• Job Description

  Req#: 5295339
  Salary : $124,033.00 - $170,073.00 Annually
  Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
  Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
  Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
  Job Number: 2026-02803
  Department: Dept. of Commerce
  Division: Housing Division
  Opening Date: 04/02/2026
  Closing Date: 5/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
  
  Description
  Assistant Director, Housing Division (EMS 4)
  
  The Department of Commerce is seeking a visionary, strategic, and collaborative leader to drive innovation and expand housing access across the state. This role can be based in Olympia or Seattle, with hybrid work flexibility.
  
  The Organization:
  
  The Washington State Department of Commerce is the state's lead agency for community and economic development, with a mission to strengthen communities and expand opportunity statewide. Commerce manages a diverse portfolio across multiple divisions, all working toward vibrant communities, a resilient economy, and equitable access to opportunity. Operating at the intersection of policy, funding, and partnership, the agency deploys resources that influence housing, infrastructure, energy, and economic vitality across Washington State.
  
  The Housing Division within Commerce is one of the most visible and mission-critical portfolios in state government.
  
  The Housing Division is responsible for advancing the state's commitment to ensuring that every Washington resident has access to safe, affordable housing. It does so through a comprehensive and highly integrated portfolio that includes:
  
  • Policy development, legislative support, and advisory functions shaping statewide housing strategy to meet the goal of building 1.1M new housing units over the next 20 years.
  • Capital investments to build and preserve affordable housing statewide
  • Programs that prevent homelessness and stabilize households
  • Data and performance systems that inform decision-making and improve outcomes
  
  The division's work spans the full housing continuum-from homelessness response and permanent supportive housing to homeownership and multifamily development-while also supporting statewide coordination and alignment across systems.
  
  With a strong commitment to equity and systems-level impact, the division partners with local governments, Tribes, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand housing availability and stability statewide.
  
  Notably, the Housing Trust Fund, administered through Commerce, has invested over $2.6 billion and supported more than 59,000 affordable housing units, underscoring the scale and impact of the division's work.
  The Opportunity:
  The Housing Division is seeking its next Assistant Director. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to shape the future of housing in Washington State at a pivotal moment. Following a period of sustained leadership transition and rapid organizational growth, the division is ready for a unifying, forward-looking leader who can stabilize, align, and accelerate the organization's work.
  
  This role sits at the center of one of the Governor's top priorities, creating a powerful platform for impact.
  
  The Assistant Director will lead nearly 200 professionals across eight organizational units, overseeing one of the largest and most complex housing portfolios in the Pacific Northwest, with over $2.5 billion in funding across 82 programs driving statewide housing outcomes. Beyond operational leadership, this role offers the chance to drive meaningful systems change by modernizing housing delivery, strengthening cross-agency alignment, and advancing bold strategies to meet the state's long-term housing goals.
  
  As a key member of Commerce's Executive Leadership Team, the Assistant Director will also help shape agency-wide strategy and influence how we invest, build, and serve communities across Washington. Success in this role will require a leader who can build trust quickly, bring clarity amid ambiguity, and translate vision into measurable progress.
  Key Priorities in the First 12-18 Months:
  • Stabilize and unify the division by building trust, strengthening leadership alignment, and creating clarity of direction across teams.
  • Drive measurable housing outcomes, contributing to the state's long-term goal of developing approximately 1.1-1.2 million new housing units over the next 20 years.
  • Break down silos and position the Housing Division as an integrated, strategic partner across Commerce and with external partners.
  • Lead through complexity and change, navigating evolving policy discussions, organizational transformation, and external partner expectations.
  • Establish a strong leadership presence as a trusted advisor to agency leadership, the Governor's office, and external partners.
  What You'll Do:
  As Assistant Director of the Housing Division, your leadership will directly shape housing outcomes across Washington. Key responsibilities include:
  
  • Strategic & Operational Leadership: Lead the day-to-day operations of the Housing Division, setting a clear vision and driving execution across all functions. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and belonging.
  • Program & Team Oversight: Oversee 8 units and more than 80 programs focused on housing access, affordability, and homelessness. Ensure alignment, performance, and compliance across a complex program portfolio.
  • Fiscal Stewardship: Manage a large and complex operating and capital budget, ensuring responsible allocation of resources and maximum impact.
  • Policy & Executive Advisory: Serve as a key advisor on housing and homelessness issues, providing strategic insight on legislative, political, and operational implications.
  • Cross-Sector Leadership: Build and maintain strong partnerships with Tribes, local governments, community organizations, advocacy groups, private sector stakeholders, and related public agencies.
  • Organizational Leadership & Talent Development: Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing leadership team that's aligned around shared goals and outcomes. Strengthen organizational cohesion in an environment with varying tenure and evolving structure.
  What You'll Bring:
  This role is ideal for a strategic, mission-driven executive who thrives in complexity and is motivated by public impact at scale. We welcome candidates from both public and private sectors who bring the leadership maturity, systems thinking, and political navigation required for this role.
  
