EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Salary: $13,596.00 - $17,481.00 Monthly
Location : King County - Burien, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: EXEC DIR_EMS05_#0001_2026
Department: Criminal Justice Training Commission
Opening Date: 09/10/2026
Closing Date: 10/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
The duty station for this position is in King County, therefore the incumbent will receive 5% premium pay in addition to the salary listed.
The Opportunity:
The Executive Director role at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) offers an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader to shape the future of law enforcement and criminal justice training in Washington State. This position leads a multifaceted, statewide organization and champions a mission that directly impacts criminal justice professionals, criminal justice agency partners, and communities throughout the state of Washington. The Executive Director serves as the strategic force ensuring the agency's values of Leadership, Integrity, Dignity, and Accountability exist at every level of the agency.
A strong candidate brings courageous leadership, strategic insight, and the ability to inspire excellence in others. They excel at building trusted relationships with Commissioners, Tribes, legislators, criminal justice agencies, community groups, and a wide range of partners. They are energized by innovation, committed to equity, and skilled at navigating complex legal, operational, and political landscapes. Most importantly, they are passionate about cultivating a culture that strengthens public trust and elevates the quality of training delivered statewide.
This is a rare opportunity for a dynamic leader to guide an influential agency, champion meaningful change, and ensure Washington's criminal justice professionals are prepared, supported, and equipped to serve their communities with excellence. If this opportunity resonates with your leadership strengths and professional aspirations, and you meet the qualifications outlined below, we encourage you to apply!
The Benefits:
WSCJTC offers outstanding healthcare benefits, choice of state retirement programs including a defined benefit pension plan, advancement opportunities, and flexible/compressed work schedules.


At the WSCJTC, we value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

Duties

Duties assigned to this position include (but are not limited to):

• Implement the direction of the 21 member Governor-appointed Commission associated with changes to WAC, assign WSCJTC staff to work groups on special projects or initiatives driven by the full Commission, and keep Commissioners appraised of the agency's work, as well as its organizational capacity to carry out the mission.
• Learn and stay abreast of all legal requirements and obligations of the Commission, particularly those contained in RCW 43.101, and relevant employment and labor law.
• Build and maintain relationships with key partners including but not limited to: Commissioners, criminal justice agency leaders and representatives, Tribes and tribal enforcement agencies, community groups and their members, elected officials and their staff, other state agencies and offices such as the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and the Attorney General's office, professional associations such as WASPC, IADLEST, and many others.
• Develop a current and relevant strategic plan grounded in the mission, vision, and values of the organization. The strategic plan should form the basis for clear and measurable goals and objectives for the entire agency whose divisions, units, and programs create and provide training and manage certification programs, and the units that support training and certification functions.
• Facilitate the hiring and support a capable workforce committed to carrying out the agency mission in accordance with RCW, WAC, state rules, agency policy, philosophy, and values.
• Facilitate the annual development of an operating and capital budget for the organization and ensure the systematic monitoring of ongoing expenditures by all agency programs and support services.
• Ensure capital budget requests clearly articulate the challenges associated with the aging headquarters facility and the risks associated with the lack of proper infrastructure and clearly outlines the specific shortcomings and needs of each of the four regional satellite campuses.
• Ensure each functional unit has clear direction, relevant and current policy and procedural guidance, along with proper supervision, and is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Ensure each functional unit is appropriately evaluated and recognized for their work.
• Stay abreast of research and best practices for training criminal justice professionals and for ensuring accountability through certification.
• Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with community partners, peer organizations and other criminal justice and government organizations.
• Facilitate and accept opportunities to take a leadership role to encourage innovation and improvement in criminal justice training and accountability.
• Facilitate and elevate the visibility of the work of the Commission.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Education:

• A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law & justice, political science, public administration, or related field is required due to the complex nature of the job, and the need to thoroughly examine criminal justice related concerns, make decisions to benefit the profession at large, and communicate those decisions clearly to internal and external partners including the public.
• A graduate degree in the areas of criminal justice, political science, public administration, organizational psychology, organizational leadership, or related field is required to ensure the incumbent understands and is able to navigate state and local government systems. PLEASE NOTE: Eight years of closely relevant experience may substitute for graduate education. Relevant experience may include: law enforcement or corrections leadership positions, public safety legislative or board experience, or police accountability and oversight.

Required Experience:

• At least ten years of executive-level management experience with criminal justice agencies is required due to the complex nature of organization.
• At least five years of experience in roles where you were required to speak on behalf of criminal justice agencies with the Legislature and/or the media.
• At least five years of experience managing, coaching, and mentoring mid-level managers to prepare them for executive level management.
• Demonstrated strong criminal justice leadership experience including various specialty assignments, multi-agency task forces, multi-disciplinary programs, investigative or regulatory programs, project teams, or the like is required to understand the interconnected roles of the fields for which training is provided and the way in which the criminal justice system operates.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Profound understanding of the purpose, nature, and mission of the criminal justice system within the broader context of Washington state government. The ED must make decisions for this agency and affect criminal justice agencies statewide guided by that broader view and in the interest of public safety for all Washington's community members.
• Demonstrated high level communication skills and experience are critical to perform duties such as working both proactively and reactively with internal and external partners, the legislature, the media, and social media platforms.
• Budget development, management, and oversight.
• Government affairs and political processes.
• Tort and litigation oversight.
• Enterprise risk management.
• Personnel management including investigation and disciplinary processes.
• Fundamentals of information technology.
• Strategic planning.
• Ability to facilitate cooperation and collaboration between disparate groups, and the ability to inspire trust and dedication in an organization.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• Practice self-awareness reflecting on personal strengths, growth areas and biases.
• Consider and incorporate new information and different perspectives.
• Adapt to change and apply new approaches.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Welcome and value different identities and perspectives. Adapt communication and approaches to different communities and individuals. Support people and communities from all backgrounds
• Develop mutually beneficial relationships. Collaborate with others to overcome challenges and find solutions. Increase access, opportunities, and positive outcomes for others.
• Possess the skills to multi-task, set priorities among competing factors, and establish standards, policies, rules, and guidelines for WSCJTC and for the criminal justice community.
• Possess the knowledge and skills to work effectively within the legislative process as well as build upon acceptable standards to ensure compliance with outside audits and accreditation bodies for law enforcement training within the state.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Understanding or experience with criminal justice related research as well as deep understanding of US history related to criminal justice reform.
• Experience serving on professional boards or commissions, issue-based task forces, and other community engagement endeavors to build trust and confidence between criminal justice professionals and the people served.
• Experience in the oversight or development of training, adult education, and/or curriculum.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically through NeoGov. Simply click the green "Apply" button in the upper right-hand corner to get started.

Please attach the following to your online application:

• A chronological Resume outlining your experience to date.
• A Letter of Interest detailing your qualifications, and why you believe you are the best person for this role.
• A minimum of three (3) professional references who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.

We are looking for evidence in your application materials that you have the experience, skills, and abilities indicated in this job posting. Qualified applicants whose responses most closely match the requirements of this position may be invited to interview. Carefully review your application before submitting. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application materials submitted.

Veteran's Preference
Applicants who meet the required qualifications for the position and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click .

We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Contact Us:
If you have questions, contact Human Resources at


WSCJTC is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed recruiter. WSCJTC does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit .
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
01


Do you have a Bachelor's Degree or higher with a focus on occupational safety and health, safety management, public health, health sciences, emergency management, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02


In the space below, list the degree(s) you received and explain how it relates to this position.
03


Do you have a graduate degree in criminal justice, political science, public administration, organizational psychology, organizational leadership, or related field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent? PLEASE NOTE: Eight years of closely relevant experience may substitute for graduate education. Relevant experience may include: law enforcement or corrections leadership positions, public safety legislative or board experience, or police accountability and oversight.

• No, I do not have a graduate degree or relevant experience.
• Yes, I have a graduate degree in one of these fields of study.
• Yes, I have at least 8 years of relevant experience (as listed above).
• Yes, I have both a graduate degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience (as listed above).

04


In the space below, list the graduate degree(s) you earned (and/or relevant experience you have) and explain how it relates to this position.
05


How many years of executive-level management experience in a criminal justice agency do you have?

• Less than 10 years of experience.
• At least 10 years of experience.
• At least 11 years of experience.
• At least 12 years of experience.
• At least 13 years of experience.
• At least 14 years of experience.
• 15 or more years of experience.

06


In response to the question above, explain the details of your experience. Be sure to include the agencies worked for, types of duties performed and your role/responsibilities.
07


How many years of experience do you have in roles where you were required to speak on behalf of criminal justice agencies with the Legislature and/or the media?

• Less than 5 years of experience.
• At least 5 years of experience.
• At least 6 years of experience.
• At least 7 years of experience.
• At least 8 years of experience.
• At least 9 years of experience.
• 10 years or MORE of experience.

08


In response to the question above, explain the details of your experience. Be sure to include the agencies you worked for when performing these duties and what your specific roles/responsibilities were.
09


Do you have at least five years of experience managing, coaching, and mentoring mid-level managers to prepare them for executive level management?

• Yes
• No

10


If you marked "Yes" to the question above, include a detailed description of the experience and how you helped prepare staff for executive level management.
11


In the space below, share in detail your criminal justice leadership experience. Be sure to include information on any specialty assignments, multi-agency task forces, multi-disciplinary programs, investigative or regulatory programs, project teams, etc.
12


In the space below, explain your experience in the oversight or development of training, adult education, and/or curriculum.
Required Question