Senior Leadership Position at Washington Student Achievement Council
This senior leadership position serves as a key resource to the director of college savings plans in managing program finances and resources and analyzing financial and program data to uncover trends, inefficiencies, or opportunities to grow the reach and impact of Washington Education Savings Plans. In addition, this role focuses on optimizing financial processes and leveraging data to improve financial and program decision-making and outcomes.
Working Conditions
This position is based in our Olympia, Washington, office. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 : 00 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.m., though alternate schedules and remote work may be considered. During peak periods, additional hours outside the regular schedule may be necessary. Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel may be required for events such as outreach or national conferences.
Major Responsibilities
- Partner with the WA529 Director to design and enhance features of the two 529 plans to grow assets under management and ensure that the plans remain competitive, cost-effective, and responsive to Washington families' education savings needs.
- Lead division-level financial planning and data analysis, including budget development and monitoring, financial forecasting and modeling, market research, and identifying trends and opportunities to expand the reach and impact of the plans.
- Continually assess operational efficiency and transparence; ensure compliance with relevant laws, rules and policies, and stay current on emerging innovations, legislation, and best practices in the 529 industry.
- Serve as a key liaison to external partners, including the Office of the State Actuary (OSA), Washington State Investment Board (WSIB), Office of Financial Management (OFM), Attorney General's Office (AGO), the Legislative branch, and WSAC research, policy, fiscal and IT staff.
- Supervise the WA529 Data Analyst and serve as part of the WA529 senior leadership team.
Some of what you'll be doing includes :
Supporting the director in implementing policies and directives established by the college savings programs' governing committee.Serving as a member of the WA529 senior leadership team, collaborating on strategic planning, developing performance measures, and improving program delivery and management.Along with division senior leadership, support the WA529 Director in providing day-to-day oversight and relationship management of the vendor running the WA529 Invest plan to ensure contract compliance and optimal service delivery related to financial and data management and reporting.Ensuring strong financial management practices and internal controls, and leading all division-level engagements with the State Auditor's Office (SAO).Monitoring and analyzing state and federal legislative proposals impacting the program, and advising the WA529 Committee, Director, and WSAC leadership on policy, operational, strategic, and legislative priorities.Coordinating fiscal-related projects, research, reports, and data analysis and visualizations for internal and external stakeholders and supervising the Data Analyst supporting these efforts.Preparing issue briefs, quarterly updates, and presentation materials for Committee meetings and decision-making.Supporting the WA529 Director in managing contracts, letters of agreement, and procurement activities with third-party vendors and other public agencies in support of administrative and operational needs.Leading and participating in cross-functional, interdepartmental, and interagency workgroups to address policy issues, operational improvements, and compliance with new laws and rules.Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and five years of progressively responsible experience in the area of financial management, public or corporate finance, or a closely related field OR nine years or more of combined relevant education and experience.Demonstrated fiscal, policy, and / or business analysis skills.Experience working under the guidance of state and / or federal statutes, rules, and regulations.Ability to synthesize and communicate complex data points, policies, and ideas into clear and concise visual and written formats for decision makers, stakeholders, and the public.Organizational skills and ability to multitask various projects to meet competing deadlines.Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to navigate conflict.Experience as a team leader, supervisor, or facilitator of collaborative workgroups.A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the ability to translate these values into developing program policies and initiatives.Demonstrated success in collaborative approaches to work, team building, and leadership.Expert-level skills with Microsoft Excel and / or other spreadsheet applications and data analysis tools.Proficiency with other Microsoft Office products, including Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and other standard office computer applications.Preferred Experience
Advanced degree in finance, business administration, public administration, public policy, or another relevant field.Experience with the State's budgeting, contracting / purchasing, audit, and / or legislative processes.Experience with data analysis and visualization tools.Program administration, program evaluation, and / or strategic planning experience.Knowledge of and / or experience working with investment and / or insurance products.Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).Other skills, knowledge and abilities beyond the minimum that are relevant to the position.Core Competencies
A proven track record of high efficiency and goal-oriented work performance.Capacity to think critically, logically, and creatively apply problem-solving skills to meet challenges.Commitment to collaborating, interacting harmoniously and productively, and with diverse groups inside and outside of the agency while maintaining a courteous attitude.Ability to :Communicate effectively, including repackaging complex issues in messaging that is easy to read and understand;Lead diverse teams and articulate clear expectations and measures of team success;Work independently;Apply and interpret laws, policies and procedures;Use sound judgement in evaluating and making decisions;Effectively prioritize tasks, estimate time frames, plan and use available resources, coordinate work assignments with others, and meet deadlines;Speak and communicate effectively with internal and external customers and stakeholders; andPerform duties efficiently in a high volume, fast-paced environment.Capacity to self-assess and a commitment to constant improvement.