Program Operations Specialist

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.

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.

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 OII's mission.

• 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.

• 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 division's and agency's mission, priorities, legislative activities, and operations to anticipate administrative needs and effectively support the Legislative Director.
• Responsible for updating the Legislative Bill Tracker.