Description

This is a permanent appointment within the Office of Innovation and Technology. The position is primarily based at the DOH office in Tumwater, WA, with an expectation of regular on-site work. When not working on-site, the position will work remotely from home.

The Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Health exists to protect and improve the health of everyone in Washington. That mission depends on secure, reliable, and well-governed technology. The Deputy Chief Information Officer plays a central role in making that happen.

This role sits at the executive table and helps steer how technology, people, and resources come together to support public health programs across the state. If you care about strong systems, accountable leadership, and using technology to serve the public good, this is a seat where your decisions will matter every day.

About The Office Of Innovation And Technology

The Office of Innovation and Technology supports more than 3,000 staff and over 420 internal and external systems across the Department of Health. OIT brings together enterprise technology operations, cybersecurity, data modernization, architecture, and program delivery to ensure the agency can do its work safely, efficiently, and at scale.

OIT is led by the Chief Information Officer and includes multiple centers spanning data, security, enterprise architecture, and technology operations. The Deputy CIO is a core member of the OIT leadership team and reports directly to the CIO.

Key Responsibilities

As Deputy Chief Information Officer, you are the operational backbone of OIT. You oversee the administrative, financial, and people-management functions that allow technology teams to deliver for the agency and the public.

In This Role You Will

Lead administrative operations across OIT, including budgeting, procurement, facilities coordination, communications, and workforce management
Oversee financial planning and execution for budgets exceeding $30 million annually, ensuring alignment with agency priorities and grant requirements
Implement and sustain the IT Strategic Plan, policies, and governance practices
Serve as delegated appointing authority for OIT, with responsibility for hiring, position actions, labor relations matters, reasonable accommodations, and discipline
Represent OIT on agency leadership bodies including the Deputies Group, IT Governance Group, and Agency Policy Committee
Act as the Department of Health CIO in the absence of the CIO, with full delegated authority
Represent the agency on statewide IT initiatives and work closely with WaTech and other partners
Collaborate across executive offices to align technology resources with public health, emergency response, and business needs

This is a highly collaborative role that blends strategy with hands-on leadership. You will work closely with executives, program leaders, finance, HR, legal partners, and external partners.

Why This Role Is Different

This is not a purely technical role and it is not a back-office administrative role either. It sits squarely at the intersection of people, policy, technology, and public accountability.
You will influence how technology supports disease prevention, emergency preparedness, health data, and statewide public health operations. Your decisions affect mission-critical systems, a large and diverse workforce, and the responsible stewardship of public funds.
If you want your leadership to directly support public health outcomes and statewide impact, this role offers scope, influence, and purpose. The Deputy CIO helps ensure that Washington’s public health technology is secure, sustainable, and built to serve people, not just systems.

The Ideal Candidate

You are a seasoned public-sector or enterprise leader who understands complexity and is comfortable making decisions with real consequences. You bring credibility with executives, clarity in high-stakes situations, and a steady hand when navigating budgets, labor relations, and governance.

You value transparency, consistency, and collaboration. You understand that strong administrative operations are not bureaucracy for its own sake, but the foundation that allows teams to do their best work.

Qualifications

We value a wide range of experience, whether paid or unpaid. If you have skills or experience that align with this role but don’t match every skill listed, we encourage you to apply. Your unique background and perspective could be exactly what we’re looking for.

Option 1: At least 14 years of professional experience in information technology, including at least 10 years of progressively responsible IT leadership experience, with a minimum of 5 of those years in an executive level IT leadership role such as CIO, Deputy CIO, IT Director, IT Manager, or equivalent.

Option 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Public Administration, AND at least 10 years of progressively responsible IT leadership experience, with a minimum of 5 of those years in an executive level IT leadership role such as CIO, Deputy CIO, IT Director, IT Manager, or equivalent.

AND The Following Knowledge, Skills And Experience

At least six years of progressively responsible leadership experience in information technology operations, administration, or executive management.
Experience managing and controlling IT project budgets of at least $1 million dollars.
Experience leading IT operations within a large and complex organization, including responsibility for multiple functional areas such as infrastructure, applications, cloud services, security, or enterprise systems.
Experience managing significant operating budgets and financial resources, including budget planning, monitoring, and expenditure oversight.
Experience leading and managing large, complex teams, including direct supervision of senior managers and multidisciplinary professional staff.
Experience with vendor management, procurement processes, and contract oversight for technology services.
Experience developing and implementing organizational policies, procedures, or strategic plans related to information technology.
Experience collaborating with executive leadership and diverse partners to align technology services with business needs.
Experience communicating complex technical information to executive leaders and non-technical audiences.
Knowledge of IT governance, strategic planning, and enterprise level technology management.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, And Competencies

Master’s degree in computer science or closely allied field (e.g. Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Management Information Systems, etc.)
Experience serving as an executive sponsor for high-risk, high-impact IT projects.
Experience managing and controlling IT project budgets of $10 million dollars or more.
ITIL Foundations and Advanced Certification
Familiarity with health informatics, data analytics, or health information exchange systems.
Experience in state or federal government, including knowledge of IT governance frameworks (e.g., WaTech, Technology Services Board) and related compliance or legislative processes.
Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CITP, PMP, ITIL, or cloud credentials (e.g., AWS, Azure).
Experience in IT leadership roles during emergency response or crisis situations (e.g., Incident Commander).
Proven success leading digital transformation efforts, including cloud adoption, modernization of legacy systems, or implementation of emerging technologies like AI or machine learning.

This is position is part of the Washington Management Service (WMS) .

Review the full position description to learn more about this opportunity.

About Us

We are the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We’re passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. To learn more about the DOH please visit our website and connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , and our blog .

Benefits And Lifestyle

We prioritize your work-life balance with one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, designed to support your lifestyle. At DOH, you’ll find flexibility, growth, and stability. Learn more about why we’re a great place to work by visiting Work@Health .

Conditions Of Employment

The following terms and conditions of employment must be met with or without reasonable accommodation:

Work Setting, Including Hazards

The position requires occasional in-person attendance to perform duties on-site at the Tumwater, WA DOH office or at Shoreline campus, as needed. When not working on-site, this position primarily works from home.

Schedule (i.e., Hours And Days)

This position has an overtime exempt work schedule of 40 hours per week and may be expected to work longer hours to complete projects or assignments, and/or meet business demands and deadlines. An alternative or flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent's request, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements

This position may be required to travel to field offices and meetings that are out of the area, and or out of state.

Tools And Equipment

This position uses standard office furniture and equipment, such as a desk, office chair, cell phone, computer, monitor(s), keyboard, and mouse; and when in the office, the position may also require the use of a printer, phone, fax machine, and/or copy machine.
This position will utilize office productivity tools including laptops, PDs, tablets, smart phones, Microsoft office suite (word, excel, Visio, project, etc.), Teams, OneDrive.
This position requires reliable access to an internet connection sufficient to perform all job duties remotely.

Customer Relations

This position communicates and interacts with executive managemnt, managers and other professionals within the Department and across the state. Additionally, this position interacts with technology vendors (hardware, software, and services) as required.

Other

This position will participate in the agency’s emergency operations center when activated.
The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment.
This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.
When driving for state business, the employee must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle; OR provide alternate transportation while on state business.

Representation

This position does not have union representations and is not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Application Information

We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.

Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references directly in your Applicant Profile including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation with your application.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

Veterans Preference

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.

Questions and Accommodations

If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Shawnelle Goalder at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference the assigned “DOHXXXX” recruitment number.

Technical Support

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

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Supplemental Information

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in-full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

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