Policy Manager (RA 3) DOH8922

Policy Manager – Regulatory Analyst 3 (RA 3)

Washington Medical Commission - Administration

This permanent, full-time home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents and those residing on the ID/WA and OR/WA borders. In-person attendance will be required as needed for commission or staff meetings and will be communicated in advance.

The Opportunity

The Washington Medical Commission (WMC) protects the health and safety of Washington residents through the regulation of physicians and physician assistants, including licensing, discipline, rulemaking, and education. The Policy Manager plays a key role in advancing the Commission’s regulatory mission by providing policy expertise, supporting the WMC Policy Committee, and guiding complex regulatory initiatives that shape health care practice throughout the state.

This position serves as the primary policy staff member supporting the Governor-appointed Medical Commissioners who serve on the Policy Committee and the Commissioners as a whole. The Policy Manager works closely with Commission leadership, staff, regulated professionals, interested parties, and members of the public to analyze emerging issues, develop policy solutions, and guide regulatory actions through established legal and administrative processes.

The ideal candidate brings strong policy analysis skills, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to navigate complex and sometimes politically sensitive issues while maintaining an objective, equity-centered, and professional approach.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Policy Development and Regulatory Analysis

• Analyze legislation, regulations, case law, administrative decisions, and emerging health care issues to provide policy recommendations and support Commission decision-making.
• Identify regulatory gaps, emerging areas of concern, and opportunities for improvement in health care regulation.
• Develop and advance policies, guidelines, interpretive statements, and regulatory recommendations through formal adoption processes.
• Prepare policy documents, correspondence, memoranda, briefs, and other materials to communicate complex regulatory topics clearly and effectively.

Commission and Legislative Support

• Serve as the primary staff support for the WMC Policy Committee, including preparing materials, conducting research, and coordinating policy discussions.
• Support the Commission’s legislative activities by analyzing proposed legislation, monitoring policy impacts, and assisting with legislative responses.
• Provide policy and regulatory expertise to Commission staff responding to inquiries related to rules, policies, and practice standards.

Relationship Management and Collaboration

• Collaborate with Governor-appointed Commissioners, executive leadership, internal teams, regulated professionals, government partners, and members of the public.
• Build and maintain productive relationships while representing the Commission’s regulatory mission and commitment to public protection.
• Facilitate discussions on complex issues by balancing diverse perspectives with legal requirements, regulatory standards, and equity considerations.

Complex Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement

• Address complex regulatory matters requiring independent judgment, creativity, and analysis when established guidance or precedent may not exist.
• Apply knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, and administrative processes to recommend appropriate courses of action.
• Support continuous improvement of regulatory policies and practices to enhance public safety and health care delivery.

Why You’ll Love This Role

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on health care regulation and patient safety across Washington State. The Policy Manager works at the intersection of policy, law, public service, and health care practice, collaborating with dedicated professionals and appointed leaders to address complex issues that affect communities statewide. This role offers opportunities to grow expertise in regulatory policy, develop relationships with influential partners, and contribute to thoughtful, equitable, and effective health care oversight.

Required Qualifications

There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities.

Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.

Option 1: Eight (8) years of progressively responsible work experience developing and implementing policy, legislation, or administrative rules in a health professions regulatory setting

Option 2: A master’s degree in public administration, health policy, business administration, or related competency; and Two (2) years of experience developing and implementing policy, legislation, or administrative rules in a health professions regulatory setting

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience

• Experience working in complex political or regulatory environments, including identifying emerging issues, advising leadership, communicating with diverse groups, and maintaining an objective, nonpartisan approach while representing an organization.
• Two (2) years of experience working with regulatory bodies, boards, commissions, or other governing entities, including those with appointed members or executive-level representation.
• Two (2) years of experience collaborating with influential partners to develop, advance, and implement policy or legislative proposals.
  

