Executive Director, WA State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA)

Executive Director, WA State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA)

Salary

$83,724.00 - $145,000.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-03921

Department

Office of the Governor

Division

Office of the Governor

Opening Date

06/09/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Please Note: This recruitment will remain open until filled with a first review of applicants on June 24, 2026. The hiring authority reserves the right and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time. We encourage all to apply as early as possible. The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates' qualifications within the starting salary range of $83,724 - $145,000 annually.

Schedule: Our physical office is located in Olympia, WA. This is a hybrid position with the ability to telework. However, you will need to travel throughout Washington State to attend in-person meetings or community events as required by the position.

Terms of Appointment: Per RCW, the Executive Director shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor, in consultation with the council.

Why work for the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs?

The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs is a small but impactful state agency dedicated to ensuring that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander and Asian and Asian American communities across Washington are seen, heard, and represented in the decisions that shape their lives. Guided by a Governor-appointed board of community leaders, we work at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and community engagement to advance equity in areas like education, health, economic opportunity, and civil rights.

We partner with communities and state leaders to elevate lived experiences, inform policy, and drive meaningful, lasting change. If you're motivated by public service and want to help build a more inclusive Washington, this is a place where your leadership can make a real difference.

The job opportunity

In your role as the Executive Director, you'll have the exciting opportunity to lead a cabinet-level state agency that advises the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies on issues impacting Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and Asian/Asian American communities across Washington. This role requires adaptability, thoughtful decision-making, and the ability to balance competing priorities in a resource-constrained environment.

While managing daily operations including staff, budget, programs, and communications, you'll advance a strategic vision grounded in equity and inclusion. You will work closely with Commissioners and stakeholders to guide strategy and identify priorities, respond to emerging needs, and develop policy recommendations that improve well-being across diverse communities.

We're looking for someone with a strong understanding of state government and the legislative process, experience in public policy, and the ability to build relationships across sectors. You bring sound judgment, cultural awareness, and a commitment to inclusive leadership. If you are someone that cares deeply about equity and ensuring diverse communities are represented in government decisions, this may be the right fit for you. Join our team in leading meaningful change at the state level.

Duties

What you'll work on

• Plan, lead, organize, and direct the work performed by the agency while ensuring that the agency is fulfilling the full scope of duties outlined in RCW 43.117.080.
• Oversee the day-to-day management and administration of staff, budget and other areas to ensure efficient operation and compliance.
• Facilitate community engagement, respond to emerging needs, recommend changes and improvements to program and laws to improve the well-being of the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders (NH/PI) and Asian/Asian Americans (A/AA) in Washington State.
• Build strong relationships and collaborate with stakeholders on issues pertaining to the rights and needs of NH/PI and A/AA communities.
• Oversee grants and programs as delegated and appropriated to the Commission.
• Analyze data, process and service delivery to identify gaps and disparities and develop solutions to promote equity, diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Experience leading complex organizations by aligning staffing, resources, budgets and priorities with strategic goals.
• Understanding of legislative processes and policy development.
• Experience building strong relationships with other state agencies, government leaders, community organizations, and advocacy groups.
• Experience with reporting and analyzing data to measure performance, outcomes and guiding policy recommendations.
• Ability to build relationships with NH/PI and A/AA organizations and leaders.
• Ability to sustain a positive and collaborative organizational structure by building respectful partnerships with unions, leadership and employees.
• Fosters transparency, trust and shared problem-solving to advance efficiency, innovation, and effective service delivery.
• Five years or more of experience in policy development and/or policy analysis.
• Three years or more of experience making measurable impact through program management and execution.
• Supervisory experience and providing growth and training to staff.
• Experience executing a strategic plan.

Desired Qualifications:

• Baccalaureate Degree or higher in public administration, public policy, political science, law or related field.
• Knowledgeable about ethnic communities, cultural and historical experiences, and issues related to NH/PI and A/AA Washingtonians and have close and proven ties to the NH/PI and A/AA communities.
• Ability to work in diverse, multi-lingual, and multi-ethnic communities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across an organization, in the development of public policy and delivery of services and programs.
• Ability to develop metrics and manage budgets.
• Experience in non-profit or coalition management or leadership.
• Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite including Word, Outlook, and Excel.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it or contact us with questions about the required qualifications and how your experience relates to them.

Supplemental Information

What we offer:

We foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.

Please visit our Recruitment Page for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here's a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that we offer:

• An environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
• State retirement programs

Application Process: Once you've decided to apply for a state government job, you'll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person is going to read it. We do not use AI or other technology that screens your application and rejects it. So please be sure to provide clear and detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you need reasonable accommodation in applying, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

When completing your application, we encourage you to attach all of the following:

• Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
• References: at least three professional references and their contact information.

Questions:

Our Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard of hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at TalentAcquisition@ofm.wa.gov.

The Office of the Governor 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, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.

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

Please briefly describe your experience as it relates to this position, including your experience with building relationships with other state agencies, advocacy groups, NH/PI and A/AA organizations and leaders. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.

02

Please select all that apply. I have experience with the following:

• Leading complex organizations by aligning staffing, resources, budgets and priorities with strategic goals.
• Understanding of legislative processes and policy development.
• Reporting and analyzing data to measure performance, outcomes and guiding policy recommendations.
• Five years or more of experience in policy development and/or policy analysis.
• Three years or more of experience with program management.
• Supervisory experience of staff.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across an organization, in the development of public policy and delivery of services and programs.
• Ability to develop metrics and manage budgets.
• Experience in non-profit or coalition management or leadership.
• Experience working and building relationships in diverse NH/PI communities.
• Experience working and building relationships in diverse A/AA communities.
• Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• None of these Apply

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