Program Operations Specialist

Program Operations Specialist

Salary

$65,004.00 - $85,008.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-05600

Department

Office of Independent Investigations

Division

Communications and Community Relations

Opening Date

07/22/2026

Closing Date

8/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Note: Our physical office is in Tumwater, WA. This role is hybrid, meaning you will be required to work in the office two to three days each week. The specific days will depend on current business needs, the level of office support required, scheduled meetings, and any upcoming events.

Who We Are

In response to deaths resulting from encounters with law enforcement and the community's demand for change, the Washington State Legislature created a new, first-of-its-kind agency: the Office of Independent Investigations (OII). This new agency was formed in 2021 and operates under the requirements of the law, in which investigations involving the use of deadly force must be truly independent of the involved law enforcement agency.

Our mission is to conduct fair, thorough, transparent, and competent investigations of incidents involving the use of deadly force. This approach to investigations is intended to remove conflicts of interest, improve accountability and transparency, and renew the public's confidence. Through these efforts, we hope to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community in the interest of building public trust.

The job opportunity

We are seeking a highly organized and collaborative person who has an interest in the mission of the Office of Independent Investigations to join our team and support the communications and legislative divisions.

In this high-visibility role, you will provide administrative support to the Director of Communications and the Legislative Director. Communications support requires sound judgment, maintaining confidence, and ensuring that the agency's reputation externally is respected.

For the Legislative Director, you will be a key point of contact for legislators, legislative staff, and other interested parties, where awareness of protocols and the importance of follow up is critical. In all, you will help ensure the efficient operation of both divisions by coordinating communications, managing administrative processes, and providing cross-functional support that advances OIIs mission.

What youll do

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Administration

• Ensure division staff have the administrative resources, information, and support necessary to effectively perform their work and maintain day-to-day operations.
• Manage complex calendars, monitor and coordinate multiple email accounts, including those of the two Division Directors, and oversee agency correspondence, travel arrangements, and other administrative functions for division leadership and staff. Assess competing priorities and respond appropriately to urgent or time-sensitive matters.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute employee engagement activities, recognition events, and organizational celebrations to promote a positive workplace culture.
• Participate in the review and implementation of policies, procedures, and administrative practices to support operational effectiveness and ensure feasibility.
• Identify opportunities to improve administrative processes and operational efficiency; develop and recommend process improvements to enhance workflow, customer service, and organizational effectiveness.

Legislative Administration

• Provide administrative support to the Legislative Director by coordinating assignments, monitoring deadlines, and tracking follow-up actions.
• Attend meetings on behalf of the Legislative Director, as assigned, and prepare meeting agendas, record meeting minutes, and distribute meeting summaries.
• Monitor and follow up on action items to ensure timely completion of assignments and deliverables.
• Draft, edit, and coordinate correspondence, reports, and other written communications for the Legislative Director.
• Serve as a liaison between the Legislative Director and internal and external interested parties by facilitating communication and coordinating the flow of information.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the divisions and agencys mission, priorities, legislative activities, and operations to anticipate administrative needs and effectively support the Legislative Director.
• Responsible for updating the Legislative Bill Tracker.

Communications and Community Relations Administration

• Manage subscriptions, professional memberships, and other resources that support the Communications and Community Relations Division.
• Recommend and implement administrative process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Respond to sensitive inquiries and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Develop, revise, and maintain agency forms, including printed, electronic, and automated forms.
• Assist the Advisory Board Coordinator in planning and coordinating biannual Advisory Board work sessions.
• Coordinate meetings and projects by preparing agendas, monitoring timelines, tracking action items, and supporting project deliverables.
• Record and distribute meeting minutes and maintain documentation of decisions and follow-up actions.
• Prepare, edit, and format reports, presentations, correspondence, and other materials for internal and external audiences.
• Provide administrative support for communications activities during active use-of-deadly-force investigations, including preparing news releases, researching contact information, and coordinating reports.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and workflows for OII-hosted community engagement events.

Contracts

• Research and conduct outreach to vendors to obtain information needed to support contracting and fiscal accountability activities.
• Prepare, process, and track purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and invoices for the Communications and Legislative Divisions.
• Maintain accurate and organized procurement records and support compliance with internal procurement policies and procedures.

Human Resources

• Support onboarding new staff by providing guidance on required resources, policies, and administrative procedures.
• Prepare and process required human resources forms and documentation for new hires and position changes.

