Job Description
Join Us! This position is exempt from civil service rules. Exempt recruitments may close at any time without prior notice. It is in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. For more information, please see
WAC 357-19-195
. The Washington State Office of Equity is seeking a courageous, unapologetic champion of equity to join our team as the Language Access Program Manager. We desire a colleague who questions what is, to help find solutions for what can be. Imagine leading transformative language access work, being part of the nation's first state-level Office of Equity, and having a lasting impact by removing barriers so every Washingtonian, regardless of preferred language, can fully participate in state services, employment, and programs. Join the Office of Equity and help build a Washington for ALL using your language access and program management expertise to develop enterprise-wide strategies, co-create solutions with the community, and drive real policy and systems change. This important role leads the Office of Equity's language access, equity, and justice initiatives in partnership with state, local, and community partners to advance barrier-free, culturally and linguistically appropriate state programs, activities, and services for all Washingtonians. While your work is focused on language access, your influence is far reaching. You are a leader, innovator, and change maker in your field, improving the lives of all Washingtonians and creating a model of inclusion that moves the needle toward equity for all. All combinations of experience and higher education relevant to the position including lived, volunteer (paid or unpaid), or professional that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work will be considered. The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $105,000 - $115,000 annually. This is a remote position with schedule flexibility that requires occasional travel in Washington State for meetings, events, and on-site work. The frequency of onsite work varies based on business and operational needs. Who We Are The Office of Equity advances policy and systems change (RCW 43.06D.040) to promote a Washington for all. We believe Washingtonians are stronger together and that Washington can be a state where everyone has access to the opportunities, power, and resources (RCW 43.06D.020) they need to thrive. We believe a government of, by and for the people, where government does its work with people instead of to them, is possible. We exist to advance a government that meets the unique needs of every community in Washington state by collaborating across agencies, branches and sectors to create efficient and effective systems that advance a Washington for All. Our Vision Everyone in Washington State has full access to the opportunities, power, and resources they need to flourish and achieve their full potential. Our Mission To promote equitable access to opportunities, power, and resources across state government that reduce disparities and improve outcomes statewide. Our Values Access:
Barrier-free environments so all can participate. Belonging:
Acceptance and support from all, for all. Dignity:
Honor for the sacred nature of every person. Equity:
Access to opportunities, power, and resources. Justice:
Treating people fairly, making things right. Love:
Selfless and giving, seeking to serve and give to others. Ubuntu:
I am because we are. We are interconnected. Duties (Primary Functions) Some of the primary ways our Language Access Program Manager will contribute to advancing a Washington for All:
Lead statewide systems change for language justice and equity by partnering with state agencies, Tribes, business resource groups, advocacy groups, language access providers, and impacted communities to co-create barrier-free, culturally and linguistically appropriate policies, programs, and services for all Washingtonians, including implementation of legislative mandates. Own the project management of enterprise-wide language access initiatives by conducting landscape analyses, identifying gaps and barriers, developing accountability metrics, convening workgroups, and creating implementation and maintenance timelines that deliver measurable outcomes. Serve as the Office of Equity's language access coordinator to establish a model of excellence in language access by developing, implementing, and continuously improving the agency's own language access plan, policies, resources, and standard operating procedures so other state agencies have a clear example to follow. Act as the Office of Equity's subject matter expert and primary contact for language access, providing expert consultation, technical assistance, and community-centered guidance while building authentic relationships that center the voices of those furthest from equity and embed language justice across all systems and services. Qualifications All combinations of experience and higher education relevant to the position including lived, volunteer (paid or unpaid), or professional that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work will be considered. Fundamental (Required) You must have lived, volunteer, or professional experience, and/or education that demonstrates your ability to Project management experience leading complex, cross-sector initiatives that drive policy and systems change with measurable outcomes and accountability. Experience developing and managing language access programs, including policies, processes, systems, and resources aligned with organizational goals. Experience providing consultation and technical assistance to government agencies and public sector partners. Experience assessing language needs and developing and implementing language access plans that ensure equitable, culturally and linguistically appropriate services in compliance with federal and state laws and best practices (e.g., Title VI, ADA, Section 504, WLAD, CLAS). Experience building and maintaining relationships with diverse non-English language preferred communities, including Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing communities. Experience collaborating and communicating with diverse stakeholders, including community members, interpreters, translators, agencies, and community-based organizations. Experience leading organizational change using a language access, equity, and justice framework. Experience applying accessibility and language access strategies (e.g., plain language, translation, interpretation, tools, and technologies) to ensure accessible information and services. Experience coordinating language access services and facilitating accessible meetings, events, and engagements. Knowledge of historical and systemic inequities impacting marginalized communities, and ability to navigate complex, ambiguous situations while engaging in difficult conversations with clarity and respect and fostering a culture of belonging. In addition, to be part of the Equity Team, you must demonstrate your ability to: Take action to learn and grow and meet the needs of others Educate others on the underlying context of systemic oppression (past and present) and respond to resistance in a clear and direct manner. Lead change to remove barriers in policies, processes, and practices with unwavering principles and without regard for personal comfort. Advocate for the lived experiences, perspectives, and needs of others to improve government services and their impact on people and communities. Model cultural competence, humility, and responsiveness, and cultivate a culture of belonging where each person feels their authentic self is accepted, respected, and reflected. Added Value (Preferred) Additional lived, volunteer, or professional experience and/or education that demonstrates your ability to: Experience working with and serving tribes. Experience working with and serving immigrants and refugees. Experience working with unions. Proficiency in a language other than English. Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint, Canva. If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles. Interested? Let us hear from you! To apply, simply click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application (you can save the application and come back to it, if needed). Please include the following:
1. Attach a current resume that describes how your lived, volunteer or professional experience and/or education make you competent and prepared for this job. 2. Attach a letter of interest that shares. 3. Include t hree professional references , including your current or recent supervisor, with current telephone numbers and email addresses in your application. To report accessibility barriers with the online application system and get assistance with submitting your online application, contact the Department of Enterprise Services' job seeker support at 360.664.1960 (877.664.1960) or careershelp@des.wa.gov. You are also encouraged to view recommendations for assistive technology on the Accessibility Information Page on the careers.wa.gov website. All applicants will be notified of their status in our process. The Office of Equity will contact the selected individuals directly to engage in our hiring process. For questions about this recruitment or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email Rob Bamba at talentacquisition@ofm.wa.gov . For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. The Office of Equity is an equal opportunity employer. We work to create a workplace environment that honors and respects the sacred nature of each individual's personhood . Racial and ethnic members of the global majority, women, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and Vietnam-era veterans or veterans who are disabled are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodations, help in the application process, or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360-725-0158 or dial 711 to reach the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf system. This position is exempt from civil service rules. For more information, please see WAC 357-19-195
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