Assistant Director of Compliance and Administration

Assistant Director of Compliance and Administration

Agency Internal Only

Who We Are

Established in 1949 by the Washington State Legislature, the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is a state agency responsible for administering and enforcing the Washington Law Against Discrimination. Chapter 49.60 RCW is the WSHRC’s statutory authority. WSHRC enforces civil rights laws born from state and national civil rights movements.

Under the law, everyone has the right to be free from discrimination at work, in housing, in a public accommodation, or when seeking credit and insurance. Any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against based on protected class status may file a charge of discrimination with the WSHRC. We are a neutral fact-finding agency, and we are deemed "substantially equivalent" to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). WSHRC does not provide legal advice or advocacy services. Discrimination complaints must be filed within specific time limits, as established by law. Our legal authority comes from Chapter 49.60 RCW. Despite being a small agency (fewer than 50 employees), we serve all Washington residents.

Mission

The mission of the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is to prevent and eliminate discrimination through the fair application of the law, the efficient use of resources, and the establishment of productive partnerships in the community.

To learn more about WSHRC, we invite you to explore our website.

About The Opportunity

The Assistant Director of Compliance and Administration reports directly to the agency’s Executive Director. The position is responsible for oversight and management of the day-to-day operations for two offices statewide: Olympia (the headquarters office), and a regional office in Spokane. The Assistant Director has direct supervision of the Administrative Service Manager, Administrative Services staff and the IT Systems Administrator Manager. The position in conjunction with the Executive Director is responsible for managing state budget allotments, approval of facility lease renewals and large equipment purchases. The position is responsible for the monitoring of annual federal funds for contracts (i.e. EEOC and HUD), interagency agreements, and memorandums of understanding.

The internal incumbent selected for this role will supervise eight (8) full-time direct reports.

• IT System Admin Manager
• Administrative Service Manager
• Data Consultant 2
• Customer Service Specialist 3
• Customer Service Specialist 2
• Office Assistant 1

This Assistant Director position is designated as critical in support of WSHR’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) for emergency or disaster recovery. In accordance with guidance from the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM), this position supports agency continuity by overseeing essential administrative functions, maintaining IT infrastructure operations, and serving as the agency’s Human Resources liaison to ensure continuity of mission-essential services during emergencies or disasters.

Contact the recruiter: Rachel Vaughan via email ***email_hidden*** and [email protected] and request the full job description.

Duties

Some Of The Responsibilities Associated With This Position Include

• Assures appropriate and optimum use of the organization’s resources and enhances the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisal and professional development opportunities
• Maintains the highest standards of personal/professional and ethical conduct and supports the State’s interest in hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, consistent with the principles of equity
• Implements short- and long-term planning strategies that support the agency’s mission, goals and objectives in relation to the priorities of government
• Ensures compliance with state government and federal funding requirements and monitors ongoing operational effectiveness
• Supervises IT management and all agency staff interface regarding implementation of effective systems to process work activity, including performance tracking measures for the investigative staff
• Sets and implements priorities and accountability systems and methods
• Provides guidance and oversight on case tasks in investigations
• Engages with Investigations Enforcement Managers to update Complaint Questionnaires to provide the necessary information that the investigators need during the intake process
• Works with FEMA and other state agencies to create a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) for agency
• Prepares the agency’s readiness for Office of Financial Management (OFM) Engagement Survey mandates and process requirements
• Serves as the primary point of contact for the agency regarding Your Washington, Executive Order compliance
• Coordinates the implementation of the Procurement Inclusion & Equity (Pie) Program for the agency by updating the website regarding contract opportunities and tracking outreach events and vendor data

Decision Making and Policy Impact

• Provides policy and management direction for agency operations and administration
• Researches, updates and formalizes content of all policies for Executive Director review and Collective Bargaining Agreement compliance
• Plans, leads, organizes and controls work performed by the organization
• Develops the agency’s strategic plan and monitors for accomplishment of objectives
• Provides leadership and oversight to quality improvement efforts, including investigation case age reduction, customer service, and staff training and recognition
• Decisions that require determining and communicating the vision and direction of the agency
• Priorities, goals and objectives, impacting operational systems and procedures, and the allocation of resources
• Issues that involve Assistant Attorney General legal guidance and strategy to determine which cases move forward for prosecution
• Legislative activities and directives, the monitoring of legislation interests that may potentially impact the agency

Financial Dimensions

• The position in conjunction with the Executive Director is responsible for managing state budget allotments, approval of facility lease renewals and large equipment purchases
• The position is responsible for the monitoring of annual federal funds for contracts (i.e. EEOC and HUD), interagency agreements, and memorandums of understanding

Qualifications

Required Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge

Ways of meeting the requirements for this position must total eight (8) years' of experience.