Technical skills:

• Practical skills in MS Excel for spreadsheet tasks, database management, MS Word for document creation and formatting, and MS Outlook or similar email systems for electronic correspondence.
• Adobe Acrobat (Reader, Standard, or Pro) to create, edit, review, and manage PDF documents.
• Customer service experience with resolving problems and responding to inquiries regarding policies, procedures, and services.
• Communication skills both written and verbal to provide direction and information to varied levels of involvement and commitment
• Project support experience that includes managing tasks, directing others, and reporting progress to project managers.
• Prepare, review, and edit written materials that are clear, concise, well-organized, and accurate, with responsibility for ensuring proper structure, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and overall quality.
• Assessment and evaluation of original research, statistics, and data quality with specific focus on applicability to the position functions.

Preferred Qualifications

While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.

• Three years of experience performing complex research to support development of policies and guidance that have a statewide impact
• Query and manipulation of relational databases
• Three years of experience producing policy documents in a medical regulatory setting
• LEAN or other quality management certification

Experience with the following:

• The state health profession regulatory framework
• The Washington State legislative process
• National and state trends in health care and medical regulation
• Washington Medical Practice and Compact Acts administered by the WMC: RCW 18.71, 18.71A, 18.71B, 18.71C, 18.71D
• The Uniform Disciplinary Act RCW 18.130
• The Administrative Procedures Act

After a conditional offer of employment, a criminal history background check will be conducted. 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.

Employee Benefits

We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health.

We are the Washington Medical Commission (WMC)

At the WMC, we focus on the delivery of safe medical care by licensees with our efforts focusing on quality care and increasing patient access. The WMC is a full-scope regulatory organization with units covering licensing, investigations, legal service, compliance, data analytics, communications, and policy. The 64 WMC staff work primarily remotely and range from administrative staff to clinically trained investigators. WMC staff work collaboratively with the Department of Health but are directly accountable to the Governor-appointed Commissioners. Learn more at our website: WMC.wa.gov.

About the Washington State Department of Health

We're nearly 2,000 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience.

At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Our work depends on people who take action to learn and grow and who take action to meet the needs of others every day, in service of a healthier Washington. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.

Working Conditions:

The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Setting, including hazards:

• This position may work from home, a DOH facility, or remotely from an alternate location. The official duty station for this position is home-based. If onsite work is requested by the supervisor, the request will be planned and communicated in advance.
• WMC is a hybrid workplace. Telework, in-office or a combination are options may be an option after orientation is complete. Work in a fast-paced environment with multiple assignments and priority deadlines.
• Work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• During legislative session, incumbent should expect to be working on the Capitol campus for extended periods of time, on short notice, and able to perform the functions of the position with or without accommodation.
• Incumbent is required to be on-site for Policy meetings to satisfy OPMA and APA requirements.
• Incumbent is required to attend WMC Business Meetings as the Policy Manager to address the Commission and brief on policy proposals.
• Move or transport items weighing up to 30 pounds.

Schedule (i.e., hours and days):

• Standard business hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• May be expected to adjust work schedule or work more than 40 hours per week to meet business needs. Attendance at WMC Policy, Business, and Special meetings is mandatory.
• Attendance at WMC rules workshops and hearings is required on a case-by-case basis.
• A flexible or alternate work schedule may be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel statewide and out of state when necessary to perform the core functions of the position. This may require overnight or multiple nights lodging.
• Legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle OR provide alternative transportation and travel long distances in both daylight and at night, and in snow and rain conditions.
• May be required to travel alone or with others.

Tools and Equipment:

• Operate office equipment, such as computers, printers, and copy machines, and label makers.
• The WMC is a paperless environment, and the incumbent must be or become proficient in the software and hardware tools required.

Customer Interactions:

• Requires frequent contact with customers (patients and the public, agency managers and directors, supervisors, employees and other interested parties).
• Frequent interaction with frustrated or high-influence interested parties /customers required.
• Required to maintain composure and present excellent customer service and interested parties management while crafting workable compromises and solutions.

Other:

• This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
• Ability to take action to learn and grow
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others
• The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment.
• This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager.

Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).

DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.

Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve.

DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Andrea Thieme at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8922.

Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.

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Salary

• $6,708 - $9,019/month

Other Information

This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.

Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration.

Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026