Policy Manager (RA 3) DOH8922

Description Policy Manager – Regulatory Analyst 3 (RA 3) Washington Medical Commission - Administration Description 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, 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 cert ifi cat ion 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. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting View email address on click.appcast.io. 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 . 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Washington State Department of Health