Salary : $97,428.00 - $139,440.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal - Permanent
Job Number: WMS 25-04
Department: Dept. of Labor & Industries
Division: Fraud Prevention & Labor Standards - Administration
Opening Date: 08/08/2025
Closing Date: 8/15/ :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
EXTRA Salary Information: WMS/EMS *** The Target Pay Range typically considered for this position is $97,428-$139,440 (Range of Consideration) annually. The Full Pay Range for this WMS Band is $90,096-$146,784 (Full band range) annually. Compensation decisions are determined using factors such as job-related skills, experience, and education or training. We will consider your individual qualifications, should we make you an offer of employment.
Job Highlights Please Note: This opportunity is open to current L&I employees only. The Division of Labor Standards (DLS), also known as Fraud Prevention & Labor Standards, provides statewide leadership in the administration and enforcement of key employment laws, including Apprenticeship, Contract Release & Clean Energy, Employment Standards, Healthcare Labor Standards, and Prevailing Wage programs. This position ensures the division's priorities are effectively implemented and sustained, and that all statewide program operations align with the Agency's mission, policy goals, and performance expectations as our Deputy Assistant Director.
As the Deputy Assistant Director, you'll serve as a principal manager, reporting directly to the Assistant Director of the Division of Labor Standards at the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), and play a critical leadership role in driving the strategic direction, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness of the division. You'll oversee the full spectrum of divisional operations, including strategic and business planning, financial stewardship, technology enablement, facilities oversight, and administrative infrastructure.
Duties Some of what you'll do: - Provides high-level strategic direction and oversight of all Division of Labor Standards (DLS) programs, including Apprenticeship, Contract Release & Clean Energy, Employment Standards, Healthcare Labor Standards, and Prevailing Wage, with long-range focus on shaping the division's future direction, priorities, and outcomes.
- Ensures that programmatic operations are aligned with statewide policy objectives and statutory mandates.
- Oversees the division's legislative and rulemaking portfolio across the division. Provides executive-level leadership in the development, analysis, and implementation of complex legislation and administrative rules.
- Engages with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including employers, labor organizations, industry associations, legislative staff, community-based organizations, and tribal partners, in order to shape, communicate, and implement labor standards policy.
- Leads forecasting and strategic financial planning for the division. Oversees the development and monitoring of spending plans, ensuring alignment with division goals, legislative directives, and fiscal accountability.
- Exercises broad authority over division-wide human resource management, including recruitment, labor relations, classification and compensation, internal investigations, safety and health, and staff development.
- Identifies and sponsors enterprise-level technology improvements to support regulatory enforcement, customer service, and operational efficiency. Advocates for appropriate funding and alignment of IT initiatives with business needs and policy goals.
- Serves as the division's principal technical policy advisor on complex labor standards issues.
- Champions the success and effectiveness of Program Managers by providing mentoring, strategic consultation, and administrative decision-making support.
- Leads interdivisional and interagency coordination on overlapping labor and enforcement issues.
- Prepares and reviews high-level correspondence, policy statements, and legislative responses on behalf of the Assistant Director, Deputy Director, and Director.
- Serves as executive sponsor or project lead on high-priority labor standards initiatives. Secures resources and cross-functional support to achieve intended policy or operational outcomes.
- Leads the negotiation, execution, and oversight of high-impact contracts and interagency agreements, including data-sharing agreements.
For a full list of duties, please request the position description form from Haleigh Missildine (she/her/hers) at
Qualifications Required: - Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Development, Accounting, Criminal Justice, or similar field.
OR
- Five years of progressively responsible experience in management or leadership roles within public administration, insurance (including workers' compensation), tax compliance (state or federal), auditing, accounting, investigation, or related fields.
AND
- A minimum of 3-5 years of experience or academic training in public policy development, implementation, or analysis. This may include work in legislative affairs, regulatory programs, policy research, or agency rulemaking. Demonstrated interest may also be shown through published policy work, advanced coursework, participation in policy fellowships, or leadership in policy-focused initiatives.
Knowledge and Abilities:
This position requires at least 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in executive leadership, labor policy, data-informed decision-making, and operational management. The successful candidate will demonstrate advanced knowledge and proven ability in the following areas:
- Executive and Strategic Leadership - Deep understanding of modern management principles, including leadership vision, policy development, effective communication, lean culture, continuous improvement, and supervisory best practices. Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and lead multidisciplinary teams.
