Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Olympia

About the position

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to oversee critical operational functions supporting the agency's mission to protect children, strengthen families, and create opportunities for youth. The CAO will supervise the departments of Human Resources and Employee Wellness, Information Technology, Facilities, Administrative Services (including legal affairs, public records, and risk management), and Finance to ensure operational excellence and alignment with the agency's strategic goals. The CAO will serve on the Executive Leadership Team advising the Secretary and helping create, direct and lead the agency. This position is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and making strategic decisions for DCYF. Acting as the Secretary's designee, they will implement strategic planning initiatives, policies, and the requirements of Results Washington. While this position has considerable autonomy in decision-making, decisions with significant system-wide or political impact are typically forwarded to the Secretary with recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies that enhance agency performance and service delivery.
• Lead and supervise the department directors of the agency's back office work, ensuring it has integrated, efficient and responsive operations.
• Developing and mentoring the leaders of DCYF Divisions for Financial and Business Services, Administrative Services, Information Technology and Human Resources.
• Oversee HR operations, including talent acquisition, labor relations, and workforce development for a diverse workforce.
• Promote employee well-being through wellness programs and workplace culture initiatives.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with the agency's labor partners, including SEIU 925 and WFSE.
• Oversee IT operations and digital transformation efforts.
• Oversee facility planning, maintenance, and safety compliance.
• Oversee the Administrative Services department providing adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the Chief Financial Officer responsible for budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal management processes.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and implement best practices.
• Foster partnerships with other state agencies and internal stakeholders.
• Represent the agency on a variety of intergovernmental taskforces, projects and committees.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in operations management, preferably within government or nonprofit organizations, OR twelve (12) years of progressive leadership experience in operations management.
• Demonstrated expertise in HR, finance, IT, facilities management, and legal compliance.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and change management skills.
• Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments with an understanding of public sector operations.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in organizational practices.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Social Work, or closely allied field.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in operations management, preferably within government or non-profit organizations.