Administrative Operations Manager - Torts Division - Seattle, WA - Attorney General's Office

Administrative Operations Manager (WMS Band 1) Torts Division – Washington State Office of the Attorney General

The Washington State Office of the Attorney General (AGO) is seeking a highly skilled Administrative Operations Manager (WMS Band 1) to join our Torts Division in Seattle, Washington, with responsibilities supporting both the Seattle and Tacoma offices.

This is a dynamic leadership role for someone who thrives in a people-centered environment, enjoys operational management, and takes pride in keeping a complex legal office running smoothly.

You will work in close partnership with the Division Chief and the division's management team to oversee administrative operations, strengthen office systems, and support a large, mission-driven, legal workforce.

Salary and compensation:

• Annual salary range: $88,800 – $106,543
• Washington Management Service structure position: Band 1
• Growth and development salary range (not available at initial hire): $109,740

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. The following stipends may apply based on position requirements:

• Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.
• Incumbents assigned to King County receive an additional 5% Location Pay stipend.

Excellent benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s)
• Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave;
• 11 Paid Holidays per year
• Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans
• Life Insurance.
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Tuition Waiver programs
• Deferred Compensation options
• Employee Recognition Leave, and more

We also offer support through:

• Flexible schedules and telework options (for most positions)
• A Wellness Program and the Employee Assistance Program
• Numerous employee affinity groups centralized on community and connection

Position description:

The Administrative Operations Manager leads and coordinates administrative functions spanning the Seattle and Tacoma Torts Division locations. Working with people, savvy management, and relationship development are the most important skills to succeed in this role. Key responsibilities include:

• Effective navigation of administrative and supervisory requirements within a complex legal office environment
• Human resource action coordination, personnel support, and payroll process facilitation
• Comfort with management of high-profile work and with an eye for detail to review, while making and implementing office policies and procedures
• Demonstration of adaptability as a team player and leader who knows how to coordinate with the Section Chief and develop staff based on individual needs
• Strategic and collaborative planning in alignment with organizational goals
• Leading with emotional intelligence and approachability
• Facilities and equipment planning
• Positively influencing all the details of an office while successfully fostering professional relationships both internally and externally to the division

About the Torts Division:

The Torts Division values collaboration and teamwork, diversity, flexibility, transparency, and collegiality. The division is the largest division in the AGO, comprised of 64 attorneys and 136 professional staff across four locations, Olympia, Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane. We defend tort claims and lawsuits against all Washington State agencies, officers, and employees. A majority of cases are based on actions brought under theories of liability for state actions including highway design, release of inmates, injuries on state property, medical malpractice, employment, childcare and custody, auto accidents, maritime injuries, and more. Our attorneys also provide legal and risk management advice to the Department of Enterprise Services, Office of Risk Management, and state agencies on tort matters.

Torts cases are factually interesting and present challenging issues and legal arguments. Litigation teams are comprised of legal assistants, paralegals, investigators and attorneys who work each case collaboratively from inception through resolution. Professional growth is encouraged and supported through continuous training and development.

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General:

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.

Required qualifications:

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 qualifications and skills:

The ideal candidates will be empathetic and professional. They will have prior experience managing legal personnel and projects effectively. They will demonstrate:

Knowledge of:

• Paralegal practices and legal office policies and procedures
• Management, training, and supervision principles and practices
• Litigation support functions

Ability to:

• Develop and implement long and short-range plans
• Develop internal operating procedures
• Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects, resources, and diversified work groups with competing priorities
• Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with administrative divisions such as Human Resources, Financial Services, Information Services and Facilities
• Build and support a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that empowers employees to contribute their knowledge, creativity, and expertise to further the Division's mission of providing excellent, ethical, and professional legal services

Application instructions:

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must submit the following attachments:

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

Supplemental information:

• 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
• 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

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