Deputy Director, Office Corrections Ombuds

Please Note: The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidates’ qualifications within the starting salary range of $120,000- $136,000 annually. Our physical office is located in Olympia, WA. This is a hybrid position with the ability to telework two days a week. However, you will need to travel to DOC facilities statewide, attend in-person meetings or community events as required by the position.

Why work for the Office of the Corrections Ombuds (OCO)

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.

As Deputy Director, you will help lead the OCO in its day-to-day operations, advancing a more humane and transparent corrections system in Washington. You will work closely with the Director and step in as their delegate when needed, ensuring the agency runs smoothly, ethically, and effectively.

This work is highly visible, and you’ll regularly interact with legislators, government officials, executive branch agencies and members of the public. You’ll also represent the agency in written and verbal negotiations, including high-level investigations and complex policy matters involving physical and sexual safety, medical care, deaths, and classification or security concerns.

Additionally, you will oversee fiscal management, risk and safety, policy development, and compliance. This includes analyzing data to identify trends, assess outcomes, and recommend evidence-based improvements that address systemic concerns. As a leader, you will mentor operational staff, shape budgets and legislative strategies, and represent the agency in hearings or interagency discussions.

We are looking for someone who leads with integrity, values accountability, and believes in fair and respectful treatment for all people. If you are motivated by public service and ready to lead with courage and compassion, we encourage you to apply.

• Prevent and resolve operational issues related to fiscal management, staffing, personnel matters, risk, safety, needs assessments, and the development, implementation, and adherence to policies.
• Direct all preparation and publication of OCO public reports in accordance with RCW 43.06C.040.
• Lead foundational administrative operations and assist the OCO Director in responding to resolution of problems identified by the Governor's office, the legislature, other governmental agencies, and community organizations involving policy and program operations.
• Serve as a liaison with the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and other agencies providing budget, accounting, internal policy, human resources, legal, IT, contracting, ethics, public disclosure, and other administrative support to the agency.
• Consult with the OCO Director in the preparation, analysis, development and implementation of budget, grants, legislative, and other major policy issues affecting the OCO.

• Experience building and leading high-performing teams, including hiring, onboarding, setting clear performance expectations, providing coaching and feedback, and supporting employee growth and development.
• Experience teaching and supervising undergraduate or graduate students.
• Experience and knowledge of corrections systems…