Washington State ESD
WDVA Organization Change Manager, Full-Time Permanent, Olympia
Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Organization Change Manager
WMS 1 Full‑Time - Permanent Office of Strategy and Performance
Olympia Central Office We are pleased to announce this fulfilling opportunity for a full‑time
Organization Change Manager (WMS 1)
with our Office of Strategy and Performance; located in our Central Office in beautiful and historic Olympia, Washington.
This position plays a critical role in shaping WDVA's success by providing strategic and tactical change management consultation that reduces operating costs, mitigates risk, and drives the achievement of key strategic goals. Central to this role is effective communication—ensuring that change initiatives are clearly articulated, broadly understood, and fully embraced across all levels of WDVA.
The Organization Change Manager leverages deep expertise in organizational development and change management to deliver measurable, sustainable results. This role champions transparent, consistent, and proactive communication as a foundation for successful change, engaging stakeholders and aligning efforts across departments.
Additionally, this role is responsible for fostering a culture of adaptability and embedding a structured, communication‑driven approach to change management that supports and advances the WDVA’s mission, vision, and long‑term goals and objectives.
The Office of Strategy and Performance (OSP) provides enterprise‑wide services such as strategic planning, performance management, program development, performance standard setting, organizational change management, continuous improvement, problem‐solving facilitation, and leadership consultation. OSP also leads multiple high‑profile, high‑risk projects annually. The WDVA Organization Change Manager serves as the agency’s subject‑matter expert on the people side of change, ensuring it remains central to the agency’s strategic direction. This position reports directly to the Director of OSP and works in close partnership with the WDVA Continuous Improvement Manager to drive agency‑wide strategic initiatives and high‑impact projects.
At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Parents.
Schedule
– The expected schedule for this position is Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Flexible work schedule may be available. This position may also require travel and work beyond scheduled work hours to meet business and customer needs, and to meet critical deadlines.
Some of what you'll do:
Develop and implement communication‑focused employee change management engagement strategies, along with tools for collecting, analyzing, and acting on customer data and feedback.
Further cultivate a culture of Organization Change Management that prioritizes clear, consistent communication as a key enabler of business success.
Position change management not only as a strategic function, but as an essential communication‑driven practice that supports the achievement of WDVA mission and goals.
Identify and assess a broad range of change‑related risks across agency‑wide projects, and develop clear, communication‑driven risk mitigation strategies to ensure effective implementation and alignment with project goals.
Review and recommend enhancements to WDVA's change management strategy and approach, ensuring they are grounded in effective communication practices that support both agency‑wide initiatives and individual projects.
Facilitate and lead change transition efforts to maximize goals are achieved.
Facilitate, support, and consult on change sustainment across the agency.
Promote the assimilation of organizational effectiveness and change management competencies through education, partnership, and consultation.
Assist the Director of Strategy and Performance on individualized executive coaching as required to help create high‑performance teams at the senior leadership level.
Special Note
– Please request a copy of the Position Description to fully understand the scope of this position.
Required: Please note : Education in a relevant field may substitute for experience requirements.
Three (3) years practical experience in the following areas:
Leading process improvement activities including demonstrated success developing, implementing, and coordinating continuous quality improvement processes and programs.
Advising executive managers, supervisors, quality improvement/Lean Six Sigma practitioners, on quality improvement practices and culture change.
Managing projects, including large‑scale projects involving multiple teams, significant risk, and system‑wide changes.
Working cooperatively and effectively with diverse stakeholders and partners (local, state, and federal government, business, customers, and the public).
Assessing, analyzing, planning, developing, implementing, and maintaining effective organizational change management strategies. Action oriented and confident practitioner.
Bachelor’s degree in organizational development, human resources, business administration, or related field.
OR
Seven (7) years combined education and practical experience.
AND
PROSCI certified practitioner.
Formal continuous improvement certification (Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or higher).
Demonstrated leadership, including the ability to be flexible and solve problems creatively with staff and co‑workers as well as managing, leading, coaching, mentoring, and training senior management, managerial and operational staff, ability to promote organizational and employee performance improvement through leadership, team building, and personal example.
Additionally, this position is expected to have professional knowledge and work experience encompassing most of the knowledge, skills, and experience described below:
Achievement Orientation … (content remains unchanged from the original description) …
Change Management Practitioner
Three years of experience applying ADKAR or equivalent change management methodologies and tools.
Demonstrated proficiency in performing change management assessments, analyzing results, developing strategies, and implementing tools.
Action oriented practitioner who enjoys immersing themselves in the practice.
Process Improvement Leadership Skills
A demonstrated passion for, and a hands‑on, in‑depth knowledge of, Lean and continuous process improvement methodologies.
Demonstrated capabilities in leading and successfully implementing the practical application of a full range of Lean methods and all phases of process redesign.
Understand, and have a talent for helping others understand, the critical success factors necessary for change.
