Job Description
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. (1) IT System Admin Manager (1) Administrative Service Manager (1) Data Consultant 2 (1) Customer Service Specialist 3 (2) Customer Service Specialist 2 (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 rachel.vaughan@des.wa.gov and jobs@des.wa.gov and request the full job description. 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 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 In addition to qualifying with one of the above options, internal applicants need to possess the following competencies: 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
