DSHS OOS Senior Executive Assistant

Full Job Description

DSHS Senior Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking a Senior Executive Assistant to support the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) and their nine direct reports, within the Office of the Secretary.

This role provides executive-level administrative support in a fast-moving environment where sound judgment, strong organization, and clear communication are essential.

You’ll join a small, collaborative team of Sr. Executive Assistants who support the Secretary, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Chief of Staff.

This role provides the opportunity to work in a trusted, executive-level environment supporting the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff and the work of the Office of the Secretary.

You’ll build strong working relationships with partners across state government, including executive offices, legislative staff, and leaders from other agencies. Success in this role depends on professionalism, discretion, and the ability to represent the Office of the Secretary with confidence.

Some of what you’ll do

• Prepare the Deputy Chief of Staff for each day — briefs, materials, priorities, and meeting readiness
• Manage complex calendars and schedules for the DCOS and, when needed, other leaders in the Office of the Secretary
• Draft and edit high-stakes communications, correspondence, and meeting materials
• Coordinate meetings, agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions
• Review and route key documents, including grants, letters, and stakeholder communications
• Manage and facilitate department-wide initiatives and special projects

• Handle confidential and sensitive matters with professionalism and sound judgment

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of executive assistant experience supporting senior or C-suite leaders, OR 10+ years of executive-level administrative experience supporting senior or C-suite leaders.
• Experience operating in complex, high-visibility leadership environments where priorities shift quickly, and discretion is essential
• Ability to anticipate needs, manage shifting priorities, and keep leaders prepared for decisions and meetings
• Clear, confident communication skills — written and verbal — with the ability to represent senior leadership professionally
• Strong relationship-building skills with Executive Assistants, senior leaders, and partners across State Government
• Sound judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence, especially when navigating sensitive or confidential information
• High technical proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat/PDF tools, and remote meeting platforms
• A forward-looking, organized approach to problem-solving — anticipating obstacles and keeping work moving
• Ability to quickly learn the Deputy Chief’s working style and build strong partnerships across the Office of the Secretary

How to apply

• Current resume
• A letter of interest describing how your experience aligns with this role
• Three professional references

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.Questions?

Contact Tracie Kidd at tracie.kidd@dshs.wa.gov and reference 00511.

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.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.