Senior Policy Analyst

Salary: $84,984.00 - $111,504.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-44
Department: Administrative Office of the Courts
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
The Washington Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is looking for a Senior Policy Analyst t o play a key role in shaping the future of Washington's Superior Courts. In this role, you'll dive into high-impact projects that influence how courts operate across the state, analyzing and evaluating major changes to judicial programs, court practices, , and operational processes. Your work will help ensure that court systems are not only efficient and effective, but also fair, accessible, and grounded in integrity. From assessing proposed legislation and court rules to evaluating new resources and innovations, your expertise will help guide decisions that directly affect the state's justice system.
This is a senior-level position for someone who thrives on complexity and autonomy. You'll work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take ownership of sophisticated, technical projects that have statewide implications. The position is uniquely designated to support the Superior Court Judges' Association (SCJA), providing policy analysis and guidance. While your day-to-day work will be coordinated through the Administrative Office of the Courts, your priorities will be shaped by the SCJA Executive Committee, giving you a close connection to judicial leadership and an opportunity to influence meaningful change at the highest levels.
Washington Courts Employment Opportunity

Administrative Office of the Courts
Senior Policy Analyst

Senior Court Program Analyst (SCJA)

Administrative Services Division
Our Mission: To advance the timely, effective, and equitable operations of the Washington State judicial branch.
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values integrity, inclusion, accountability, and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance.
Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.
POSITION DETAILS
Job # : 2026-44

Status : Regular, Full-Time

Location : Olympia, Washington

Salary : Range 68: $84,984 - 111,504 per year (DOQ).

Opens : May 22, 2026

Closes : June 14, 2026. AOC reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time but no sooner than seven calendar days after posting.
WASHINGTON STATE RESIDENCY AND TELEWORK INFORMATION
AOC requires employees to reside in Washington State. Any exceptions must be approved. If you are invited to an interview and currently reside outside of Washington State, seek more information about residency requirements from the AOC hiring manager for this recruitment.
This position requires at least 2 days per week onsite at AOC facilities.

Duties
Some of the duties you will perform are:

• Plans, implements, and coordinates data collection, survey design, and sampling methodologies of court and justice system data to further the evaluation and analysis of court programs, processes, and proposed legislation.
• Analyzes proposed legislation and its probable impact upon superior courts including caseload projections; prepares fiscal impact models that delineate state and local impacts and costs, and where possible, coordinates with local justice system partners on this analysis.
• In support of court program, research and legislative analysis, manages and facilitates data sharing, analysis, and research design with companion justice system agencies, justice system partners, and local county superior courts.
• Conducts court research and program evaluation and may provide recommendations to the SCJA and AOC as requested.
• Analyzes and applies judicial and court resource need models and assessments to inform the work of the court and proposed programming and legislation.
• Provides information, assessment, consultation, and recommendations to AOC, justice system associations, boards and commissions, and justice system partners to achieve consistent, efficient, effective court programs, access, and operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in court administration, public administration, political science, business administration or closely allied field

AND

• Five (5) years of responsible experience in court administration and/or program development, including one (1) year in a supervisory or lead role and/or managing/directing groups or teams.

Relevant experience may substitute for the required education.
THE IDEAL APPLICANT WILL ALSO HAVE SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proficiency with data and statistical analysis software, such as SPSS or SAS. EXCEL or equivalent software may be substituted if the applicant is proficient with the analytical components of such software, such as pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and functions.
• Understanding of enterprise-wide relational data structures and experience with business intelligence tools to access large data stores, such as state-level agency data warehouses. Experience with court case management software is desirable.

• Ability to understand the analytic needs of the SCJA and deliver work products meeting those expectations.
• Ability to earn the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers, judges, and justice system partners through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including the ability to explain data analysis results and analytic models in plain language to judges, AOC staff, local courts, justice system partners, and legislative contacts.
• Ability to set clear goals and achieve them through well-defined objectives, action plans and timelines.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and manage time in to meet productivity standards and deadlines, and to accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of the roles, missions, and interactions of stakeholder groups, boards, committees, judges, and court staff regarding AOC services and support.
• Knowledge of the Washington State justice system, including laws, procedures, and practices within superior and other general jurisdiction courts, and familiarity with trends in court management, administration, and caseloads.

Supplemental Information
For more information about the position, to review the job description , application submission requirements, supplemental questions, inquire about benefits, or to apply for the position CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

IMPORTANT: To be considered for this position, you MUST include the following :

• Completed online application;
• Current resume;
• Cover letter that explains how your qualifications (or background) and experience align with the position's requirements.
• Data analysis example:
  • Please include a recent data analysis project you completed. This may be a report, presentation, or other work product. We are especially interested in your ability to explain analytical methods and findings in clear, plain language for a non-technical audience.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• The workweek may fluctuate depending on workload or agency needs.
• Overnight travel may be required based on business needs.
• This position is not overtime eligible.

The AOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, pregnancy, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, physical, mental or sensory disability (actual or perceived), use of a service animal, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, age, HIV or Hepatitis C status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, please contact the AOC Human Resource Office, at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or fax View phone number on click.appcast.io, or via email to View email address on click.appcast.io.
Candidates who are offered a job with AOC must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
AOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal government eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identify and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements for that form.
AOC does not use E-verify; therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
SPECIAL NOTE: Before a new hire, a background check, including criminal history, will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.
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 (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 (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 , 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

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