Reporting to the Secretary of the Washington State Department of Health, the Chief Science Officer is a member of the agency’s Executive Team and provides the voice of science and medicine at the policy tables (whether internal or external to the agency) on all matters pertaining to the health and safety of Washington state residents.
Our ideal candidate is a team player, defined as having a driving passion for the work, bringing humility to their job and people interactions, and understanding how their words and actions affect others.
Our ideal candidate sees the needs and objectives of others and takes them into account while achieving their objectives. They adapt their approach and expectations accordingly.
Our ideal candidate is outward even when confronted with others that are not open or collaborative. They demonstrate resilience to model outward behaviors even when stressed or tired.
The Chief Science Officer supports the Secretary of Health in serving as the State’s primary medical expert and a spokesperson on public health issues. This position is responsible for reviewing the latest medical and scientific knowledge, making policy recommendations, and helping set the strategic direction for the agency, as well as the public health system, on critical public health topics. In this role, decisions and actions taken by this position impact the health of Washingtonians every day.
Currently, this position may be located anywhere within the State of Washington. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected. When approved to return, the incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance including telework and reporting to the (Tumwater or Shoreline) duty stations for work activities, if needed.
When our Chief Science Officer reads the phrase, “Other people are just as important as I am” they’ll think, “yes.” They might even say it out loud. And their mindset shows up in the ways they behave toward others. They take time to see the needs, objectives, and challenges of the people they impact. They accomplish what they need to accomplish in a way that helps others deliver their results as well.
When we talk with them about their values, they’ll see themselves in words like Human-Centered, Partnership, Equity, and Excellence. They’ll also see in these words a challenge to improve—personally and organizationally—in pursuit of a better impact on people and better business outcomes.
When we ask others about them, they’ll describe a person of remarkable capability, diligence, and focus. They’ll tell us about someone whose team:
Sees and understands the objectives and challenges of people they work with and people they impact.
Makes adjustments to what they’re doing based on what they learn.
Holds themselves accountable for actually helping those around them succeed, as well as achieving their own business results.
It takes personal courage, tenacity, and humility to achieve big things in this way. Our ideal candidate probably wonders whether they’re up to this challenge. But they want to take it on because they’re hungry for personal growth and hungry to help build this kind of business, team, and workplace culture at the Washington State Department of Health.
Requirements
Doctor of Medicine from an accredited school of medicine or osteopathy in the United States, or an equivalent degree from a foreign medical institution.
Completion of three (3) years of medical residency program/patient care training with preference given to preventive medicine or primary care-related training programs. Note: a residency program involves training in a specialized field of medicine in an institution accredited for training in the specialty by a recognized body for the American Medical Association (AMA) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
Licensed to practice medicine in the state of Washington, by start date, or within 30 days.
As well as demonstrated experience in the following leadership competencies:
Start with mindset – Turn your mindset outward by seeing the humanity in others.
Be the change – Change your mindset regardless of whether others change theirs.
Be fully capable – Own your work, plans, actions, and impact. Position others to own theirs.
Build relationships – Eliminate the unnecessary distinctions that create distance between yourself and others.
Rethink systems and processes to turn them outward – Create an environment that energizes people rather than manages objects.
Measure results – Move yourself and your teams to achieve collective goals.
Compensation
This position reports to the Secretary of the Washington State Department of Health and is exempt from Civil Services Rules.
The annual compensation is between $170,000 and $315,000, depending upon qualifications.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is an equal opportunity employer. DOH strives to create a working environment that is inclusive and respectful. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of our workforce.
If you have questions, need alternative formats or other assistance please contact Linda.Riggle@doh.wa.gov, (360) 236-4226, or TDD Relay at 1-800-833-6384 or 711 (Washington Relay). Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages).
Application Process
Intrigued? We’d love to hear from you. Click "Apply" to submit your detailed application profile along with the following:
A detailedLetter of Interest that addresses your qualifications as they relate to the position.
A current Resume detailing your professional background.
Five (5) or more professional references, to be included in your profile.
Live and Work in a Great State
Washington is America's Top State according to U.S. News (2021) and provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
Washington offers a total work/life package of pay, benefits, flexibility, and workplace opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and out of life. Washington State is a great place to work, play, and be a part of a community. Washington offers a quality of life that is unsurpassed. From the high-energy urban center of Seattle, one of the nation’s top-ranked cities, to the more relaxed pace of our rural communities, Washington’s distinctive Northwest lifestyle blends a progressive, creative culture with a casual nature.
Olympia, the state’s capital, has a vibrant city with a small-town feel conveniently situated between Seattle and Portland, Oregon. Mount Rainier and the rugged Cascade Mountains provide majestic scenery to the east while Washington’s Pacific Coast is just an hour’s drive to the west. Olympia enjoys the benefits of an engaged and educated community and a well-supported school system, with two universities and a community college within a ten-mile radius. Learn more about Olympia and the Thurston County area.
NOTES:
Telecommuting is allowed.
Additional Salary Information: Washington State offers a full benefits package including vacation and sick leave, family medical and dental coverage, life insurance, retirement, and a deferred compensation program.
Internal Number: DOH5433
About Washington State Department of Health
Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide information to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies. To accomplish all of these, we collaborate with many partners every day.
We help ensure a safer and healthier Washington by:
Working to improve health through disease and injury prevention, immunization, and newborn screening.
Providing health and safety information, education and training so people can make healthy choices.
Promoting a health and wellness system where we live, learn, work, play and worship.
Addressing environmental health hazards associated with drinking water, food, air quality and pesticide exposure.
Protecting you and your family by licensing healthcare professionals, investigating disease outbreaks and preparing for emergencies