[OPTION 1]

Eight (8) years’ working in a legal setting, creating administrative processes, policy drafting, instituting recruitment and hiring criteria, maintaining personnel files, managing multiple deadlines, maintaining confidentiality, and implementing performance management strategies. A demonstrated track record in operational, financial, legal/compliance, risk management responsibilities

[OPTION 2]

Associate’s degree emphasis on business, human resources, social or organizational behavior sciences or related field

AND

Six (6) years’ working in a legal setting, creating administrative processes, recruitment and hiring criteria, maintaining personnel files, managing multiple deadlines, implementing risk control measures in contracts and procurement, writing policies for data security, records management, and workplace safety

[OPTION 3]

Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis on business, human resources, social or organizational behavior sciences or related field

AND

Four (4) years’ working knowledge working in a legal setting, recruitment and hiring, maintaining personnel files, managing multiple deadlines, maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound judgment and grace under pressure

Knowledge

• Federal and state civil rights laws application
• Understanding of federal agencies and the contractual relationship with the WSHRC
• An understanding of the principles of state government including rules, policies and practices
• Experience with and understanding of labor relations, collective bargaining agreements and negations
• Experience with internal control standards for desk auditing of cash receipts, accounts payable, and human resources management
• Understanding of oversight and responsibility for identifying risk according to State Administrative and Accounting Manual (SAAM) principles and reporting standards

Skills

• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Effective team building skills, internally and with other state agencies, legislators and customers
• Ability to lead, coach and motivate staff
• Manage and prioritize agency operations in a timely, accurate and responsive manner
• Work and make decisions independently, but with judgment as to when to confer with higher authority
• Communicate complex issues and make recommendations to executive management
• Commitment to quality, diversity and public service values

Supplemental Information

How to Apply: Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click “Apply” at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.

Please Provide The Following Documents In Order To Be Considered; Failure To Do So May Result In You Not Being Considered For The Position

• A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).

NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section or supplemental questions of the application. Please do not “refer to resume” for detail, or your application may be disqualified.

Opportunity for All: The Human Rights Commission celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information: For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan or email [email protected].

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

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

Updated 01-07-2026

• Yes
• No

Select below how you meet the requirements for this position.

• [OPTION 1] Eight (8) years’ working in a legal setting, creating administrative processes, policy drafting, instituting recruitment and hiring criteria, maintaining personnel files, managing multiple deadlines, maintaining confidentiality, and implementing performance management strategies. A demonstrated track record in operational, financial, legal/compliance, risk management responsibilities
• [OPTION 2] Associate’s degree emphasis on business, human resources, social or organizational behavior sciences or related field AND Six (6) years’ working in a legal setting, creating administrative processes, recruitment and hiring criteria, maintaining personnel files, managing multiple deadlines, implementing risk control measures in contracts and procurement, writing policies for data security, records management, and workplace safety
• [OPTION 3] Bachelor’s degree with emphasis on business, human resources, social or organizational behavior sciences or related field AND Four (4) years’ working knowledge working in a legal setting, recruitment and hiring, maintaining personnel files, managing multiple deadlines, maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound judgment and grace under pressure

Select below all of the knowledge and skills you possess pertaining to this position.

• Federal and state civil rights laws application
• Understanding of federal agencies and the contractual relationship with the WSHRC
• An understanding of the principles of state government including rules, policies and practices
• Experience with and understanding of labor relations, collective bargaining agreements and negations
• Experience with internal control standards for desk auditing of cash receipts, accounts payable, and human resources management
• Understanding of oversight and responsibility for identifying risk according to State Administrative and Accounting Manual (SAAM) principles and reporting standards
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Effective team building skills, internally and with other state agencies, legislators and customers
• Ability to lead, coach and motivate staff
• Manage and prioritize agency operations in a timely, accurate and responsive manner
• Work and make decisions independently, but with judgment as to when to confer with higher authority
• Communicate complex issues and make recommendations to executive management
• Commitment to quality, diversity and public service values

Briefly describe how your present/past work experience qualifies you for this position.

Have you uploaded all of the required documents current resume, cover letter, and three professional references - (references can also be submitted at the time of interview)?

• Yes
• No

How did you learn about this job posting?

• careers.wa.gov
• Internal communication
• Indeed
• Job board
• Friend/Coworker
• Other

We would like to know where you learned about this position. If you selected Job Board, or Other, please specifically name the job board. Reply with N/A if listed above.

• Required Question