Demonstrated ability to define a vision and nurture an organization to make progress to achieve it.
Proficiency in problem solving, data collection and analysis, metric development, and process mapping.
Ability to effectively manage multiple projects/initiatives with budget limits and time constraints.
Organizational Relationships and Management Skills
Demonstrated ability to effectively guide and influence people without line authority.
Develop teams and collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
Influence managers and staff to achieve positive outcomes and strengthen relationships.
Must have a high degree of credibility and presence which has been gained through experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong service orientation and be able to develop relationships quickly and manage at all levels in the organization.
Analytical Skills
Understands the big picture, the issues, and stakeholders.
Engages in problem definition, prioritization, and solution development.
Develops and presents effective materials to support and aid decision‑makers.
Examines and evaluates relevant information, separating a matter into essential conditions, criteria, factors, and effects, to recommend the best course of action from several alternatives.
Uses good judgment—displays balanced thinking that combines analysis, wisdom, experience, and perspective.
Results Orientation
Strategy development and implementation—makes things happen.
Situational awareness—understands when the time is ripe to make progress on an issue.
Applies most effort to the highest priority issues.
Provides leadership to staff to ensure the team makes an effective contribution to the organization’s objectives.
Commitment to customer service.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Excellent skills in communication, persuasion, interpersonal relations, coaching and counseling, presentation, writing and meeting facilitation.
Possesses the ability to effectively guide and influence people without line authority.
Provides clear direction and supportive guidance to staff.
Establishes and maintains good working relationships with colleagues, partners, and customers.
Demonstrates a commitment to collaborative and inclusive approaches.
Applies effective communication skills, including clear “plain‑talk” writing.
Personal and professional integrity.
Self‑initiative – ability to work independently.
Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies
Master’s degree in organizational development, applied behavior sciences, human resources management, business administration or related field.
PROSCI Train‑the‑Trainer certification through Level Two.
Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP).
Project management certification (PMP).
Experience identifying and implementing information technology solutions.
Demonstrated capabilities in leading and successfully implementing the practical application of a full range of Lean methods and all phases of process redesign. Ideally will have implemented lean practices in several different organizations or operating environments, including service or administrative environments.
Three years working as an OCM Practitioner.
Technical competency/skills (MS Project, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Teams, SharePoint).
Special Requirements
Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and be able to read, write and speak English.
Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver’s license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
Application Process Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based 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 below.
Please include the following documents with your application:
A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Other Information
This position is non‑represented.
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD‑214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our 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.
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725‑2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award‑winning diverse and inclusive organization.
If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
WMS 1 Full‑Time - Permanent Office of Strategy and Performance
Olympia Central Office We are pleased to announce this fulfilling opportunity for a full‑time
Organization Change Manager (WMS 1)
with our Office of Strategy and Performance; located in our Central Office in beautiful and historic Olympia, Washington.
This position plays a critical role in shaping WDVA's success by providing strategic and tactical change management consultation that reduces operating costs, mitigates risk, and drives the achievement of key strategic goals. Central to this role is effective communication—ensuring that change initiatives are clearly articulated, broadly understood, and fully embraced across all levels of WDVA.
The Organization Change Manager leverages deep expertise in organizational development and change management to deliver measurable, sustainable results. This role champions transparent, consistent, and proactive communication as a foundation for successful change, engaging stakeholders and aligning efforts across departments.
Additionally, this role is responsible for fostering a culture of adaptability and embedding a structured, communication‑driven approach to change management that supports and advances the WDVA’s mission, vision, and long‑term goals and objectives.
The Office of Strategy and Performance (OSP) provides enterprise‑wide services such as strategic planning, performance management, program development, performance standard setting, organizational change management, continuous improvement, problem‐solving facilitation, and leadership consultation. OSP also leads multiple high‑profile, high‑risk projects annually. The WDVA Organization Change Manager serves as the agency’s subject‑matter expert on the people side of change, ensuring it remains central to the agency’s strategic direction. This position reports directly to the Director of OSP and works in close partnership with the WDVA Continuous Improvement Manager to drive agency‑wide strategic initiatives and high‑impact projects.
At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Parents.
Schedule
– The expected schedule for this position is Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Flexible work schedule may be available. This position may also require travel and work beyond scheduled work hours to meet business and customer needs, and to meet critical deadlines.
Some of what you'll do:
Develop and implement communication‑focused employee change management engagement strategies, along with tools for collecting, analyzing, and acting on customer data and feedback.
Further cultivate a culture of Organization Change Management that prioritizes clear, consistent communication as a key enabler of business success.
Position change management not only as a strategic function, but as an essential communication‑driven practice that supports the achievement of WDVA mission and goals.
Identify and assess a broad range of change‑related risks across agency‑wide projects, and develop clear, communication‑driven risk mitigation strategies to ensure effective implementation and alignment with project goals.
Review and recommend enhancements to WDVA's change management strategy and approach, ensuring they are grounded in effective communication practices that support both agency‑wide initiatives and individual projects.
