Administrative Operations Manager | Regional Services Div. Kennewick, WA - Attorney General's Office

About the Department

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at [email protected]. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

Position and Salary
The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a permanent full-time Administrative Operations Manager (WMS Band 1) for our Regional Services Division. This position is located in Kennewick, Washington and is not union-represented.

• This position is set as a Band 1 in the Washington Management Services structure.
• The salary range for this position is $88,800 - $106,543/annually.
• This position offers a growth and development salary range up to $109,740. 
   The growth and development salary range is not available at the time of initial hire.

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.


Excellent Benefits
Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance. Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more.
      
With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer flexible schedules and telework options for most positions, a Wellness Program, the Employee Assistance Program, and numerous affinity groups to foster community and connection.


Position Description 
The Administrative Operations Manager (AOM) manages all administrative functions of the RSD Kennewick office in partnership with the Section Chief and other members of the Kennewick and RSD Management Team. This includes managing hiring processes, working with the Section Chief to monitor the Kennewick office’s budget, managing the office’s equipment, supply, and workspace needs in coordination with ISD and building management, working with office and division management team on division-wide policies, and numerous other key operational tasks.  

This position also provides general oversight of the division’s legal support functions as supervisor of the Paralegal 2 who leads the team of Paralegal 1s directly supporting our attorneys and is the supervisor to the office’s Legal Assistants. This work includes helping onboard and train staff and helps ensure their professional development, provides mentorship, develops and updates policies and procedures, and other related tasks.
 
 
What does it take to be a successful AOM? 
The AOM position is best suited for someone who takes the initiative to get things done, is a creative problem solver, and likes working as part of a team. A successful AOM is someone who advocates for the division within the AGO, effectively troubleshoots unexpected challenges, has sound judgment and high emotional intelligence, and brings a positive, can-do energy to the role.

The AOM must also have sincere desire and ability to effectively manage a team. The position requires someone who is consistently present with others, listens empathetically, is dedicated to ensuring equity, and is committed to the staff’s success. They know how to bring out the best in others and flourish in an environment where they’re comfortable running meetings, influencing and recommending policy, and taking a hands-on approach to getting things done every day.
 
 
About the Regional Services Division in Kennewick, WA
The Kennewick office includes 10 attorney positions and 14 professional staff positions and provides representation to its clients through litigation and client advice. Litigation includes hearings and trials in juvenile court, superior court, and administrative hearings under the Administrative Procedures Act. The office clients include:

• Department of Children, Youth and Families in juvenile court in Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, Columbia and Garfield Counties
• The Department of Labor and Industries
• Various Educational Service Districts, Walla Walla Community College, and Columbia Basin College
• Department of Social and Health Services

 

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General
Join an agency whose work impacts the lives of every resident of Washington State.
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) touches the lives of every resident in this state. We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor. The Office is comprised of nearly 700 attorneys and 800 professional staff, all working together to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities. This includes:

• Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
• Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
• Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes) And much more!
• Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and trial courts in all cases that involve the state’s interest. If you want to make a difference, we may be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about the AGO here.  

Desired Qualifications 
Competitive applicants will possess a combination of six years of experience through:

• Paralegal certification
• Two-year paralegal degree

and/or

Paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney, including at least two years of supervision experience in a legal setting.
 
 
Preferred Candidate Profile, Skills, & Abilities 
The ideal candidate will be empathetic and professional. They will have prior experience managing legal personnel and projects effectively. They will be comfortable with complex work and have the ability and eye for detail to review, make, and implement office policies and procedures. They will have outstanding people skills to build professional relationships inside and outside of the division. They will be a nimble team player and true leader who knows how to collaborate with division managers and work with and develop staff based on individual needs in order to keep the division running as efficiently and effectively as possible.

• Experience performing clerical and legal technical work in a medium or large-size law office
• Supervisory experience. Supervisory experience in a law office setting, is preferred
• Demonstrated exercise of independent and sound judgment in high-pressure business settings
• Ability to manage time to determine and carry out appropriate tasks independently, and to tolerate ambiguous situations with a continuing ability to make decisions and complete follow-through on those decisions
• Ability to understand strategic initiatives and directions of a law office and a subunit of a law office, and to act independently in ways that are consistent with those directions, and which cause progress to be made on such initiatives
• A sense of humor in the face of challenging situations, resource shortages, and highly complex interpersonal relationships
• Have a high degree of organization
• Be motivated to carry out the duties of the position
• Proficient level skills in Microsoft Office suite of applications, with particular emphasis on Excel and OneNote, or the ability and interest to build proficient skills in those applications
• Demonstrated variable respectfulness with peers, supervisors, subordinates and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated commitment to antiracism, equity and inclusion, through participation in training, committees and/or workgroups. A willingness to learn and incorporate new practices and new approaches to ensure all members of the team are supported and included.

Typical successful backgrounds for this position include:

• Law office management
• State agency office management
• Higher education office management
• Administrative professional who has worked up the ranks to office management in a professional environment

 

Application Instructions
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A cover letter, describing your specific qualifications for the position; and
• A current resume detailing experience and education.

Read the following information completely:

• You may not reapply to this posting for 30 days.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application in www.careers.wa.gov.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
• Please be sure to remove private information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, etc. 
• All information may be verified and documentation may be required.
• The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov. 

Commitment to Diversity
Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO and we are committed to building an anti-racist and equitable agency. It is our goal to identify, discuss, and challenge racial inequity in the workplace and the impact it has on our employees, and, within our authority, combat racism that impacts the people of the State of Washington. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds-- and fostering the inclusion of differences between people. Appreciating, valuing and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in a professional, inclusive, respectful environment.
      
Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2025 "Zo8 Washington Wellness Award".
 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations Requests
Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO. The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected]. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com. 
    
For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact [email protected].  If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at 855-524-5627 or [email protected].

Benefits

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

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov