Overview
As the Vital Records Program Manager, you will lead Washington’s statewide vital records operations, overseeing the registration, amendment, preservation, and issuance of certified birth, death, fetal death, abortion, marriage, and divorce records. You will manage three service areas and about 30 staff through their supervisors, ensuring records are accurate, secure, timely, and compliant with state law and policy.
You will set the program’s strategic direction, interpret legislation, establish statewide policy, and make complex decisions about record access, corrections, and potential fraud. You will also guide improvements to the technology and processes behind vital records, including the Washington Health and Life Events System (WHALES). Partnering with local health jurisdictions and state and federal agencies, you will promote consistent practices statewide while balancing public access, legal requirements, and the security of sensitive information.
Your leadership ensures Washingtonians can rely on the records they need to establish identity and parentage, get a passport, enroll children in school, and access public benefits. These records also supply vital data that informs public health decisions across the state.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Lead statewide vital records operations, overseeing registration, amendments, preservation, and certification services to ensure accurate, timely, and legally compliant records.
Direct program strategy, priorities, performance measures, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen service delivery, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Develop and implement statewide policies and standards that promote consistent vital records practices across the Department of Health and Washington’s 39 local health jurisdictions.
Manage three service areas through their supervisors, setting performance expectations, allocating resources, and addressing workforce and operational needs.
Interpret laws, regulations, and legislation to guide policy decisions, assess operational impacts, and recommend changes to improve vital records administration.
Oversee vital records technology and system improvements, working with technology teams and vendors to maintain and enhance systems that support statewide operations.
Protect the security and integrity of vital records by establishing safeguards, conducting security reviews, addressing suspected fraud, and coordinating with law enforcement when needed.
Resolve complex and sensitive customer issues, appeals, and legal-risk matters while managing contracts, interagency agreements, and program resources.
About Washington Department of Health
At DOH, we safeguard public health in an ever-evolving world. Through collaboration with local health jurisdictions and state, federal, and private partners, our programs, and services impact every Washingtonian and visitor daily. We're driven by Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, as outlined in our Transformational Plan for the future of Washington health.