  Minimum Qualifications:
  
  • 10+ years of relevant experience, with a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated success in senior-level leadership roles with responsibility for managing complex programs, large multidisciplinary teams, and significant operating and/or capital budgets.
  • Familiarity operating within public sector authorizing environments.
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; a combination of education and progressively responsible leadership experience may be substituted
  • Experience coaching people managers, driving organizational effectiveness, and fostering collaborative and inclusive team environments
  • Track record of advising executive leadership and driving strategic plans and initiatives
  • Action-oriented and proactive, with the ability to navigate barriers and drive initiatives forward in a matrixed environment; highly resourceful
  • Demonstrated success leading organizations or divisions through transformation, including scaling programs, improving systems, or driving cross-sector initiatives; skilled in stabilizing and supporting teams during change
  • Proven ability to translate policy or strategy into actionable programs, drive implementation, and deliver measurable outcomes at scale; sets long-term vision while driving near-term execution with clear expectations and accountability
  • Skilled at navigating ambiguity and aligning stakeholders around shared goals
  • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence decision-making across executive leadership, policymakers/elected officials, and external partners
  • Strong interpersonal skills with a track record of building trust and effective partnerships
  • High integrity, emotional intelligence, humility, resilience, transparency and authenticity
  • A strong listener who leads with empathy, clarity, sound judgement and decisiveness
  • An innovative problem-solver; able to gather input, assess risks, and make timely, strategic decisions
  • Committed to equity with demonstrated ability to apply an equity lens to leadership, policy, and decision-making
  
  Preferred Qualifications:
  
  • Experience leading housing or community development programs within a state or local government environment, or in close partnership with public agencies
  • Experience with affordable housing finance tools and structures (e.g., LIHTC, tax-exempt bonds, public-private partnerships) and oversight of housing development or preservation initiatives
  • Significant experience working with state, local or federal legislative bodies, contributing to policy development, and navigating complex regulatory environments
  • Experience advancing equity in housing access and outcomes, including experience serving historically underserved or disproportionately impacted communities
  • Knowledge of Washington State housing programs, including funding mechanisms and legislative processes
  Why This Role:
  This is an opportunity to shape the future of housing in Washington State.
  
  You will help define how the state responds to one of its most pressing challenges, working at the intersection of policy, community impact, and systems transformation. For the right leader, this is a chance to leave a lasting legacy on communities across Washington.
  
  How to Apply:
  
  This search is being led by Anvil Rock Consulting, a retained executive search partner. All applications will be reviewed in partnership with the hiring organization.
  
  To be considered, please submit a resume and cover letter as part of your application. Your cover letter should highlight your alignment with the role and your interest in advancing housing initiatives within Washington State. Please note, incomplete applications may not be considered.
  
  For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email:- please reference the job number in your message.
  Supplemental Information
  
  Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity
  The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
  Additional Information:
  
  • The full range for the position is $98,700 - $170,073 yearly. The initial salary offered will consider internal equity and will be based on relevant knowledge, skills, and experienced and may be less than the top of the range.
  
  
  
  • This high-level leadership position may occasionally speak or act for the Director. Working extra hours on weekends, holidays, or evenings is often normal for a position at this level.
  
  
  
  • This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.
  
  
  
  • Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at?careershelp@des.wa.gov.
  
  
  
  • The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and application materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required.
  
  More than Just a Paycheck!
  Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
  
  We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
  
  Read about our benefits:
  The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
  
  Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
  
  Insurance Benefits
  Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
  
  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
  
  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
  
  Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
  
  Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
  
  The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
  
  Retirement and Deferred Compensation
  State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
  
  Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
  
  Social Security
  All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
  
  Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
  
  Holidays
  Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
  
  Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
  
  Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
  
  Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
  
  Sick Leave
  Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
  
  Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
  
  Vacation (Annual Leave)
  Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
  
  Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
  
  Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
  
  As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
  
  Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
  
  Military Leave
  Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
  
  Bereavement Leave
  Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
  
  Additional Leave
  Leave Sharing
  
  Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  Leave Without Pay
  
  Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
  
  Updated 01-07-2026
  01
  
  This role can be based in Commerce offices in Olympia or Seattle, WA, with hybrid work flexibility. Are you willing to live within a commutable distance (50 miles) from one of these locations?
  • Yes - Olympia
  • Yes - Seattle
  • No - I can't commute
  
  02
  
  Do you have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience, including 5 or more years in a senior leadership role with responsibility for managing large, complex programs, multidisciplinary teams, and significant operating and/or capital budgets?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  03
  
  Do you have experience operating within a public sector or similarly regulated environment (e.g., government, quasi-government, or highly regulated funding/policy structures)?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  04
  
  Have you led the translation of a strategic priority, policy, or initiative into an implemented program that delivered measurable outcomes?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  05
  
  Do you have experience leading organizational or programmatic transformation (e.g., scaling programs, improving systems, or leading through significant change)?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  06
  
  Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?
  • Yes
  • No
  
  07
  
  If you answered yes to the question above, what is the agency you are currently or formerly with? If you answered no, please type N/A.
  08
  
  As a condition of employment, I understand and agree that I must reside in the state of Washington prior to or on the first day of state employment.
  • Yes
  • No
  
  09
  
  Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.
  • www.careers.wa.gov
  • Aggregate job search website (Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com)
  • Department of Commerce website
  • Department of Commerce employee
  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)
  
  Required Question

• About the company

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