Accreditation and Strategy Program Manager (Emergency Management Program Specialist 4)

Accreditation and Strategy Program Manager (Emergency Management Program Specialist 4)

Salary

$7,592.00 - $10,204.00 Monthly

Location

Pierce County - Lakewood, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-07949

Department

Military Department

Division

Emergency Management

Opening Date

09/23/2026

Closing Date

10/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Accreditation and Strategy Program Manager

Emergency Management Division | Lakewood, Washington

Are you an experienced professional who understands how to assess an organizations capabilities, identify gaps, drive corrective action, and translate strategy into measurable results?

The Washington Emergency Management Division (EMD) is seeking an Accreditation and Strategy Program Manager to lead several of the Divisions most important organizational improvement efforts. This position is responsible for leading EMDs Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP), managing the Divisions Corrective Action and Continuous Improvement Program, and facilitating implementation of EMDs strategic plan.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in:

• Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) or a comparable organizational accreditation, assessment, or standards-based improvement process;
• Corrective action and continuous improvement, including identifying gaps, developing improvement plans, assigning and tracking corrective actions, and measuring progress;
• Developing and using performance measures and other data to assess organizational effectiveness and inform management decisions;
• Assessing an organization's programs and translating findings into actionable improvements;
• Organizational strategic planning, including facilitating the development, implementation, monitoring, and periodic revision of a strategic plan; and
• Facilitating work across multiple programs and stakeholders to achieve organizational priorities.

This is primarily an organizational strategy, accreditation, assessment, and continuous improvement position. It is not a military operations planning position and is not focused on tactical incident planning or field operations.

The position works directly with EMD leadership and program managers to ensure that the Divisions programs, processes, and priorities remain aligned with EMDs strategic direction and national emergency management standards. The position will help EMD identify where we are today, where we need to be, and what actions are necessary to close the gap.

EMDs EMD33 Strategic Plan provides the long-term framework for this work and serves as the Divisions guide for organizational priorities, program improvement, and future change. Applicants are encouraged to review the plan (linked below) before applying.

EMD33 Strategic Plan

About EMD and the Washington Military Department

The Washington Emergency Management Division is a civilian division of the Washington Military Department. EMD employees are state employees who lead and coordinate emergency management activities across Washington.

Military service or military experience is not required for this position. Although EMD is organizationally located within the Washington Military Department and its primary workplace is at Camp Murray in Lakewood, Washington, this position is a civilian emergency management leadership role. The work is focused on organizational strategy, accreditation, continuous improvement, and statewide emergency management-not military operations.

The work of this position falls under the Directors Office and reports to the Deputy Director of the Emergency Management Division.

Before You Apply

This position is best suited for a professional with experience in organizational strategy, accreditation, assessment, corrective action, and continuous improvement.

The three areas of experience most relevant to this position are:

1. EMAP / Accreditation

Experience leading or supporting an accreditation, assessment, standards, or compliance process.

2. Corrective Action / Continuous Improvement

Experience identifying gaps, developing corrective actions or improvement plans, tracking implementation, and determining whether changes improved organizational performance.

3. Strategic Planning

Experience facilitating or implementing an organizational strategic plan and translating strategic goals into measurable actions and outcomes.

Experience serving in an Emergency Operations Center or disaster field operation is valuable, but it is not the primary focus of this position.

Duties

The Accreditation and Strategy Program Manager serves as a key advisor and facilitator for organizational strategy, accreditation, assessment, and continuous improvement.

Primary responsibilities include:

Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP)

• Serve as EMDs lead for the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP).
• Coordinate EMDs accreditation activities, including assessment, documentation, gap identification, corrective actions, and ongoing maintenance of accreditation standards.
• Work with EMD leadership and program managers to ensure Division programs and processes align with applicable EMAP standards and established best practices.

Corrective Action and Continuous Improvement

• Lead EMDs Continuous Improvement Program and Corrective Action Program.
• Facilitate the identification, analysis, prioritization, assignment, and tracking of corrective actions resulting from exercises, real-world incidents, assessments, evaluations, and other improvement activities.
• Develop and monitor improvement plans and ensure identified actions are translated into measurable organizational improvements.
• Coordinate related Stakeholder Preparedness Report (SPR) activities and other required improvement processes.