Required / Minimum Qualifications

• Experience performing high-level administrative duties, providing and coordinating administrative support for upper management, as well as for a multi-function program or division.
• Demonstrated knowledge of administrative and office management principles, practices, and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of procurement, purchasing, and payment processing procedures.
• Extensive experience in coordinating multiple administrative processes, projects, or assignments simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Experience in reviewing records, transactions, or documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established requirements.
• Experience in interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and guidelines to support business operations.
• Proven ability to analyze issues, exercise sound judgment, and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with employees, applicants, vendors, and management, both verbally and in writing.
• Proven ability to independently identify process improvements and implement solutions that increase operational effectiveness.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft programs such as Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams, as well as virtual meeting platforms like Zoom.
• Ability to take action to learn and grow.
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Desired Qualifications

Some knowledge of the Washington State Legislative process.

Special Requirements

• Criminal History Background and Washington State Patrol Fingerprinting

Supplemental Information

How to Apply

Interested? We would love to hear from you. Click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application (you can save the application and return to it if needed). In your submission, please include:

• A letter of interest describing why you are interested in the opportunity and how your qualifications relate to the position.
• A current resume detailing your applicable experience and qualifications.
• Three professional references with current contact information, including telephone number and email address.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and top applicants will be contacted for interviews. Because we base our selection on the information you provide, we recommend submitting a tailored resume outlining the knowledge, skills, and abilities you possess that address the qualifications described above.

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the required/minimum qualifications.

Questions?

For questions about this recruitment or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email TalentAcquisition@ofm.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

The Office of the Governor is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects diversity in cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, as well as sexual orientation and gender identity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.

Special Note: This position is exempt from civil service rules.

For more information, please see WAC 357-19-195.

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. Thats 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 Benefits

Employees 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 Compensation

State 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 Security

All 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 Forgiveness

If 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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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 Leave

Washington 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 Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

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

The application process requires that you attach a letter of interest detailing how you meet the qualifications of this position and a resume. Please check your attachments and click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation.

• Yes, I have attached a letter of interest and a resume.
• No, I have not attached a letter of interest and a resume.

02

Please describe your experience performing high-level administrative duties, including providing and coordinating administrative support for executive leadership or upper management and supporting a multi-function program or division.

• I have advanced experience performing administrative duties, providing and coordinating administrative support for executive leadership or upper management, and independently managing administrative functions for a complex, multi-function program or division.
• I am proficient in performing administrative duties, providing and coordinating administrative support for executive leadership or upper management, and coordinating administrative functions for a program or division
• I have basic or limited experience performing administrative duties, providing and coordinating administrative support for executive leadership or upper management, and supporting administrative functions for a program or division

03

Please describe your knowledge of procurement, purchasing, and payment processing procedures.

• I have advanced knowledge of procurement, purchasing, and payment processing procedures and independently perform these functions, including applying policies, resolving complex issues, and ensuring compliance with applicable requirements.
• I have working knowledge of procurement, purchasing, and payment processing procedures and regularly perform these functions with minimal guidance.
• I have basic knowledge or limited experience with procurement, purchasing, and payment processing procedures and require guidance to perform these functions.

04

Please describe your experience coordinating multiple administrative processes, projects, or assignments simultaneously while meeting competing deadlines.

• I have advanced proficiency coordinating multiple administrative processes, projects, or assignments simultaneously, independently prioritizing competing demands, adjusting to changing priorities, and consistently meeting deadlines.
• I am proficient in coordinating multiple administrative processes, projects, or assignments simultaneously, managing competing priorities, and meeting established deadlines with minimal guidance.
• I have basic proficiency or limited experience coordinating multiple administrative processes, projects, or assignments simultaneously and require guidance to prioritize work and meet deadlines.

05

Please describe your experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and guidelines to support business operations.

• I have extensive experience independently interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and guidelines to support business operations, provide guidance to others, and resolve complex issues.
• I have experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and guidelines to support business operations and routinely use them to complete assigned work with minimal guidance.
• I have limited or no experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and guidelines to support business operations and require guidance when applying them.

06

Please describe your customer service experience in 250 - 400 words. In your response, include the types of customers you served (e.g., internal staff, the public, external partners, vendors), the services you provided, and an example of how you handled a challenging customer service situation while maintaining professionalism and achieving a positive outcome.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov