PROGRAM ANALYST

Program Analyst

We want you to join our passionate public defense team!

The Washington State Office of Public Defense is seeking a full-time Program Analyst for its Simple Possession Advocacy and Representation (SPAR) Program.

Mission: Upholding the rights of all people who are facing the loss of liberty or family by providing statewide leadership, administration, and support to the multidisciplinary public defense profession.

Vision: Public defense clients, everywhere in the state, receive truly equitable and client-centered representation from fully supported professionals.

Values: Justice * Service * Equity * Excellence

The Washington State Office of Public Defense is an independent judicial branch agency mandated to implement the constitutional and statutory guarantees of counsel and to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of indigent defense services funded by the state. We administer a variety of programs, including systemic improvement programs and programs providing direct representation. We are dedicated to excellence in public law and indigent defense, and we seek talented candidates who share this commitment to client-centered service. We value employees who bring diverse backgrounds in education, employment, community activities, and life experiences to enhance our office.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We vigorously pursue diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons over 40 year of age, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated, people with prior child welfare involvement, and military veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuing diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment.

The Simple Possession Advocacy and Representation (SPAR) Program carries out OPD's duties under RCW 2.70.200. The 2023 state legislature directed OPD to administer funds and services for representation of individuals charged with drug possession or public use offenses in qualifying jurisdictions. The SPAR program provides grant funding, and holds client-services contracts with public defense professionals such as social workers and social service workers.

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Program Analyst to provide complex analytical and technical support to the SPAR Team. The Program Analyst maintains program records, develops, reports and monitors program deliverables, prepares various reports, and tracks and compiles data. The Program Analyst also assists with the development, implementation and execution of funding applications, agreements, and independent contracts. This role also involves a wide range of administrative tasks, including scheduling, processing invoices, logistics, and communication. The ideal candidate will be proficient in utilizing various software applications, possess excellent interpersonal skills, and be able to juggle multiple tasks with efficiency and accuracy. The ideal candidate will have the ability to grasp the big picture as well as accurately follow through on details. Periodic travel is required in Washington State, including occasional overnight travel. Out-of-state travel occurs infrequently. Note: This is currently a project position with an end date of June 30, 2027.

Duties:

• Support grant management:
• Collection and organization of grant applications,
• Assist with preparation, execution, and recording of agreements,
• Processing invoices
• Scheduling, drafting agendas for, and otherwise assist with site visits
• Otherwise track grant activity, often using Excel or OPD's contract management platform, OpenGov.
• Support client services contract management:
• Collection and organization of applications,
• Assist with preparation, execution, and recording of client services contracts,
• Processing invoices,
• Assist Social Service Manager with contractor performance reviews,
• Otherwise track contractor activity, often using Excel or OPD's contract management platform, OpenGov.
• Collect and analyze program data, as well as data from external sources collected by the program.
• Using Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe, create, develop, and maintain program forms and templates
• Handle correspondence, emails, and phone calls related to program.
• Manage and maintain business practices related to regular tasks.
• Assist with budget tracking and expense reports.
• Represent the SPAR team on interdepartmental workgroups
• Exercise mature judgment
• Participate in and foster a collaborative working environment at OPD
• Other general administrative tasks as assigned

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four years experience providing program support in a dynamic office environment with responsibility performing a full range of administrative level office support tasks; OR one year's experience as a Program Assistant for OPD.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in the English language.
• High literacy of computer programs, including well-developed skills using the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, and Excel especially) and Adobe
• Experience managing data both visually and contextually.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Basic understanding of records management and retention periods.
• Must have the ability to proficiently utilize a personal computer and appropriate software to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to develop and sustain respectful professional relationships with a diverse community of stakeholders.
• Willingness to support an organization focused on criminal legal system reform and systemic change, especially for historically marginalized groups.

Desired Qualifications:

• A demonstrated commitment to social and racial justice issues, and a fundamental understanding of the historical context underlying current challenges in the judicial system faced by communities of color, people with disabilities, immigrant communities, and individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+.
• A demonstrated ability to discuss issues and topics of racism, anti-Black racism, social justice, disability justice, and other areas of oppression.
• Outstanding customer service and people skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in person, by email, and by telephone.
• Have the ability to prioritize tasks, handle multiple and short deadlines, and work independently in a collaborative environment.

Compensation: $72,900 to $91,104 annually (effective July 1, 2026)

Compensation depending on qualifications. Washington State employees are offered a comprehensive benefit package that includes: paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, retirement and health, dental and life insurance coverage for self and family. There are also options for deferred compensation and pre-tax flexible spending accounts.

Application Process: To be considered, interested candidates must apply online at You must complete the entire online application. In addition to the online application:

• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile.
• Attach a current résumé.
• Provide three professional references with contact information. You may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application or include on the résumé.

If you have problems navigating the online application process of uploading the required documents, or if you require an accommodation to participate in this application process email View email address on click.appcast.io pd.wa.gov for assistance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We vigorously pursue diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons over 40 year of age, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, formerly incarcerated, prior child welfare involvement, and military veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuing diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment.

Teleworking: Our offices are in Olympia, Washington. Teleworking options are available under our policies, depending on the needs of the position and the availability of adequate equipment. The candidate selected for this role will be required to work on-site in our Olympia office at least 4 days a week for the first three months of employment.