Facilitate and lead change transition efforts to maximize goals are achieved.
Facilitate, support, and consult on change sustainment across the agency.
Promote the assimilation of organizational effectiveness and change management competencies through education, partnership, and consultation.
Assist the Director of Strategy and Performance on individualized executive coaching as required to help create high‑performance teams at the senior leadership level.
Special Note
– Please request a copy of the Position Description to fully understand the scope of this position.
Required: Please note : Education in a relevant field may substitute for experience requirements.
Three (3) years practical experience in the following areas:
Leading process improvement activities including demonstrated success developing, implementing, and coordinating continuous quality improvement processes and programs.
Advising executive managers, supervisors, quality improvement/Lean Six Sigma practitioners, on quality improvement practices and culture change.
Managing projects, including large‑scale projects involving multiple teams, significant risk, and system‑wide changes.
Working cooperatively and effectively with diverse stakeholders and partners (local, state, and federal government, business, customers, and the public).
Assessing, analyzing, planning, developing, implementing, and maintaining effective organizational change management strategies. Action oriented and confident practitioner.
Bachelor’s degree in organizational development, human resources, business administration, or related field.
OR
Seven (7) years combined education and practical experience.
AND
PROSCI certified practitioner.
Formal continuous improvement certification (Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or higher).
Demonstrated leadership, including the ability to be flexible and solve problems creatively with staff and co‑workers as well as managing, leading, coaching, mentoring, and training senior management, managerial and operational staff, ability to promote organizational and employee performance improvement through leadership, team building, and personal example.
Additionally, this position is expected to have professional knowledge and work experience encompassing most of the knowledge, skills, and experience described below:
Achievement Orientation … (content remains unchanged from the original description) …
Change Management Practitioner
Three years of experience applying ADKAR or equivalent change management methodologies and tools.
Demonstrated proficiency in performing change management assessments, analyzing results, developing strategies, and implementing tools.
Action oriented practitioner who enjoys immersing themselves in the practice.
Process Improvement Leadership Skills
A demonstrated passion for, and a hands‑on, in‑depth knowledge of, Lean and continuous process improvement methodologies.
Demonstrated capabilities in leading and successfully implementing the practical application of a full range of Lean methods and all phases of process redesign.
Understand, and have a talent for helping others understand, the critical success factors necessary for change.
Demonstrated ability to define a vision and nurture an organization to make progress to achieve it.
Proficiency in problem solving, data collection and analysis, metric development, and process mapping.
Ability to effectively manage multiple projects/initiatives with budget limits and time constraints.
Organizational Relationships and Management Skills
Demonstrated ability to effectively guide and influence people without line authority.
Develop teams and collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
Influence managers and staff to achieve positive outcomes and strengthen relationships.
Must have a high degree of credibility and presence which has been gained through experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong service orientation and be able to develop relationships quickly and manage at all levels in the organization.
Analytical Skills
Understands the big picture, the issues, and stakeholders.
Engages in problem definition, prioritization, and solution development.
Develops and presents effective materials to support and aid decision‑makers.
Examines and evaluates relevant information, separating a matter into essential conditions, criteria, factors, and effects, to recommend the best course of action from several alternatives.
Uses good judgment—displays balanced thinking that combines analysis, wisdom, experience, and perspective.
Results Orientation
Strategy development and implementation—makes things happen.
Situational awareness—understands when the time is ripe to make progress on an issue.
Applies most effort to the highest priority issues.
Provides leadership to staff to ensure the team makes an effective contribution to the organization’s objectives.
Commitment to customer service.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Excellent skills in communication, persuasion, interpersonal relations, coaching and counseling, presentation, writing and meeting facilitation.
Possesses the ability to effectively guide and influence people without line authority.
Provides clear direction and supportive guidance to staff.
Establishes and maintains good working relationships with colleagues, partners, and customers.
Demonstrates a commitment to collaborative and inclusive approaches.
Applies effective communication skills, including clear “plain‑talk” writing.
Personal and professional integrity.
Self‑initiative – ability to work independently.
Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies
Master’s degree in organizational development, applied behavior sciences, human resources management, business administration or related field.
PROSCI Train‑the‑Trainer certification through Level Two.
Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP).
Project management certification (PMP).
Experience identifying and implementing information technology solutions.
Demonstrated capabilities in leading and successfully implementing the practical application of a full range of Lean methods and all phases of process redesign. Ideally will have implemented lean practices in several different organizations or operating environments, including service or administrative environments.
Three years working as an OCM Practitioner.
Technical competency/skills (MS Project, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Teams, SharePoint).
Special Requirements
Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and be able to read, write and speak English.
Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver’s license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
Application Process Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based 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 below.
Please include the following documents with your application:
A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Other Information
This position is non‑represented.
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD‑214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our 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.
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725‑2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award‑winning diverse and inclusive organization.
If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr