Executive Assistant to Chief Programming Officer (Olympia)

Executive Assistant to Chief Programming Officer (Olympia)

Salary

$83,988.00 - $92,568.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Job Number

2026-05498

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

Administrative Services

Opening Date

07/14/2026

Closing Date

7/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

Job Title: Executive Assistant to Chief Programming Officer (Olympia)

Location: Olympia, WA, Thurston County

Closes: July 21st, 2026

Salary: $83,988.00 - $92,568.00Annually

The Opportunity:

As the Executive Assistant to the Chief Programming Officer (CPO), you will play a key role in supporting executive leadership and helping ensure the smooth operation of DCYF's programs. The CPO oversees all of DCYF's client-serving programs, including early learning, child welfare, prevention and services, licensing and juvenile rehabilitation, which represents over 3,000 state employees. The Executive Assistant serves as a trusted advisor and primary administrative partner, coordinating high-level operations, guiding administrative staff, and managing executive priorities. Youll have the opportunity to work closely with agency leaders, build strong cross-functional relationships, and make a meaningful impact by supporting the Department of Children, Youth, and Families mission to protect children and strengthen families.

.

Some of what you will get to do:

• Helps manage internal issues and responsibilities involving the operation, priorities, and assignments to assist the CPO.
• Drafts and manages correspondence for the CPO.
• Manages travel and purchasing process for the CPO and other executive leaders, as needed.
• High-level calendar management for the CPO, including prepare and save calendars to serve records retention requirements.
• Manages and maintains executive documents in appropriate filing systems
• Represent the CPO on agency-wide projects and activities related to administrative initiatives and issues.
• Investigate operating methods and procedures in various functional areas and develop improved methods where indicated.
• Participate in assessing process improvement initiatives, monitoring contracts to ensure performance and/or compliance as necessary/required.
• Provide fast paced assistance to program staff.

Required Qualifications:

Eight (8) years of experience in the administrative assistant capacity for a mid-level manager, administrator, or executive.

OR

Associate's Degree from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent AND six (6) years of experience in the administrative assistant capacity for a mid-level manager, administrator, or executive.

OR

A Bachelors degree in business administration, public administration or closely allied field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent, AND four (4) years of administrative or supervisory experience.

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Additional Qualifications:

• Ability to anticipate potential problems, analyze sensitive matters objectively, and provide proactive, realistic solutions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of agency functions, state government processes, legislative dynamics, and the broader political environment.
• Ability to effectively build and maintain effective relationships with the Governor's Office, senior leaders, external partners, internal staff, and community organizations.
• Ability to coordinate complex, multi-stakeholders initiatives across teams, divisions, and agencies.
• Ability to think strategically, creatively, and collaboratively to support executive initiatives and agency goals.
• Ability to write and prepare clear and effective reports and other documents and to create presentations, complex charts and graphs, and electronic forms.
• Experience may be gained concurrently.

How do I apply?

Complete your applicant profile on careers.wa.gov and attach the following documents:

• Current resume detailing experience and education.
• Letter of Interest that details how you meet the qualifications for the position.

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact Cole Alford (Talent Acquisition Specialist) at cole.alford@dcyf.wa.gov. If youre experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or emailsupport@neogov.com.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veterans Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

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

Which of the following best describes how you qualify for this position?

• Eight (8) years of experience in the administrative assistant capacity for a mid-level manager, administrator, or executive.
• Associate's Degree from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent AND six (6) years of experience in the administrative assistant capacity for a mid-level manager, administrator, or executive.
• A Bachelors degree in business administration, public administration or closely allied field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent, AND four (4) years of administrative or supervisory experience.
• None of these options

02

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of experience in managing a complex calendar for a high-level executive?

• Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn).
• Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through completion of an employer sponsored training or higher education program, OR through at least 6 months of experience applying the competency in the workplace).
• Skilled (Successfully and regularly applied the competency in the workplace. Recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills regarding the competency. Generally, this is achieved through 1 to 3 years of experience).
• Expert (Application of this competency is polished to excellence and is extensive in nature. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience).
• None of the above

03

If you indicated that you have experience in managing a complex calendar for a high-level executive, please explain your experience. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.

04

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of experience developing organizational and file management systems?

• Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn).
• Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through completion of an employer sponsored training or higher education program, OR through at least 6 months of experience applying the competency in the workplace).
• Skilled (Successfully and regularly applied the competency in the workplace. Recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills regarding the competency. Generally, this is achieved through 1 to 3 years of experience).
• Expert (Application of this competency is polished to excellence and is extensive in nature. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience).
• None of the above

05

If you indicated that you have experience developing organizational and file management systems, please explain your experience. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.

06

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of experience with the Office suite of products, specifically Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint?

• Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn).
• Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through completion of an employer sponsored training or higher education program, OR through at least 6 months of experience applying the competency in the workplace).
• Skilled (Successfully and regularly applied the competency in the workplace. Recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills regarding the competency. Generally, this is achieved through 1 to 3 years of experience).
• Expert (Application of this competency is polished to excellence and is extensive in nature. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience).
• None of the above

07

If you indicated that you have experience with the Office suite of products, specifically Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint, please explain your experience. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.

08

How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?

• Washington States career website: www.careers.wa.gov
• Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com)
• Washington State employee
• DCYF career website
• DCYF Recruiter
• College/university career fair or website
• Diversity network meeting/event
• Online job boards
• Other

09

If you selected College/university career fair or website, Diversity network meeting/event, Online job boards, or Other above, please specify which college, university, diversity network meeting/event, online job boards and/or describe Other below.

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