that impact core business at the agency. The Office of Strategic Initiatives and Collaboration is a small but growing team that supports transformation efforts throughout the organization and will put into practice DCYF project management standards currently in development. This is an exciting opportunity to utilize project management skills and inform the development of projects agency wide.

Some of what you will get to do:
Project Management:
  • Lead all project phases, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring/controlling, and closing.
  • Ensure that projects and deliverables are completed on time, on budget, within scope, and at the required level of quality.
  • Develop detailed project plans to monitor and track progress and control deadlines, budgets, and activities.
  • Establish communication schedules to update stakeholders and staff on the progress of projects.
  • Monitor and approve all budgeted project expenditures.
  • Manage project risks and issues, escalate as needed.
  • Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
  • Identify and participate in the development of new agency policies, integrating internal and external programs, and policy issues in implementation strategy.
Relationship Building and Communications:
  • Develop positive relationships with managers and staff to provide support, including facilitation, tracking, and reporting on projects, and training.
  • Share project/initiative lessons learned and best practices across programs, building relationships with stakeholders and brokering relationships at all levels.
  • Prepare reports and presentations for executive management and external stakeholders (legislature, federal government, executive management, etc.).
  • Coordinate, collaborate, and communicate effectively with staff, Tribes, and stakeholders.
  • Organize and facilitate group meetings, encourage members to take part in discussions, help groups develop plans, and resolve disagreements.
Change Management:
  • Provide effective change management support and communication strategies to help migrate from current to future state around use of new systems, policy processes and implementation.
  • Use Lean principles and change management methodologies to provide in-depth, change management and continuous improvement guidance to transform culture and support the successful implementation of projects.
Required Qualifications:
  • Nine (9) years of project management experience involving increasingly responsible complex assignments with large financial impacts. Ability to direct, manage, coach, and monitor both resources assigned to projects, as well as work with external customers to meet objectives.
OR
  • Associate's degree in social sciences, organizational development, public administration, business administration, behavioral sciences, or an allied field AND seven (7) years of progressively responsible and multi-dimensional experience in managing complex projects and/or programs.
OR
  • Bachelor's degree in social sciences, organizational development, public administration, business administration, behavioral science, or an allied field AND five (5) years of progressively responsible and multi-dimensional experience in managing complex projects and/or programs.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:
  • Previous training and professional certification in project management and/or change management.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a high work volume, utilizing creative problem-solving.
  • Previous experience in designing, developing, and overseeing the implementation of a comprehensive organizational change management strategy.
  • Previous experience using technology to improve efficiency, accuracy, quality, and communication of project management work.
  • Demonstrated understanding of how people go through a change and the change process.
  • Previous experience in building and leading collaborative project teams.
  • Previous experience creating and implementing change management strategies and plans that maximize employee adoption and usage and minimize resistance.
  • Previous experience working in policy or project management in agency/enterprise-wide support services in the public sector.


How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:
  • Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
  • Current resume detailing experience and education.
  • Minimum of three professional references

Supplemental Information

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:

This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license.

The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.

Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org. Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S.

For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

02834
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
01

Which of the following best describes your education and experience as it relates to this position?
  • Nine (9) years of project management experience with increasingly responsible and complex assignmentsinvolving large financial impacts. Ability to direct, manage, coach, and monitor both resources assigned to projects, aswell as work with external customers to meet objectives.
  • Associates degree in social sciences, organizational development, public administration, business administration,behavioral sciences or an allied field AND seven (7) years of progressively responsible and multi-dimensional experiencein managing complex projects and/or programs.
  • Bachelor's degree in social sciences, organizational development, public administration, business administration,behavioral sciences or an allied field AND five (5) years of progressively responsible and multi-dimensional experience inmanaging complex projects and/or programs.
  • None of the above.

02

Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous questions. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Please do not write "see application/resume/cover letter."
03

Which of the following best describes your experience creating and implementing change management strategies and plans?
  • I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
  • I have two (2) to three (3) years of this experience.
  • I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
  • I have four (4) to five (5) years of this experience.
  • I have five (5) to six (6) years of this experience.
  • I have six (6) to seven (7) years of this experience.
  • I have seven (7) to eight (8) years of this experience.
  • I have eight (8) to nine (9) years of this experience.
  • I have nine (9) to ten (10) years of this experience.
  • I have MORE than ten (10) years of this experience.
  • I have none of this experience.

04

Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous questions. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Please do not write "see application/resume/cover letter."
05

Which of the following best describes your experience leading project phases, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring/controlling, and closing?
  • I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
  • I have two (2) to three (3) years of this experience.
  • I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
  • I have four (4) to five (5) years of this experience.
  • I have five (5) to six (6) years of this experience.
  • I have six (6) to seven (7) years of this experience.
  • I have seven (7) to eight (8) years of this experience.
  • I have eight (8) to nine (9) years of this experience.
  • I have nine (9) to ten (10) years of this experience.
  • I have MORE than ten (10) years of this experience.
  • I have none of the above.

06

Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous questions. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Please do not write "see application/resume/cover letter."
07

Which of the following best describes your experience providing leadership, organization and coordination of projects?
  • I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
  • I have two (2) to three (3) years of this experience.
  • I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
  • I have four (4) to five (5) years of this experience.
  • I have five (5) to six (6) years of this experience.
  • I have six (6) to seven (7) years of this experience.
  • I have seven (7) to eight (8) years of this experience.
  • I have eight (8) to nine (9) years of this experience.
  • I have nine (9) to ten (10) years of this experience.
  • I have MORE than ten (10) years of this experience.
  • I have none of the above.

08

Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous questions. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Please do not write "see application/resume/cover letter."
09

Which of the following best describes your experience managing project risks and issues?
  • I have one (1) to two (2) years of this experience.
  • I have two (2) to three (3) years of this experience.
  • I have three (3) to four (4) years of this experience.
  • I have four (4) to five (5) years of this experience.
  • I have five (5) to six (6) years of this experience.
  • I have six (6) to seven (7) years of this experience.
  • I have seven (7) to eight (8) years of this experience.
  • I have eight (8) to nine (9) years of this experience.
  • I have nine (9) to ten (10) years of this experience.
  • I have MORE than ten (10) years of this experience.
  • I have none of the above.

10

Please briefly describe how/where you gained the experience indicated in the previous questions. Your answer should be reflected in the work history section of your application. If you do not have this experience, please write "none." Please do not write "see application/resume/cover letter."
11

Do you have a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

12

(For degrees obtained outside the U.S.) Have you included a foreign equivalency certification verified by a NACES-approved organization from naces.org?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Does not apply

13

How did you hear about this job opportunity?
  • WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
  • WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
  • Washington State Employee Referral
  • DCYF Employee Referral
  • DCYF Jobs Page
  • Monster
  • College/university career fair or website
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • VERG
  • Advertisement
  • CareerBuilder
  • Diversity Jobs
  • Handshake
  • Other

Required Question

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