Senior Director for Policy and Programs

Senior Director Position

The Council is seeking to fill a position for a Senior Director who oversees four divisions at the Washington Student Achievement Council.

This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified candidates have applied. The first review of applications is expected to occur on October 20, 2025, and will be ongoing. It is in the applicants' best interest to submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. This job posting may be closed at any time without notice.

At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school.

To achieve our mission, we :

• Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.
• Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
• Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.
• Learn more about the work of the Washington Student Achievement Council and our equity statement.

Our programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Learn more about WSAC's mission and our commitment to equity.

The Senior Director will lead and integrate four key WSAC units to advance Washington's educational attainment goals and create economic opportunity for all residents :

WSAC is seeking a Senior Director, Policy & Partnerships to provide visionary leadership and oversee four strategic divisions within the agency. This role requires a change-oriented leader who can foster a learner-centered culture and bring deep expertise in K-20 education policy. The Senior Director will be responsible for building and sustaining high-impact partnerships, engaging stakeholders, and guiding strategic vision-setting processes. The ideal candidate embraces continuous evaluation as a tool for ensuring that agency efforts serve all Washingtonians, especially those who have been historically underserved by the state's educational systems. This role involves close collaboration with WSAC's Research division and requires a leader who inspires enthusiasm and trust among colleagues and partners.

Under the direction of the Deputy Executive Director, the Senior Director will lead WSAC divisions with visionary thinking and strategic foresight, serving as a collaborative leader and effective team builder. The Senior Director will identify and implement opportunities for collaboration and integration within the four divisions overseen by the role, as well as build trust and develop partnerships outside of the agency. To do this, the Senior Director will leverage relationships and collaborative opportunities across national, state, and local education networks. The individual in this role will manage and engage in strategic planning across divisions, continuously grounding division staff in an approach to work that enables learning and adaptation. The ideal candidate is adaptable in complex environments and has a strong commitment to equity and inclusion.

Working Conditions : This is a full-time, exempt position offering benefits, including healthcare, paid leave, and retirement benefits. The role allows telework; however, Senior Directors are expected to prioritize in-person meetings, support partner relationships, and travel regularly within the state. Some meetings may require time outside the standard five-day workweek. A flexible schedule may be arranged with supervisor approval.

Key Responsibilities :

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies :

Preferred / Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies :

To be considered for this position, you must possess the required qualifications listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov. A complete application package includes :

Please note that before hiring, a background check, including a criminal record history, will be conducted. Information from the background check