Salary: $161,364.00 - $164,820.00 Annually Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA Job Type: Exempt Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 2025-43 Department: Administrative Office of the Courts Opening Date: 07/16/2025 Closing Date: 8/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description Lead. Influence. Shape Access to Justice for the People of Washington! The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is looking for a visionary and strategic leader to step into the role of Associate Director, Office of Judicial and Legislative Relations (OJLR) -a position where law, governance, and leadership converge. In this pivotal role, you don't just interpret legislation, you shape it. You speak on behalf of the judiciary with state executive branch and legislative branch leadership, ensuring that justice isn't just heard-it's felt. Every decision you make, every strategy you craft, and every testimony you deliver carries the power to transform Washington's legal and political landscape. You'll take charge of critical legislative agendas, collaborate with government officials, and lead a team of skilled professionals in supporting judicial associations and court management associations, all while navigating the complexities of governance with confidence and precision. If justice, policy, and influence fuel your ambition-this is your moment. Own the narrative. Shape the future. The judiciary is waiting. The AOC is a people-centered service organization focused on its organizational values of Integrity, Inclusion, Accountability, and Teamwork. With over 400 employees, a FY 25-27 operating budget of $337.9 million and an expanding book of business, the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is looking for a credible, creative, and compassionate leader to help the Office of Judicial and Legislative Relations navigate the path forward. As the Associate Director - Office of Judicial and Legislative Relations, you are an organizational leader who reports directly to the State Court Administrator/AOC Director. Washington Courts Employment Opportunity

Administrative Office of the Courts Associate Director - Office of Judicial and Legislative Relations

Administrative Services Division Our Mission : Advance the efficient and effective operation of the Washington Judicial System. The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values integrity, inclusion, accountability, and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. POSITION DETAILS Job # : 2025-43

Status : Regular: Full-Time

Location : Olympia, Washington

Salary : Range 01: $161,364 - $164,820 per year (DOQ)

Opens : July 16, 2025

Closes : August 10, 2025, Candidates are encouraged to apply early. AOC reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time but no sooner than seven days after posting. WASHINGTON STATE RESIDENCY AND TELEWORK INFORMATION AOC requires employees to reside in Washington State. Any exceptions must be approved. If you are invited to interview and currently reside outside of Washington State, seek more information about residency requirements from the AOC hiring manager for this recruitment. This position requires you to be in the office at leas t three (3) da ys per week.

Duties Some of the duties you will perform are: Responsible for supervisory duties which includes onboarding, orientation, and training; setting and communicating job requirements, managing performance expectations and standards; coordination and implementation of work assignments and project plans; guiding, mentoring, and motivating staff; taking action on leave requests; approving overtime, travel, coordinating and managing training, purchases and equipment; resolving workplace conflicts; managing work and telework schedules; workforce planning; making recommendations to manager/division director regarding hiring, discipline and termination actions; and acting as liaison to other AOC service sections (e.g., HR, Staff Services, Financial Services) for the unit. Coordinates judicial branch legislative agendas and activities, including, but not limited to, drafting legislation, preparation and/or delivery of testimony before legislative committees, providing information to legislators and legislative staff, and communicating the status of legislative activities to judicial branch personnel, all in accordance with direction established by judicial branch leadership. Prepares written reports and gives oral presentations to large groups, both internal and external. Provides evaluation and analysis of proposed legislation affecting the Washington Courts to the State Court Administrator and judicial leadership. Provides recommendations and strategies to AOC and judicial leadership regarding communications with executive and legislative branches. Performs other work as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in business, public, or judicial administration or closely allied field. AND

Five (5) years' experience in the areas of policy development, governmental relations, court administration, law practice or other closely allied field. AND

Five (5) years' experience in supervising and managing professional staff. A combination of relevant education and experience demonstrating a working knowledge of the functions and responsibility of the Associate Director, Office of Judicial and Legislative Relations, may be considered in meeting the qualification baseline. THE IDEAL APPLICANT WILL ALSO HAVE SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge , Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrates expert level knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas: Provide recommendations and counsel to AOC executive management and judicial leadership relative to implementing the legislative strategy and agenda developed by the judicial branch; meet and communicate effectively with numerous individuals, both public and private; communicate clearly and persuasively with others orally and in writing; establish and maintain appropriate and effective working relationships. Exercise effective leadership competencies in communicating and coordinating time, resources and staff to attain the desired results. Understand the interaction, mission, and objectives of interested groups, boards, committees, and the judicial community. Develop and maintain the trust and respect of and for the judicial branch. Expertly and professionally identify the risks and outcomes of proposed legislation. Develop action steps, plans strategies for the purpose of taking critical action to ensure the expected outcome. Exercise sound judgment and make timely, solid strategic decisions and recommendations consistent with organizational objectives related to legislative activities or issues. Acquire and integrate input from others regarding critical actions, timelines, sequencing and priorities. Accurately assess the resources necessary to carry out planned actions and the impact and implication of decisions made regarding resources. Supplemental Information If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. Studies have shown that women, people of color, and people with disabilities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Administrative Office of the Courts, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the candidate needed for this or other roles. For more information about the position, to review the job description , application submission requirements, supplemental questions, inquire about benefits, or to apply for the position CLICK HERE TO APPLY! IMPORTANT INFORMATION The workweek may fluctuate depending on workload or agency needs. Overnight travel may be required based on business needs. This position is not overtime eligible.

The AOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, pregnancy, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, physical, mental or sensory disability (actual or perceived), use of a service animal, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, age, HIV or Hepatitis C status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, please contact the AOC Human Resource Office, at (360) 705-5337, or fax (360) 586-4409, or via email to Recruitment@courts.wa.gov. The Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. SPECIAL NOTE : Before a new hire, a background check, including criminal history, 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 job 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 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 (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 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

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025