Description

Kitsap County seeks a visionary, collaborative executive to guide one of the region’s most impactful human services systems. We are seeking a visionary and collaborative leader who is passionate about public service and committed to advancing the County's mission. As the director, you will provide strategic leadership, cultivate an engaged and high-performing workforce, build strong relationships with community partners and elected officials, and ensure the delivery of high-quality services that meet the evolving needs of Kitsap County residents.

If you excel at shaping strategy, building strong community partnerships, and leading complex, multi-program operations that improve people’s lives, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Position Overview

The Human Services Director provides strategic leadership for the Department of Human Services (DHS), ensuring the delivery of high-quality programs that protect dignity, enhance well-being, and strengthen communities across Kitsap County. DHS encompasses 12 special revenue fund divisions serving more than 30,000 residents annually and operates under the direction of the Board of County Commissioners.

This executive role oversees a broad portfolio of human service programs, more than 300 grants, contracts, and amendments, and multiple regional and local advisory bodies. The Director sets departmental priorities, guides

divisional leadership, ensures compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, and stewards the department’s approximately $85 million budget. The position requires a leader skilled in strategic planning, operational oversight, relationship building, and community engagement.

As the Human Services Director, you will:

•        Provide strategic and operational leadership for 12 divisions, including Aging and Long-Term Care, Behavioral Health, Workforce Development, Veterans Services, Kitsap Recovery Center, Developmental Disabilities, Youth and Prevention, Homelessness, Affordable Housing, Pre-Trial Services, Chemical Dependency and Therapeutic Courts, and the Community Development Block Grant program.
•        Strengthen program performance and community impact by directing the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of responsive human service programs, ensuring alignment with community needs and funding requirements.
•        Oversee departmental operations, fiscal management, and compliance, including evaluation of grant and program opportunities, cost-effectiveness analysis, contract oversight, audit coordination, and maintenance of systems that support accurate reporting and accountability.
•        Lead and support division managers, establishing clear expectations, guiding workloads and priorities, reviewing performance, and fostering a collaborative, mission-driven leadership culture.
•        Represent the County and department with regional partners, advisory boards, community organizations, and state/local agencies. Provide guidance to staff supporting advisory bodies such as the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, Therapeutic Courts Advisory Board, Commission on Children and Youth, Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board, Veterans Advisory Board, and others.
•        Develop and steward the departmental budget of approximately $85 million, ensuring resource allocation aligns with objectives, complies with grant conditions, and supports sustainable service delivery. Approve expenditures and oversee procurement of equipment and supplies.
•        Collaborate closely with County leadership, including the County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, HR Director, and Administrative Services Director to set policy direction, determine staffing needs, and establish strategic priorities for the department.

Requirements

What You Will Bring: (Candidate Credentials)

•        Bachelor’s degree in human services, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
•        At least five years of managerial or supervisory experience, preferably at a senior or executive level.
•        Ten or more years of progressively responsible professional experience managing human services programs, grants, and contracts, including:
•        Application and interpretation of federal, state, and local regulations related to human services and grant-funded programs.
•        Public administration and government fiscal management practices, including budgeting, expenditure control, contract administration, and recordkeeping.

Relevant professional experience may substitute for educational requirements. Work experience is essential and cannot be replaced by additional education.

Preferred Qualifications

•        Master's degree in related field.
•        Demonstrated leadership in multi-county or regional partnerships, including experience coordinating strategy, funding, and service delivery across jurisdictions.
•        Proven executive-level public sector leadership experience, with a record of guiding complex human service systems, managing diverse teams, and working effectively with elected officials and community stakeholders.
•        Expertise in housing and homelessness systems, including program design, interagency collaboration, and alignment with federal, state, and local funding requirements.
•        Strong knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of human services contract negotiation, including development, evaluation, and oversight of complex agreements with service providers, government agencies, and community organizations.