"The nation's best and most future ready workforce with opportunities for all". That's our vision. And it's a big one. Let's break that down:
 

• The best in the nation. Not the top 10, not one of the best. The best. And to do that means we have to be willing to take risk, be first, and do things differently than what we've always done. This means that we are the best across our state AND the best within our organization.
• Most future ready workforce. This applies internally to our own staff and externally to those we serve across the state as the state's workforce agency. As you'll read in this Future of Work research (The McKinsey Report, The MIT Report, or the Washington State Workforce Board's Report) 65% of the jobs our kindergarteners will hold don't yet exist. The skills we train for and the services we provide today will be different in 20 years and if we want our current and future staff to be ready, we must get started now.
• Opportunities for all. We're not hiding from our history. We know that systemically, government services have not served all people the same. We also know that this current, fourth, industrial revolution, has the potential, if not blended with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, to further perpetuate those systems of oppression. We are committed to breaking those down both within our organization with those we serve so that all Washingtonians have access to services and a path to the dignity of work.

• Skilled for their current and future roles in a way that is methodical, equitable, and agile.
• Prepared to help those we serve similarly be skilled for their current and future roles.

• Performance Management - Building a program that's rooted in SMART objectives and fostering a culture of recognition where performance management is known as a positive development opportunity.
• Workforce Development – creating and administering a robust professional development program that coincides with our performance management program to help employees map their career progression within ESD and maintain a pipeline of talent within our organization.
• Leadership Development – helping ensure we have human-centered, digitally literate, culturally relevant leaders who are effectively leading our organization toward achieving our Vision, Mission and Values.
• Training – administering a technical and soft-skills based training program that will ensure all our employees have opportunities to learn and grow so that they can be successful in their current role and be ready for the future version of that role or for future roles they may pursue.
• Employee Engagement – centering around our annual employee engagement survey, facilitating the work that helps leaders understand the gap between employee expectations and their reality and the problem solving to help the agency create a culture where employees are motivated and inspired to bring their authentic and best selves to work.

• Understanding of how to successfully develop and grow adult learners. This is usually achieved through at least five years of progressive experience with adult-based learning and development in either a formal Leadership Development role or having actively led a team where you personally facilitated adult-based learning and development pathways for your team members.
• Ability to create, deliver and continuously improve learning and development programs in a large, multi-location organization. This is usually achieved through a proven track record of similar successful outcomes but ultimately, we're looking for someone with the understanding of how to do this in a complex and agile environment and are open to alternative ways for you to demonstrate that ability.
• Commitment to continuous learning and growth. This is traditionally demonstrated through a degree in higher education or professional certifications but can also be demonstrated through various other ways. Knowing the change our organization will be leading, we're looking for someone who can demonstrate that they haven't yet hit their learning ceiling and will proactively and purposefully seek to grow and develop themselves, their team, and their organization.
• Ability to lead change. This is demonstrated through a mixture of knowledge (certifications, research and education), experience, and passion for people. What we're looking for is someone who understands the dynamic behind why change is difficult for some and can inspire all people to join in and move forward together.
• Ability to inform and inspire a workforce. This is most easily demonstrated through previous successful experience but HOW you do it matters just as much as whether you do it. At ESD, how we work is centered around our values of Integrity, Service with Kindness, Innovation, Collaboration, Investing in People, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI).
• Courage to engage in timely authentic conversations. This is something that is seen not told and demonstrated through a listen-first leadership model where it's better to ask questions than make assumptions and a willingness to lean into difficult conversations that are often ignored. Debate for the sake of increased knowledge is not just welcome, it's expected. We are also looking for someone who can deliver and receive constructive feedback.

Please attach a resume and letter of interest to your on-line application (through the Add Attachment(s) field).

• A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa.
• Applications with blank fields, or comments such as "see attachments" in the supplemental question responses, may be considered incomplete.

More than Just a Paycheck!  Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. To read more about our benefits, click on the following employee benefit links:

• Benefits (insurance, retirement, and related benefits)
• Vacation, Leave, and Holidays
• Special Programs (additional benefits)

Veteran's Preference
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference must attach a copy of their DD214 or other verification of military service.  Please black out any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers.

Thank you for your service!

Modern Workplace
ESD's employee engagement continued to trend upward in 2018 as we developed programs to improve the employee experience. We are diligent and remain focused on creating a modern workplace designed to meet the needs of a changing workforce. We have wellness programs, telework policies and flexible schedules and are working to update our facilities all over the state to enhance both the client and employee experience. 
 
Opportunity for All
The Washington Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Please include your name and preferred pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process.

Please contact Phyllis Gallegos on the Talent Acquisition Team at 360-890-3793, Pgallegos@esd.wa.gov, HRRecruiting@esd.wa.gov, or Washington Relay Service 711 with general questions, if you are a person with a disability needing assistance in the application process, or if you need this job announcement in an alternate format.