KEES has been exclusively retained by the Office of Governor Bob Ferguson in its search for a Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services. 

Appointed by the Governor, the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services serves as a member of the Governor’s executive Cabinet. In this role, the Secretary leads the delivery of human services across Washington state, providing executive leadership, direction, and strategic vision. The Secretary holds ultimate authority to ensure that the department’s programs align with its core mission, organizational values, and the Governor’s priorities.

The successful candidate will be an agent of transformation and integration with a deep
commitment to the mission of partnering with Washingtonians to access the support,
care, and resources they need. The ideal next Secretary of DSHS will be a results-oriented, person-centric leader with vision and strategic acumen to guide the agency through financial uncertainty and increasing demand for services. They will possess the relationship-building skills, charisma, and political savvy necessary to establish a clear direction and rally stakeholders toward meaningful action.

This leader must maintain composure under pressure, solicit feedback, and objectively
evaluate options with both short- and long-term impacts in mind. Bringing courage to challenge the status quo and make difficult but necessary decisions, the next Secretary will lead change in a way that is transparent, collaborative, and sustainable. Strong communication skills, humility, and kindness will be essential in fostering trust and positive working relationships. Given the challenges ahead, the Secretary must effectively balance competing interests while clearly articulating a vision and making
thoughtful, well-communicated decisions that inspire confidence and drive progress.

The salary range for this position is expected to fall within the range of $220,000 - $250,000. The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidate’s qualifications. Please note that there is career salary growth beyond
this starting range for the successful candidate.

Generous benefits are provided to all state employees and more information can be found here: https://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html. The primary work location will be Olympia, WA, along with necessary state-wide and national travel as needed. Relocation support information is found here:   https://ofm.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/legacy/policy/60.10.pdf.

TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/Secretary-WA-State-Dept-Social-Health-Services

To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

This search is being managed by Heather Eddy, President & CEO, and Megan Taylor, Project Manager, of KEES. Questions may be addressed to mtaylor@kees2success.com.

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public entity sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is the cornerstone of human services in Washington state. As the largest agency, it employs over 20,000 people in close to as many full-time positions, encompassing more than 400 Washington General Service job classes. These roles include a wide range of professionals, such as licensed staff, case managers, IT experts, rehabilitation specialists, communicators, financial analysts, data experts, carpenters, and many others. 

Each month, DSHS provides essential services—such as care, protection, and support—to roughly 2 million of Washington’s more than 7 million residents. DSHS is dedicated to becoming a national leader in client service across all its areas of focus. To learn more, please visit dshs.wa.gov.

Some specific requirements include:
•    Extensive and proven experience in government/nonprofit organizational leadership and strategic planning in a large multi-service organization.
•    Management of a significant budget, which includes federal and state funds that are expended to serve individuals.
•    Capacity to collaborate and coordinate the delivery of highly complex social services with other state agencies, federal agencies, local governments and external stakeholders.
•    Ability and desire to influence current and future legislation and ability to implement executive and legislative policies, making internal policy decisions, which directly affect one in three residents of Washington state.
•    Bring a strong and relatable/personal work ethic to the department, inspiring others to care for and work on behalf of others.
•    Bachelor’s degree in social science, public administration, business, political science, organizational development or related field. Applicable professional experience can substitute for degree requirement.