Director of Operations

ABOUT THE ROLE The Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) is an independent judicial branch agency dedicated to securing, investing, and overseeing public funding for civil legal aid to low-income people in Washington State. Reporting to the OCLA Director, the Director of Operations is responsible for budget development and tracking, human resources, regulatory accountability, and general agency operations. This role coordinates administrative processes to ensure alignment, consistency, effectiveness, and efficiency across the agency in a highly mission-driven environment. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Coordinate annual, biennial, and long-term budget planning, including assisting with overall agency and programmatic budget development and expenditure tracking. - Develop decision packages and fiscal notes, engaging with legislative staff to ensure effective representation of the agency’s budget requests. - Oversee standardized, equity-informed agency contracting and procurement practices. - Ensure effective coordination of all programs, contracts, and vendor relations. - Oversee human resources, ensuring processes are consistent, equitable, and aligned with best practices. - Lead internal IT functions and serve as the agency’s liaison to other state agencies for outsourced IT functions. - Assist in leading a culture of continuous improvement and serve as a project manager for related initiatives. - Supervise central support staff and ensure administrative work is coordinated across the agency for consistent practices and efficient operations. - Represent the agency in judicial branch and other task forces, work groups, and planning committees. - Serve as OCLA’s primary liaison to other agencies for matters relating to budget, accounting, and select human resources operations. - Participate in OCLA’s Race Equity and Justice Statement of Purpose. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - A minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive financial and operations leadership. - Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and sound independent judgment on matters of organizational significance. - Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing organizational needs, and achieve results in a dynamic environment. - Demonstrated systems thinker with the ability to strengthen organizational capacity by improving systems, processes, and infrastructure while enhancing cross-functional collaboration. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint. - Ability and willingness to periodically travel both in-state and out-of-state for work-related events. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Desired qualifications include: - Familiarity with state government operations, risk management, personnel management, policy development, and budget administration. - Skill in managing and leading teams, developing and monitoring budgets, facilitating group meetings, and solving complex operational problems. - Experience working with diverse populations including racial, ethnic, linguistic, LGBTQIA2S+, disability, immigrant, and houseless communities. - Knowledge and understanding of courts, court systems, administrative, and related law and justice systems that affect low-income people. - Experience working within a remote environment. SELECTION PROCESS - Applications will be reviewed beginning on September 28, 2026. - Candidates will be evaluated based on the completeness and responsiveness of their submitted application materials to the listed qualifications. HOW TO APPLY 1. Apply electronically via the online application system. 2. Attach a current resume. 3. Attach a cover letter that specifically addresses the qualifications listed in the job description. 4. Include a list of three professional references. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Type: Full Time - Permanent - Job Number: 2026-07454 - Department: Office of Civil Legal Aid - Employer: State of Washington - Location: Multiple Locations Statewide, WA (requires a regular presence in Olympia, WA) - Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid - Opening Date: 09/04/2026 - Closing Date: Open until filled (Review of applications begins 09/28/2026) - Travel: Occasional travel in Washington State and periodic out-of-state travel for meetings and events is required.