PROGRAM ANALYST

Salary: $72,900.00 - $91,104.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Non-Permanent
Job Number: 053
Department: Office of Public Defense
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description
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


About the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD)
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
The carries out OPD's duties under 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.


Position Description
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 porject position with an end date of June 30, 2027.

Duties

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.

Supplemental Information
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 (Click on the APPLY button above.) 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.
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