Agency Deputy Director

Full Job Description

The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) regulates our state's financial service providers and protects consumers, and we are looking to fill an executive management position - the Agency Deputy Director.

Why work at the DFI?
If you are interested in working in the public sector and doing something that can make a difference in Washingtonians lives, then you are the type of person we are looking for. Doing work that helps others can bring about great personal satisfaction. We think that one of the biggest reasons that our employees do their jobs so well is because they honestly like what they do and believe in the culture of this agency. In our work, every day presents a new and interesting challenge.
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions’ (DFI) mission is to protect consumers and advance the financial health of Washington State by providing fair regulation of financial services and educating consumers to make informed financial decisions. Collectively and independently, the Department’s 240 plus employees within its 5 divisions – Administration, Banks, Consumer Services, Credit Unions and Securities – work together to create a stronger economic future and secure financial environment for Washington’s consumers and businesses alike. DFI is self-supporting, in that none of its operating revenues come from the state’s general tax funds. Its operating revenues are paid by the organizations and individuals it regulates. To learn more about the Department of Financial Institutions, please visit our website at www.dfi.wa.gov.

Where is the DFI located?
DFI headquarters is located in Tumwater, WA, just minutes from Olympia. We are also minutes from I-5, the State Capital, Tumwater Falls Park, shopping, restaurants and within walking distance of InterCity Transit bus lines and much more.

Requirements

The Deputy Director position is a high-level leadership position and is exempt from state civil service.

The position has authority over Division Directors and Program Managers for coordination and implementation of state or agency-wide policy initiatives.

The position serves as a member of the agency Executive Management Team in setting strategic direction for the agency and developing agency policies and procedures.

The position represents the agency as the Deputy Director in statewide committees and groups.

The Deputy Director is delegated authority and responsibility by, is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the Agency Director (Director). The position reports directly to the Director and in the absence of the Director is empowered to perform all duties of the Director except for approval or disapproval of new charters, licenses and branches.

Some of Your Responsibilities as Deputy Director:

• Directly manage agency-wide policy, legislative, public records and risk management activities for the agency.
• Support the health and growth of responsible financial service providers; deliver innovative, effective, and culturally relevant services; innovate and improve efficiency and performance.
• Facilitate and coordinate projects with agency-wide focus and manage the communication of issues, policy development, and implementation approaches for areas such as budget development, strategic planning, and process improvement.
• Ensure effective communication throughout the agency to effectively manage agency-wide projects, and that agency managers understand statewide and internal policies in the strategic direction of their programs and divisions.
• Develop and interpret policy on behalf of the Director, negotiate resolution to policy, legislative, risk management and other issues on the Director’s behalf, and make decisions that will have far-reaching effects throughout our state’s financial institutions industry and economy.
• Act independently to ensure accurate and timely communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Act in consultation with the Director on highly sensitive issues.
• Provide guidance and management of the agency’s day-to-day operational and policy matters.
• Manage and directly supervise the agency’s Policy Director, Director of Human Resources, DEI Director, the CHP Oversight Committee Program Manager and maintains dotted-line supervision of WA Saves Program Manager.
• The Deputy Director has significant influence and impact on the agency's $86,260,000 operating budget through various responsibilities.

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies.

• Possess a strong legal background and a broad knowledge of state and federal laws and policies impacting financial institutions and financial service providers.
• Have strong management experience and knowledge of strategic planning processes including business planning, quality process planning, budget development and administration, performance measurement, Lean, and other management principles.
• Have strong written and oral communication skills and be an effective public speaker.
• Be able to multi-task, working with problems in several diverse areas in a parallel fashion.
• Effectively delegate tasks and authority and manage a diverse portfolio of responsibilities.
• Prioritize conflicting objectives and the ability to exercise good judgment in allocating resources to meet mutually exclusive demands.
• Coach, mentor and develop professional staff.
• Possess a good understanding of the legislative process and have a broad knowledge of legal processes and State administrative procedures relating to the litigation of administrative orders.
• Have strong negotiation and consensus building skills to work with stakeholders in developing legislative and policy proposals.
• Possess good judgment and communication skills to conduct media relations in the consumer services area.
• Have knowledge and skills to manage information systems and database projects, and to facilitate process improvement initiatives.
• Have strong legal analytical skills to resolve complex interpretive issues involving the application of state and federal law and regulations.
• Possess very strong skills personally communicating with angry or upset members of the public or regulated individuals and be skilled at addressing or responding to their concerns so that they feel heard and treated respectfully and fairly.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies.

• Desired education: a Juris Doctor degree or equivalent law degree is preferred.
• Regulatory experience with regulated entities is preferred.

Additional Information

The DFI values diverse perspectives and life experiences and our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. This culture of respect promotes a professional and inclusive environment where maximizing potential through opportunity is achievable by everyone.
Benefits of working for DFI include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement and deferred compensation, and generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Healthy work-life balance, wellness benefits, and ability to work in a hybrid work environment.
  Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion where every person is recognized and valued.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities, including DFI’s in-house CLE program and other training that ensures employees are successful.
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per calendar year toward pursuit of advanced degrees or certifications.
• You may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Application Process:
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. If you are not able to attach a document, please notify the contact person prior to submitting your application. Submitting your application materials electronically will act as confirmation that the information submitted is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Failure to provide required application materials may result in disqualification.

Interested applicants should select the "Apply" button and attach the following materials to their application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Background Investigation:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including reference, criminal and credit record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Contact Information:
Tom Grant, Human Resource Office
tom.grant@dfi.wa.gov or recruiting@dfi.wa.gov