- Labor Standards and Regulatory Expertise - In-depth knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations related to Apprenticeship, Contract Release & Clean Energy, Employment Standards, Healthcare Labor Standards, and Prevailing Wage programs along with an understanding of the operational and political challenges unique to these environments.
- Policy and Program Analysis - Expertise in research design, data collection methods, cost-benefit analysis, impact assessment, and risk analysis. Ability to synthesize quantitative and qualitative data into actionable policy recommendations.
- Data Systems and Tools - Familiarity with public and private labor-related data sources, databases, and systems. Understanding of performance measurement tools and evidence-based decision-making practices.
- Organizational and Change Management - Strong grasp of leadership and change management theories, including facilitation, staff development, decision-making models, and organizational dynamics.
- Project and Operational Management - Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects. Proficient in project planning, critical path analysis, budget oversight, workgroup coordination, process design, and contingency planning.
Skills and Competencies:
- Leadership and Team Management - Demonstrated ability to lead, direct, and support high-performing teams across professional and technical roles. Skilled in building collaborative teams across divisions and aligning work with strategic goals.
- Problem Solving and Critical Thinking - Ability to analyze complex problems, identify risks and opportunities, evaluate policy options, and formulate sound, strategic recommendations grounded in data and stakeholder input.
- Data and Policy Analysis - Proficiency in statistical, financial, and policy evaluation methodologies. Ability to translate technical findings into practical recommendations.
- Political Acumen and Communication - High level of integrity, discretion, and tact in working with legislators, stakeholders, business and labor representatives, and the public. Capable of navigating sensitive and politically charged environments.
- Communication and Influence - Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex and controversial issues clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Skilled in preparing high-impact reports, policy briefs, and legislative testimony.
- Initiative and Innovation - Proactive in identifying emerging issues, generating creative solutions, and guiding the agency through new and unfamiliar policy or operational territory.
- Collaboration and Conflict Resolution - Proven ability to work effectively across divisions, agencies, and with external stakeholders to build consensus, resolve disputes, and drive progress on shared goals.
Must pass Criminal History Records Check:
Candidates for this position cannot have a history of criminal conviction for crimes involving money, currency, credit or credit granting, debt or debt reduction, identify theft or fraud or related subject, or for crimes of domestic or workplace violence, or moral turpitude.
Desired: - A strong foundation, typically demonstrated through 3-5 years of professional experience or relevant graduate-level education, and demonstrated interest in public policy development, implementation, or analysis is highly desirable. This may include roles in legislative affairs, regulatory programs, government relations, policy research, or participation in public policy fellowships or initiatives.
Supplemental Information Things You Need To Know To help you maintain a proper work-life balance, teleworking is one of the work schedule options for this position. L&I also offers flexible custom work schedules.
State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee's career. Click on the "Benefits" tab to learn more.
At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.3 million workers. Take a look at this and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.
For this position, telework is dependent upon business needs and supervisor approval. The assigned duty station for this position is Tumwater, Washington.
For positions where in-office work is necessary, the frequency of telework will be discussed with the supervisor of the position at the time of offer.
To receive more information on opportunities at L&I sign up for and select L&I job alerts.
Application process We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the required and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.
Please include the following documents with your application:
- A describing specific qualifications.
- A current detailing applicable experience and education.
- A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Please do not attach or place any medical information (vaccination status included) within the application, resume, or cover letter. If you do, we will have to reject your application to safeguard others from receiving your confidential information. You will have to remove the confidential information before you can apply again.
To learn more about our hiring process timeline at L&I please visit our L&I recruiting page at.If you would like to read our website in a language other than English, scroll up to the top of the page to select your language of choice from the banner.
Background Check Notice Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.
Other information For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
- Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
- The Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
- Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.
Did You Know? Washington is to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.
In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3 million workers.
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. For further information, contact L&I's .
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency's greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call . TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
For more Information If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact Haleigh Missildine (she/her/hers) at
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 .
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
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated
01
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
- WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
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- L&I Website
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PLEASE READ THE BELOW AND TYPE YOUR INITIALS IN RESPONSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE STATEMENTS.
• I will NOT attach or place any medical information within the application, resume, or cover letter. If I do, I understand that it will be rejected and I may be provided an opportunity to apply again without including my confidential health information, while the posting is still open and applications are being accepted.
• I will not share my medical information with hiring managers or interview panels.
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