Strategic Planning

• Facilitate the development, implementation, monitoring, and periodic update of the EMD Strategic Plan (EMD33).
• Work closely with the Director, Deputy Director, senior managers, and program staff to translate strategic goals and objectives into actionable priorities.
• Monitor progress toward strategic objectives and identify issues, gaps, and opportunities requiring management attention.
• Facilitate cross-program collaboration to ensure organizational activities remain aligned with EMDs strategic direction.

Assessment and Performance Measurement

• Lead assessments of EMD programs, processes, tools, and organizational capabilities.
• Develop, collect, analyze, and communicate performance measures that inform organizational effectiveness and strategic decision-making.
• Use assessment findings, performance data, lessons learned, and stakeholder input to identify opportunities for improvement.

Emergency Management Operations

• Serve in the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), Joint Field Office (JFO), or Disaster Field Office (DFO), as assigned, during emergency or disaster operations.
• Apply lessons learned from exercises and real-world incidents to EMDs continuous improvement and corrective action processes.

Qualifications

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications for Emergency Management Program Specialist 4, the successful candidate must demonstrate experience in at least two of the following areas:

• Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) or a comparable accreditation, assessment, certification, or standards-based organizational improvement program;
• Corrective Action or Continuous Improvement Programs, including developing, implementing, monitoring, and closing corrective actions or improvement plans;
• Organizational Strategic Planning, including facilitating the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of strategic goals and objectives;
• Organizational or Emergency Management Program Assessment, including evaluating programs, processes, capabilities, or performance and identifying opportunities for improvement;
• Performance Measurement and Analysis, including developing or analyzing metrics used to measure organizational effectiveness and inform management decisions; or
• Program or Project Management, including coordinating multiple stakeholders, monitoring progress, evaluating results, and achieving defined organizational outcomes.

Highly relevant experience will include work that demonstrates the ability to connect assessment findings to corrective action, continuous improvement, strategic priorities, and measurable organizational results.

Experience with military or law enforcement operational planning is not required and, by itself, does not demonstrate the primary experience sought for this position.

Qualifications

REQUIRED

One year of experience as an Emergency Management Program Specialist 3;

OR

A Bachelors degree AND five years of professional level experience in emergency management, financial management (grant, contracting, claims management, budgeting) training/education, public information/affairs, program/project management environmental analysis/planning, civil/structural engineering, legislative affairs, and/or urban planning.

AND (in additional to the experience listed above. This experience may be gained concurrently with the professional level experience listed above).

Two years of experience in two or more of the following:

• Strategic planning (developing, facilitating and/or monitoring).
• Identify, track, and analyze metrics to measure organizational effectiveness.
• Leading and administering an Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) or similar program for an organization.
• Leading assessments of Emergency Management Programs.
• Facilitating and managing a Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) as the subject matter expert in exercise and real-world activations requiring the implementation of corrective actions, improvement plans, and Stakeholder Preparedness Report (SPR) activities.
• Program/project management - coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating a project or program having a specific goal to be achieved within a specific time frame.

Additional qualifying experience will substitute, year for year, for the education requirement. A Masters or Ph.D. degree will substitute for one year of the experience requirement.

DESIRED

Experience:

• Two years of applied experience in Program Management.

Knowledge of:

• EMAP standards
• Emergency Management Division and its programs.

Skills and Abilities to :

• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others

• Ability to take action to learn and grow.

• Use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access) to develop complex documents in support of program objectives.

Supplemental Information

Compensation: Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Investigation: Must successfully complete the appropriate background checks required for employment. Must be willing to sign releases of information and shall not have access to any investigative materials and files. The processing of background checks can take up to six months post-employment. Failure to successfully pass a background check may be cause for termination.

Union:This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Drivers License:

• Valid to drive in the State of Washington.
• Must meet requirements of the REAL ID Act. This is required for base access and will be required upon hire.

