Executive Director, WA State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA)
Compensation: 83.724 - 145.000
Please Note
This recruitment will remain open until filled with a first review of applicants on June 24, 2026. The hiring authority reserves the right and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time. We encourage all to apply as early as possible. The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates’ qualifications within the starting salary range of $83,724 - $145,000 annually.
Schedule
Our physical office is located in Olympia, WA. This is a hybrid position with the ability to telework. However, you will need to travel throughout Washington State to attend in-person meetings or community events as required by the position.
Terms of Appointment
Per RCW, the Executive Director shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor, in consultation with the council.
Why work for the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs?
The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs is a small but impactful state agency dedicated to ensuring that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander and Asian and Asian American communities across Washington are seen, heard, and represented in the decisions that shape their lives. Guided by a Governor-appointed board of community leaders, we work at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and community engagement to advance equity in areas like education, health, economic opportunity, and civil rights.
We partner with communities and state leaders to elevate lived experiences, inform policy, and drive meaningful, lasting change. If you’re motivated by public service and want to help build a more inclusive Washington, this is a place where your leadership can make a real difference.
The job opportunity
In your role as the Executive Director, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to lead a cabinet-level state agency that advises the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies on issues impacting Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and Asian/Asian American communities across Washington. This role requires adaptability, thoughtful decision-making, and the ability to balance competing priorities in a resource-constrained environment.
While managing daily operations including staff, budget, programs, and communications, you’ll advance a strategic vision grounded in equity and inclusion. You will work closely with Commissioners and stakeholders to guide strategy and identify priorities, respond to emerging needs, and develop policy recommendations that improve well-being across diverse communities.
We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of state government and the legislative process, experience in public policy, and the ability to build relationships across sectors. You bring sound judgment, cultural awareness, and a commitment to inclusive leadership. If you are someone that cares deeply about equity and ensuring diverse communities are represented in government decisions, this may be the right fit for you. Join our team in leading meaningful change at the state level.
What you’ll work on
- Plan, lead, organize, and direct the work performed by the agency while ensuring that the agency is fulfilling the full scope of duties outlined in RCW .
- Oversee the day-to-day management and administration of staff, budget and other areas to ensure efficient operation and compliance.
- Facilitate community engagement, respond to emerging needs, recommend changes and improvements to program and laws to improve the well-being of the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders (NH/PI) and Asian/Asian Americans (A/AA) in Washington State.
- Build strong relationships and collaborate with stakeholders on issues pertaining to the rights and needs of NH/PI and A/AA communities.
- Oversee grants and programs as delegated and appropriated to the Commission.
- Analyze data, process and service delivery to identify gaps and disparities and develop solutions to promote equity, diversity and inclusion.
Required Qualifications
- Experience leading complex organizations by aligning staffing, resources, budgets and priorities with strategic goals.
- Understanding of legislative processes and policy development.
- Experience building strong relationships with other state agencies, government leaders, community organizations, and advocacy groups.
- Experience with reporting and analyzing data to measure performance, outcomes and guiding policy recommendations.
- Ability to build relationships with NH/PI and A/AA organizations and leaders.
- Ability to sustain a positive and collaborative organizational structure by building respectful partnerships with unions, leadership and employees.
- Fosters transparency, trust and shared problem-solving to advance efficiency, innovation, and effective service delivery.
- Five years or more of experience in policy development and/or policy analysis.
- Three years or more of experience making measurable impact through program management and execution.
- Supervisory experience and providing growth and training to staff.
- Experience executing a strategic plan.
Desired Qualifications
- Baccalaureate Degree or higher in public administration, public policy, political science, law or related field.
- Knowledgeable about ethnic communities, cultural and historical experiences, and issues related to NH/PI and A/AA Washingtonians and have close and proven ties to the NH/PI and A/AA communities.
- Ability to work in diverse, multi-lingual, and multi-ethnic communities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Proven ability to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across an organization, in the development of public policy and delivery of services and programs.
- Ability to develop metrics and manage budgets.
- Experience in non-profit or coalition management or leadership.
- Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it or contact us with questions about the required qualifications and how your experience relates to them.
What we offer
We foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.
Please visit our Recruitment Page for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here’s a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that we offer:
- An environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
- State retirement programs
Application Process
Once you’ve decided to apply for a state government job, you’ll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person is going to read it. We do not use AI or other technology that screens your application and rejects it. So please be sure to provide clear and detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you need reasonable accommodation in applying, please call 7-1-1 or .
Attachments
When completing your application, we encourage you to attach all of the following:
- Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
- Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
- References: at least three professional references and their contact information.
Questions
Our Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard of hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at
The Office of the Governor is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.
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