[Hiring] Rulemaking Program Manager @State of Washington

Role Description

Help Shape the Rules That Keep Washington Workers Safe. Do you thrive on turning complex technical and legal requirements into clear, workable rules? Are you skilled at keeping projects on track, bringing people together, and getting results?

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), is looking for a Rulemaking Program Manager to lead workplace safety and health rulemaking projects from start to finish.

As the Rulemaking Program Manager in DOSH’s Policy and Technical Services program, you will guide proposed rules through every stage of the rulemaking process. You will coordinate technical experts, engage employers, workers, and other interested parties, and make sure Washington’s safety and health standards are clear, effective, and legally sound.

This is your opportunity to do more than manage a process. You will help shape the standards that protect workers across Washington.

• The salary offer will be based on the candidate’s job-related skills, experience and training.
• The target pay range of consideration for this exempt position is typically $81,984-119,628 annually.
• The full band pay range is $72,420-$132,924 annually.
• This position can be offered with a flexible schedule (4/10’s, 5/8’s, etc.) once fully trained and approved by management.
• This position is eligible for teleworking, with occasional travel for public hearings, stakeholder meetings, and outreach events, depending on business needs and supervisor approval.

Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Lead rulemaking projects.
• Manage safety and health rulemaking projects from initial concept through adoption, including project plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Prepare and track required rulemaking documents and filings under the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 34.05 RCW) and the Washington Administrative Code (Title 296 WAC), such as pre-proposal statements of inquiry, proposals, and adoption notices.
• Monitor federal OSHA rule changes and help ensure Washington’s standards are adopted, updated, or amended within required timeframes.
• Plan and facilitate stakeholder meetings, advisory committees, public hearings, and comment periods.
• Work with DOSH technical staff, Assistant Attorneys General, economists, and other L&I programs to develop rule language and the supporting analyses.
• Draft and review rule language, summaries, and public-facing materials in clear, plain language without losing technical or legal accuracy.
• Review and summarize public comments and help prepare responses that explain the agency’s decisions.
• Provide status updates, briefings, and reports to DOSH leadership and other partners, and flag risks and issues early.
• Help communicate adopted rules to staff and the public, including related guidance, fact sheets, and outreach.
• Driving is an essential function of this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Communications, Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Public Safety or Health, or related field or related experience.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in writing, evaluating, and implementing rules, policies and regulations for a municipal, county, state or federal government organization or other similar organization.
• Two (2) or more years of progressive responsible management and leadership experience showing successful performance management to reach targeted results in a complex matrix program or organization that provided regulatory enforcement functions in occupational safety and health.
• Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver’s license.

Requirements

• Effective public speaking and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead problem solving activities to improve program performance.
• Expert knowledge of public sector management and leadership principles.
• Experience in and expert knowledge of federal and state occupational safety and health programs, policies and regulations.
• Skills to manage perceptions in a highly political environment, build partnerships, and address multiple issues to include competing priorities and diverse interests of internal and external parties.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, Public Safety or Health, or related field.
• Juris Doctor.
• Three (3) years of experience as a Project Manager and/or Business Analyst.
• One (1) year of experience as a Lean, Six Sigma, and/or Agile facilitator.

Benefits

• Generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career.
• Flexible schedules.
• One of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

Application Process

We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.

• A cover letter describing specific qualifications.
• A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
• A writing sample 5 pages or less that relates to policy development.
• A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Background Check Notice

Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record, will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.