DSHS FTAA Senior Director Central Budget Office

Full Job Description

Senior Director of Central Budget Office

The Central Budget Office (CBO) within the Finance, Technology, & Analytics Administration (FTAA) serves the needs of the Secretary and the entire enterprise of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

The Senior Director of the Central Budget Office reports to the DSHS Chief Financial Officer and serves as the agency’s primary executive authority for budget and financial policy.

This position provides executive leadership and oversight of a combined $21.5 billion biennial budget and over 19,500 FTEs spanning six direct service administrations and three support administrations, making it one of the largest and most complex cabinet-level agency budgets in the state.

The Senior Director applies advanced management principles with a strategic, results-oriented approach to ensure the integrity, sustainability, and alignment of agency resources with DSHS’s mission and strategic plan.

This role requires cross-administration and cross-agency leadership, close collaboration with the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and legislative fiscal staff, and stewardship of state and federal funding that directly impacts highly visible programs serving vulnerable populations across Washington State.

Who Should Apply

• Professionals with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in finance, public administration, business administration, social services, or a related field.

And

• At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in a large, complex organization, including a minimum of five years supervising professional budget and/or fiscal management staff in a government or public-sector setting.

Note: Additional years of relevant professional experience in a large and complex organization may be substituted, year for year, for the education requirement.

What We’re Looking For

• Extensive experience managing large, complex budgets with multiple funding streams and significant public accountability
• Advanced knowledge of state and federal financial management principles, budgetary constraints, and fiscal accountability requirements in health and human services
• Demonstrated experience working effectively within a political environment, including collaboration with elected officials, legislative staff, and executive leadership
• Proven ability to develop cost estimates for new or modified programs and analyze fiscal impacts of proposed state and federal policy changes
• Experience overseeing federal grants and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and allowable costs
• Strong understanding of the state legislative budget process and interagency coordination
• Ability to provide clear, executive-level communication and guidance across all levels of a large organization
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, diversity in the workforce, and equitable service delivery
• Ability to deliver measurable results while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism

Desired Skills

• Executive leadership through collaboration and cooperation
• Strategic thinking and long-term financial planning
• Clear, concise oral and written communication, including briefings and presentations for senior leaders and external stakeholders
• Building and sustaining strong relationships with internal and external partners
• Financial, economic, and policy analysis in complex environments
• Coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing professional teams
• Sound judgment, risk management, and solution-oriented problem solving

Some of What You’ll Do

• Lead and direct the Central Budget Office, providing executive leadership to senior managers and professional fiscal staff
• Oversee the development, management, and execution of the DSHS biennial and supplemental budgets totaling $21.5 billion across multiple administrations and funding sources
• Serve as the agency’s senior executive expert on budget, fiscal policy, and financial management for major state and federal programs
• Coordinate and collaborate with the Office of Financial Management, the Governor’s Office, and legislative fiscal staff on budget development, decision packages, fiscal notes, and legislative strategies
• Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, rules, and funding requirements, including federal grants, Medicaid funding, and maintenance-of-effort obligations
• Provide executive-level advice, consultation, and analysis to the Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Leadership Team on budgetary impacts, financial risks, and policy decisions
• Establish and maintain statewide budget policy, fund management principles, and internal controls applicable across all DSHS administrations
• Oversee the development of accurate fiscal notes, cost models, expenditure projections, and financial data used to inform policy and legislative decisions
• Lead coordination of complex, cross-agency financial initiatives and manage relationships with advocates, auditors, and external stakeholders
• Promote accountability, transparency, and ethical stewardship of public resources while advancing equity-driven outcomes for the communities DSHS serves

Interested? Apply today!
Along with your online application, please submit:

• A current resume
• A letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement
• Three professional references with their contact information

Questions? Email recruiter Kris George at kris.george@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 00918.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work.

It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS.

We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Additional Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may 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 job.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810.

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