Job Opportunity -- WSDA Deputy Director

News Date March 13, 2006

$85,000-$95,000 annually depending on qualifications

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is seeking a Deputy Director. This full-time exempt position is located in the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, Washington.

Scope:
Serving in multiple roles, the Deputy Director first looks at the agency mission at the enterprise level, across divisional lines to ensure agency programs as a whole are accomplishing the agency's mission, goals and objectives. This position has a high level of policy impact, supervising four (4) division assistant directors and the State Veterinarian, all of whom are agency appointing authorities.

Principal Responsibilities:
As a member of the Executive Management Team (EMT), the Deputy Director is accountable to the Director. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

        * Act as agency Director in the Director's absence.
        * Define and determine general public policy direction on issues relating to agency objectives.
        * Review major agency policy directions and management initiatives.
        * Develop the agency's strategic plan, improve organizational effectiveness, and find creative solutions to complex problems and issues.
        * Represent the Director on various boards, commissions and committees.
        * Interact with multiple stakeholder groups and the public on possibly contentious issues.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR, AGRICULTURE

        * Act as the agency's Chief Administrative Officer, managing and directing the administrative functions of the agency including financial services, human resources, information technology, administrative regulations, public information, safety and emergency management, and homeland security to ensure coordination and support of the mission, goals and objectives of the agency at the enterprise level.
        * Direct and oversee the international marketing, domestic marketing, and small farms programs of the agency to support the viability and profitability of Washington products.
        * Direct and oversee the implementation of the Government Management Accountability and Performance (GMAP) within the agency, compliance with Governor's executive orders and policy direction.
        * Act as the senior appointing authority for the agency.
        * Maintain the highest standard of personal, professional and ethical conduct.

Desirable Qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree in a field related to agriculture is preferred, however other similar and/or related disciplines may be considered. The ideal candidate will have ten (10) years of progressive management experience in State government. Commensurate equivalent time and experience may be substituted for education on an individual basis at the sole discretion of the agency.

Compensation:
The Deputy Director serves at the pleasure of the Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture is $ 85,000 to $95,000 annually, depending on qualifications. The State offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes health and life insurance, retirement, vacation and sick leave, and an optional deferred compensation program.

Application Procedure:
Interested persons should send a one-page letter of interest with a current resume, a list of five or more professional references, and the attached affirmative action information (optional). On a separate page, discuss your experience with: (1) developing public policy; (2) analyzing/improving organizational effectiveness; (3) dealing with diverse stakeholders and multiple issues; and (4) managing emergent priorities in a fast-paced environment.

The resume package must be received by 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2006, at the following address:

Washington State Department of Agriculture
Attention: John Eastin, HR Manager
P. O. Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560