Military Facility: Willingness to work on a Military Controlled Access Installation.

Camp Murray uses the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) for entry to the installation. Must meet access requirements / background check which can be found in the Camp Murray Access Requirements Policy (Unified Policy No. 18-01). This includes possession of an Enhanced Driver's License, or other REAL ID Compliant Identification.

Work Hours: A choice may be available between a Tuesday through Friday (4/10 schedule): Monday through Thursday (4/10 schedule): or Monday through Friday (5/8 schedule). Actual hours will start no earlier than 6:00 am and end no later than 6:00 pm, and will include core business hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Telework: This position may be eligible for occasional ad hoc telework.

Emergency Assignment: Upon activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) or Joint Field Office (JFO), incumbent may be required to work in an alternate location with rotating shifts, including weekends and evenings, in a highly stressful and fast-paced environment.

Travel: Occasional statewide travel may be required up to 20% to include overnight stays.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically via www.careers.wa.gov. It is very important that the "Work Experience" and "Supplemental Questionnaire" portion of the application is completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) professional references. Please include at least two (2) past/current supervisors, one peer and/or subordinate, if applicable. For each reference include the following:
• Name
• Professional Title
• Working Relationship
• Daytime Phone Number
• Email Address

NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application or can be an attached document.

A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.

The information provided in your application must support your supplemental questionnaire responses. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

Failure to attach the requested resume and/or cover letter may preclude you from consideration from this recruitment.

This recruitment may be utilized to fill additional Emergency Management Program Specialist 4 vacancies as they become available for 60 days after the closing date.

If you have questions about the application process or this recruitment, please email Geri Harding at geri.harding@mil.wa.gov

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

The Washington Military Department is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruitment Section of State Human Resources at: Email:geri.harding@mil.wa.gov Call: (253) 512-7384, or 711.

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. Thats 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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

Parental Leave

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

I have read and understand the working conditions listed in the Supplemental Information - Conditions of Employment section of the job posting and Im able and willing to work under those conditions.

• Yes
• No

02

What is your highest level of education?

• No High School Diploma or GED
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associate Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher-level degree

03

Describe your experience leading an accreditation, standards, assessment, or compliance program. If you have experience with EMAP, describe your role in the accreditation process, including assessments, documentation, gap identification, corrective actions, or maintaining accreditation. If you do not have EMAP experience, describe a comparable accreditation or standards-based program you have managed. If you do not have this experience, enter "Not Applicable."

04

Describe your experience leading or managing a Corrective Action Plan or Program or a Continuous Improvement Program. Provide one example of how you: • identified a gap, problem, or area for improvement; • developed or coordinated corrective actions; • tracked implementation; and • determined whether the improvement was successful. Experience may come from exercises, real-world incidents, accreditation, audits, assessments, quality improvement, or other organizational improvement activities. If you do not have this experience, enter "Not Applicable."

05

This question is focused on organizational strategic planning-not tactical, military, law enforcement, or incident operational planning. Describe your experience facilitating or implementing an organizational strategic plan. Provide one example and briefly describe: • your role in developing or implementing the plan; • how you engaged leadership and stakeholders; and • how you monitored progress toward strategic goals. If you do not have this experience, enter "Not Applicable."

06

Describe your experience developing, tracking, or analyzing performance measures used to evaluate a program, organization, or service. Provide one example of a measure you used, what the data showed, and how the information was used to improve a program, process, or organizational outcome. If you do not have this experience, enter "Not Applicable."

07

Describe your experience managing a complex program or project involving multiple stakeholders and a defined outcome. Briefly describe: • the program or project; • your role and responsibilities; and • how you monitored progress and achieved the desired outcome. If you do not have this experience, enter "Not Applicable."

08

This position works across EMD programs and with leaders and partners who may have different priorities, perspectives, or levels of technical knowledge. Describe a situation in which you had to adjust your approach to successfully work with a person, team, or stakeholder whose needs or perspective differed from yours. What did you change, and what was the result?

09

How did you learn about this opportunity?

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov