The Office of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation (OPPE) at the Washington Department of Health enhances public health by developing and evaluating state-wide policies and programs. Working with diverse partners, including tribal nations and local communities, we lead initiatives that support legislation, program evaluation, and policy implementation to address key health issues. Our focus on health equity and evidence-based strategies shapes the health of Washington’s residents, ensuring agency actions align with state priorities.

As our Public Health Program & Policy Evaluation Manager you will be at the forefront of improving public health in Washington. This role leads the design and implementation of program evaluations, ensuring the effectiveness of key agency initiatives and policies. By working closely with community partners, government agencies, and health professionals, your work will shape public health decisions that directly impact the well-being of our state.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Supervising and mentoring the evaluation unit, ensuring program evaluation projects are efficiently managed and completed.
• Designing and leading mixed-method evaluations, including qualitative and quantitative research, to assess agency programs and initiatives.
• Developing strategic evaluation plans aligned with agency priorities to provide insights and data-driven recommendations.
• Conducting focus groups, key informant interviews, and surveys to gather valuable feedback from diverse community partners.
• Sharing and disseminating findings to policymakers, community members, and internal staff to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.

border and the Idaho/Washington border. 

Desired Candidate Profile:

• Master’s degree or higher in a social or health science. 
• Experience developing and implementing qualitative research methods and techniques; designing and managing an evaluation or research project; identifying and implementing appropriate evaluation methods and techniques and ensuring compliance with human subject protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to write and present information in multiple formats for multiple audiences, including data, findings, and conclusions into clear and concise reports, presentations, and infographics for lay and technical audiences.
• Knowledge of advanced qualitative analytical and interpretive skills, quantitative analysis principles, and methods.
• Demonstrated ability to work and successfully collaborate with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds to conduct community-led or community-informed evaluations.
• Skilled in collaborating and maintaining effective relationships with a variety of individuals, including community members, agency representatives, and partners.
• Ability to manage highly visible and politically sensitive projects with multiple tasks requiring attention to detail.
• Skill and demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, database creation, and project management.
• Proficiency in Software for qualitative analysis and administering web surveys.
• Deep knowledge of equity and social justice principles and practices.

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

Connections working at Washington State Department of Health