Salary: $115,008.00 - $154,656.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-06187
Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: Information Technology
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 12:00 AM Pacific
DescriptionOur vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally and educationally, nurtured by family and community."
Job Title: IT Network and Telecommunications - Senior Manager
Location: Olympia, WA, Thurston County (Hybrid)
Closes: August 26th, 2026
Salary: $115,008.00 - $154,656.00 Annually
IT plays an important role in helping DCYF support children, youth, and families by providing the technology and systems staff need to deliver effective services. From supporting social workers and Juvenile Rehabilitation facilities to developing innovative solutions, DCYF IT helps staff work more efficiently and improve outcomes for children and families across Washington.
Click here to learn more about DCYF.
The Opportunity:As the Senior Manager of IT Operations, you will serve as a key technology leader for DCYF, providing strategic oversight and direction for enterprise IT operations, including network services, infrastructure, systems administration, platform reliability, and operational support. This role ensures secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions that align with agency priorities while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence. The Senior Manager of IT Operations partners with executive leaders, business stakeholders, and statewide organizations to drive modernization efforts, evaluate emerging technologies, and ensure technology services effectively support DCYF's mission and critical business operations.
Some of what you will get to do:- Champion innovation by identifying, evaluating, and implementing emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and cloud-based solutions, to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Oversee disaster recovery planning, testing, validation, and documentation to ensure organizational readiness and compliance with established recovery objectives
- Manage enterprise agreements with vendors and contractors related to IT field operations functions within DCYF.
- Develop and maintain DCYF's IT operations model for end-users (employees, stakeholders, and the public).
- Align operational priorities and functions with the IT division's Enterprise Architecture model and approved plans.
- Assist with the development of strategies to reduce risk to organization information and assets.
- Develop and execute IT operations strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Lead modernization initiatives across infrastructure, networking, cloud services, automation, and AI-enabled operations.
- Build workforce capabilities that support evolving technology and business requirements.
- Create an inclusive and collaborative work environment that promotes accountability, engagement, and professional growth.
- Communicate technology strategies, risks, priorities, and operational performance clearly to technical and nontechnical audiences.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, security standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to manage operational risk and resilience.
- Strategic planning and roadmap development skills, with the ability to set clear goals, prioritize initiatives and track progress against KPIs.
- Develop and execute long-range IT strategies that align with overall DCYF business objectives, ensuring technology investments support and drive enterprise growth.
Required Qualifications:Ten (10) years of progressive IT experience leading enterprise IT operations and infrastructure functions.
ORBachelor's degree in computer science, networking, information systems or a related field;
AND six (6) years of continuous experience working in an IT operations capacity as an enterprise leader and decision-maker in high risk or high impact environments that impact users and stakeholders, including the public.
AND- The ability to take action to learn and grow
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
*Master's degree may substitute for 2 years of service.
Additional Qualifications:- Five years of progressively more responsible and multi-dimensional experience in managing people and programs within information technologies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Previous demonstrated experience leading teams of IT technicians performing complex enterprise IT operations work.
- Deep knowledge of enterprise IT operations principles, requirements, models, and current industry standards.
- Expert knowledge of the Washington State IT operations lifecycle and the intricacies of its individual components.
- Expert knowledge of the design and implementation of enterprise IT operations deployments to end-users;
- Expert knowledge of security principles, concepts, and practices as they relate to IT end-user support; Expert knowledge working with cloud architecture (e.g. Azure, AWS, Salesforce, etc.)
- Previously demonstrated experience working in a highly regulated environment where IT assets and data are subject to a broad range of State and federal requirements and regulations.
- Previously demonstrated experience working in an IT environment that leverages enterprise licensing agreements.
- Previously demonstrated experience with State contracting rules, laws, practices, and procedures specific to enterprise IT procurement.
- Previously demonstrated experience developing RFQ, RFI, and RFP language.
- Previously demonstrated experience participating in information security incident response and disaster recovery exercises.
- Previously demonstrated experience developing and maintaining documentation for a large, diverse audience (ex: IT portfolio, IT service catalog, recommendations, issue papers, reports).
Preferred Qualifications- Previously demonstrated ability to develop, present, and implement strategic and tactical enterprise architecture plans.
- Previously demonstrated experience working in a fast paced environment that employs Agile and DevOps.
- Previously demonstrated experience building and developing large teams.
- Relevant certifications (ITIL, PMP, CISSP, CCNP, Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, AI-related certifications).
- Experience leading AI, cloud transformation, or enterprise modernization initiatives.
How do I apply?Complete your applicant profile on careers.wa.gov and attach the following documents:
- Current resume detailing experience and education.
Supplemental Information:The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.
This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact . If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at or email. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at .
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference
MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents.
For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible,
DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.
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 BenefitsEmployees 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 CompensationState 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 SecurityAll 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 ForgivenessIf 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 (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 (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 , 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 LeaveWashington 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 LeaveLeave Sharing
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
01
Please select which best describes how you qualify for this position.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience in Information Technology, totaling ten (10) years.
- Ten (10) years of progressive IT experience leading enterprise IT operations and infrastructure functions.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, networking, information systems or a related field; AND six (6) years of continuous experience working in an IT operations capacity as an enterprise leader and decision-maker in high risk or high impact environments that impact users and stakeholders, including the public.
- None of these
02
Which of the following best describes your experience managing technology vendors and service providers?
- Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn).
- Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through completion of an employer sponsored training or higher education program, OR through at least 6 months of experience applying the competency in the workplace).
- Skilled (Successfully and regularly applied the competency in the workplace. Recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills regarding the competency. Generally, this is achieved through 1 to 3 years of experience).
- Expert (Application of this competency is polished to excellence and is extensive in nature. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience).
- None of the above
03
If you indicated that you have experience managing technology vendors and service providers, please explain your experience. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
04
Please select which of these you have operation leadership experience in (select all that apply):
- IT Infrastructure Operations
- Cloud Services
- Disaster Recover Planning & Testing
- Incident & Problem Management
- IT Service Delivery
05
If you indicated you have experience in any of the previous, please give a brief explanation of each below:
06
Which of the following statements below best describes your highest level of experience implementing or managing IT operational frameworks (e.g., ITIL, change management, incident management, service management)?
- Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn).
- Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through completion of an employer sponsored training or higher education program, OR through at least 6 months of experience applying the competency in the workplace).
- Skilled (Successfully and regularly applied the competency in the workplace. Recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills regarding the competency. Generally, this is achieved through 1 to 3 years of experience).
- Expert (Application of this competency is polished to excellence and is extensive in nature. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience).
- None of the above
07
If you indicated that you have experience implementing or managing IT operational frameworks (e.g., ITIL, change management, incident management, service management), please explain your experience. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
08
What is the largest annual IT operating budget for which you have had primary management responsibility?
- Under $500,000
- $500,000-$2 million
- $2 million-$10 million
- No direct budget responsibility
09
Which of the statements below best describes your experience supporting 24/7 mission-critical IT operations?
- Supported on-call operations.
- Managed operational teams during business hours.
- Managed 24/7 operations with on-call staff.
- Led enterprise-wide, 24/7 operations with responsibility for service availability and incident response.
- None of the above.
10
How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?
- Washington State's career website: ;/li>
- Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com)
- Washington State employee
- DCYF Recruiter
- College/university career fair or website
- Diversity network meeting/event
- Indeed
- LinkedIn
- ZipRecruiter
- Handshake
- Other
11
If you selected 'College/university career fair or website', 'Diversity network meeting/event', 'Online job boards', or 'Other' above, please specify which college, university, diversity network meeting/event, online job boards and/or describe 'Other' below.
Required Question
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