Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06178

Department: Office of the Governor

Division: Office of the Corrections Ombuds

Job classification: EXEMPT

Posting type: Open

Categories: Corrections, Planning and Development, Project Management, Program Management

Please note: The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates’ qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $78,504 - $105,612 annually. However, there is the potential for longevity, growth, and salary progression for the individual once employed.

Why work for the Office of the Governor?

At the Office of the Corrections Ombuds (OCO), we are driven by a powerful mission: to create a more humane, transparent, and equitable Washington Corrections system. As an independent and impartial agency established by the Legislature, we are committed to advocating for incarcerated individuals, resolving conflicts, and fostering systemic improvements within the Department of Corrections (DOC). Our vision is to empower those impacted by incarceration to raise their concerns, reduce harm, and influence positive change across the system.

Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We provide crucial information to incarcerated individuals and their families, raising awareness about their rights and responsibilities, and ensuring that our services are equitable and inclusive. Diversity and lived experience are at the heart of our mission as we work to build a corrections system that serves everyone fairly.

The Job Opportunity

• Serves as primary staff to the CTP Oversight Committee, managing all administrative, operational, project management, and logistical functions necessary for the Committee to conduct its work effectively.
• Assists the Committee in developing and maintaining a comprehensive project plan that aligns Committee activities with the statutory requirements and timelines established in HB 2084.Maintains consistent communication with the OCO Director so the OCO is aware of what is happening with the CTP board.
• Partners with the Committee Chair, subcommittee co-chairs, OCO leadership, and committee members to establish strategic priorities, measurable objectives, and performance expectations.
• Establishes project milestones and performance measures; monitors progress toward statutory deliverables; evaluates committee effectiveness; and recommends adjustments to priorities, timelines, and work plans.
• Conducts quarterly performance and project status reviews with Committee leadership and OCO executive leadership to evaluate progress, address barriers, assess organizational risks, and ensure accountability for legislative deliverables.
• Supports the Committee by conducting research, gathering data, and preparing reports, briefing materials, presentations, and draft recommendations for Committee and subcommittee review.
• Supports the Committee Chair and subcommittee co-chairs, including preparing agendas, drafting meeting materials, tracking action items, and ensuring follow-through.
• Manage committee projects, timelines, deliverables, scheduling, and operational coordination to support the Committee Chair and subcommittee co-chairs in fulfilling statutory duties and achieving required outcomes.
• Implements Committee direction by completing assigned tasks, coordinating with stakeholders, and producing requested analyses or documents.
• Manages meeting logistics, including supporting the Executive Assistant with scheduling, notice, materials distribution, minute-taking, and recordkeeping.
• Maintains official committee records, project documentation, work products, research files, correspondence, and Committee records in accordance with state management requirements.
• Helps facilitate timely community compensation reimbursements for eligible Committee members.
• At the direction of the Ombuds, develops, creates, and publishes information designed to improve access to and outcomes of programs, based on input and guidance provided by the Committee.

What we need you to bring

• Experience in project management, including developing and executing strategic plans, timelines, and work plans for complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Demonstrated understanding of postsecondary education systems, Washington State’s registered apprenticeship and recognized apprenticeship preparation systems, and public assistance systems.
• Demonstrated ability to research, synthesize, and present information clearly for decision-making bodies.
• Demonstrated organizational, project management, and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, establish work plans, monitor progress, and ensure timely completion of committee, board, or workgroup objectives.
• Ability to work independently while taking direction from a Committee Chair and adhering to statutory mandates.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating work among committee members, partner agencies, consultants, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally both written and verbally, and to develop reports, meeting materials, recommendations, and other communications that support informed decision-making.
• Demonstrated knowledge of administrative and office management principles, practices, and procedures.
• The ability to learn and grow: Curious about themselves and others, who take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and who use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.
• The ability to meet the needs of others: Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people we work with and serve.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional experience in correctional institutions, detention facilities, or institutional oversight of correctional agencies with an understanding of institutional operations, stakeholder relationships, and systems affecting incarcerated individuals.
• Demonstrated experience working with public agencies, workforce development partners, labor organizations, or training programs is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience conducting policy analysis and preparing recommendations through the research, drafting, review, or interpretation of policies, regulations, legislation, or administrative rules.
• Prior service in a senior legal, policy, or advisory role within state or local government.

Supplemental information

What we offer

At OCO, we foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.

Please visit our Recruitment site for a full list of employee benefits. Here’s a glance at some of the unique benefits that ORIA offers:

• A culture that values and strives to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
• State retirement programs

Application Process: Once you’ve decided to apply for a state government job, you’ll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person will read it. We do not use AI or other technology to screen your application. Please ensure you provide clear, detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

When completing your application, please attach all of the following required documents:

• Cover letter describing your qualifications for this specific position
• Resume that details your applicable experience and education.
• References at least three professional references and their current contact information.

Questions OFM's Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at TalentAcquisition@ofm.wa.gov

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