What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director for Equity, Organizational Culture and Human Resources position at State of Washington?
Why work for the Washington Student Achievement Council?
At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school. To achieve our mission, we:
- Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.
- Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
- Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.
At WSAC
Our programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
- We offer flexible/alternative work schedules, wellness activities, and teleworking opportunities.
- Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work.
- Employees have access to tuition assistance and tuition waiver programs,
- If you have experience advocating for communities of color or others who are experiencing educational inequities, including those directly impacted by the criminal justice system, people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay or bisexual, veterans, and people with disabilities, you are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you don’t meet all the desired/preferred qualifications listed.
The Equity, Organizational Culture & Human Resources Division is a collaborative and continually developing team that supports WSAC’s people, culture, and mission. We partner with leaders and staff across the agency to navigate the day-to-day realities of public service work while helping build a workplace that is inclusive, equitable, and supportive.
Our work includes recruitment, employee relations, leave and accommodation support, organizational development, policy guidance, and culture-building efforts. We strive to provide responsive service, thoughtful partnership, and equity-centered practices.
Through collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement, we aim to foster an organizational culture where employees can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel connected to WSAC’s mission and values.
Reporting to the Director of Equity, Organizational Culture & Human Resources, the Associate Director serves as both a strategic partner and a hands-on human resources professional. This position combines operational leadership with strategic guidance to advance equitable, people-centered HR practices and internal DEIB initiatives across the agency.
The Associate Director provides expert consultation and support to supervisors and staff on a broad range of human resources matters, including leave administration, accommodations, employee relations, performance management, and policy interpretation. The role also helps ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws and agency policies, including programs such as FMLA, shared leave, and reasonable accommodations.
As a key member of the HR team, the Associate Director contributes to agency-wide strategic planning, workforce development, and organizational culture initiatives that support WSAC’s mission and values. This position collaborates with agency leadership to develop forward-thinking HR practices that foster employee engagement, accountability, a sense of belonging, and operational excellence.
The Director of Equity, Organizational Culture & Human Resources provides leadership, mentorship, and partnership to support the Associate Director in successfully carrying out the agency’s human resources responsibilities and strategic priorities.
Strategic HR Consultation and Supervisor Support
- Collaborate with managers to develop professional development plans aligned with the agency’s values and goals.
- Provide expert guidance on position classification, performance coaching, progressive discipline, and conflict resolution.
- Support HR and agency-wide priorities that drive equitable talent management and organizational effectiveness.
Equitable Recruitment, Hiring, and Onboarding Leadership
- Partner with hiring managers to design inclusive position descriptions, interview questions, and evaluation tools that mitigate bias.
- Lead the development of recruitment strategies that expand the diversity and quality of applicant pools.
- Facilitate evidence-based interview and selection training for hiring teams.
- Design and deliver onboarding experiences that connect new hires to WSAC’s mission, culture, and strategic goals.
Organizational Culture and Learning Development
- Lead learning sessions and all-staff meetings that foster shared values and collective learning.
- Create DEIB communications, resource hubs, and internal campaigns to build shared ownership of equity goals.
- Evaluate recruitment and onboarding effectiveness; adjust strategies based on data and feedback.
- Conduct focus groups, surveys, and exit interviews, and translate the results into actionable recommendations.
HR Policy Development and Program Oversight
- Draft, revise, and train staff on HR policies that reflect legal compliance, operational consistency, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) principles.
- Guide employees and managers in applying HR policies with equity and clarity.
- Manage accommodation and leave programs, ensuring timely and inclusive support processes are in place.
- Collaborate with providers and internal leaders to design sustainable solutions for complex personnel matters.
- Ensure accurate HRMS reporting and completion of mandatory staff training.
Required Qualifications
- Exceptional written communication (assessed via application materials).
- Intermediate-to-advanced Excel skills (e.g., formulas, charts, and data visualization).
- Demonstrated ability to use data and evidence to drive equitable HR strategies and support organizational impact. [Tied data use directly to mission and equity.]
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the ability to apply an equity-centered lens to the work of the Associate Director.
- Experience resolving complex personnel issues while promoting organizational learning and inclusion.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Four (4) years of combined education and/or experience, including:
- HR work in recruitment, DEI, accommodations, employee relations, or workforce planning;
- Application of employment laws, rules, and policy interpretation;
- Network building in DEIB or talent strategy communities;
- Facilitating inclusive training or staff development experiences;
- Coursework or degree in HR, organizational development, social/behavioral science, education, or a related field (education may substitute year-for-year for experience).
We encourage you to apply even if you do not have many of the preferred qualifications below:
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced training in DEIB, organizational behavior, or adult learning.
- Experience leading agency-wide DEIB implementation or culture change efforts.
- Proficiency in HRIS systems and workforce analytics.
- HR credential (e.g., SHRM, HRCI).
- In-depth knowledge of employment laws and best practices at the state and federal levels.
To be considered for this position, you must possess the required qualifications listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov. A complete application package includes:
- Letter of Application. A letter of application that addresses how you meet the required education and experience described in this announcement. Applications with generic cover letters will be considered nonresponsive and may be eliminated from further consideration.
- Resume. A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience.
- References. A list of names, titles, and current telephone numbers of three (3) employment references.
- Your responses to the supplemental questions.
QUESTIONS?
For questions about this recruitment, email KarenM@wsac.wa.gov
EEO Statement
The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation in the application process or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360.485.1138 or email HumanResources@wsac.wa.gov.
Salary : $74,292 - $100,513