WDVA Executive Assistant to Deputy Director Olympia

Description

Join our team as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director! We are looking for a proactive, detail‑oriented professional to coordinate and manage the daily activities of the Deputy Director's office.

If you are skilled in organization, communication, and multitasking, this pivotal role offers a dynamic environment where your expertise will drive efficiency and support high‑level decision‑making.

Please note:

Standard business hours for this position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday in‑office at our Central Office in Olympia. Occasional in‑state travel is required. A flexible schedule or hybrid telework is subject to supervisory approval.

At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader we advocate for nearly 500,000 Veterans and their families, helping them access earned benefits and innovative health and wellness programs. We also provide critical community services through our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla‑Walla, offering Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care.

As the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director, you will work independently to initiate, prioritize, and deliver executive‑level administrative and operational support to the Deputy Director—and at times the Director. Utilizing exceptional knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and administrative services, you will establish office standards, priorities, and work methods, including drafting and reviewing high‑level correspondence, maintaining executive files, managing calendars, and performing other key duties and responsibilities.

• Manage the day‑to‑day operations of the Deputy Director’s office by providing consultation to executives, managers, and staff on agency operations, procedures, and policies.
• Anticipate the needs of the organization and strategize solutions for programs and complex situations; make decisions on best courses of action while considering various approaches.
• Oversee the uniformity of operations within the organization’s programs; liaise with the Director’s Executive Assistant and other agency administrative support to ensure coordination among senior leaders.
• Maintain working relationships with executives, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Determine priorities and establish due dates and methods of resolution for special projects and assignments.
• Consult with division executive‑level managers on programs, acting as a bridge of smooth communication between the Deputy Director and internal divisions.
• Organize and provide informational materials, address questions and concerns, and resolve issues.
• Edit and complete first drafts for talking points, speeches, and written communications to internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate cross‑divisional coordination of travel and outreach plans.
• Schedule and lead the Agency Daily Brief.
• Serve as an advisor to the agency’s Executive Leadership Team and Operational Leadership Team, representing the agency through professional interactions and collaborative partnerships.
• Manage cross‑divisional projects of importance to the Deputy Director.
• And more!

• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in office management, operational and administrative support procedures and functions.
• Four (4) or more years of experience using analytical problem‑solving methods, program evaluation, process improvement methods, government performance measurement, business statistics, budget analysis, business planning, or strategic planning.
• Four (4) or more years of experience providing administrative and operational support in an executive and fast‑paced team environment while maintaining a calm and positive attitude.
• Traits, Skills, and
  
  Competencies:
  • Interpersonal skills demonstrated by successfully influencing team or organizational behavior.
  • Demonstrated experience providing expert consultation to high‑level executives.
  • Proven teamwork skills working with varying perspectives and diverse priorities.
  • Skilled at organizing and summarizing information, including use of matrices and templates.
  • Dem…