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 ofthe 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 valuesintegrity, 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: $161,343 - $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.

Ensure you read the information regarding this opportunity thoroughly before making an application. This position requires you to be in the office at leas t three (3) da ys per week.

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.

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.

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 toRecruitment@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 visitwww.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 . #J-18808-Ljbffr