Torts Operations Manager (WMS 02) - WA State Office of the Attorney General

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

Position and Salary
The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for a permanent full-time Torts Operations Manager (TOM) (WMS Band 2) for our Torts Division. This position is not union-represented and is currently located in Olympia, Washington. Relocation of duty station for this position to Seattle, Tacoma, or Spokane may be permissible.

This position is set as a Band 2 in the Washington Management Services structure. The salary range for this position is $97,500-$126,500 annually. The earning potential for the position is $130,320 annually.

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.
• If the official duty station for this role is relocated to Seattle, incumbents will be eligible for 5% King County Assignment pay.

Excellent Benefits
Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance. Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more.

With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer flexible schedules and telework options for most positions, a Wellness Program, the Employee Assistance Program, and numerous affinity groups to foster community and connection.



Position Description
The Torts Operations Manager (TOM) is the highest-level, non-attorney, manager impacting all aspects of Torts operations. This position reports to the Division Chief who manages the division who in turn reports to the Deputy. The Torts Operations Manager serves as the liaison to the division’s assigned Fiscal Analyst and provides division-level budget management unique to the division budget structure. This work includes ensuring that costs are accurately billed, monthly and quarterly fiscal reports are developed, and it anticipates increased expenditures based on case progress and status while monitoring contract compliance of over 700 contracts.

The TOM manages the non-legal administrative and operational functions of the Division. As a core member of the Torts Management Team, in coordination with the Division Chief and Managing Attorneys, the TOM develops and implements policies, procedures, and processes for all operational functions related to the defense of state tort liabilities by the AGO.

The TOM recommends and tracks performance measures related to the inter-agency agreement that funds the Division; independently assesses and assures data reliability across a wide range of Division reporting obligations; develops data-sourced reports for internal and external stakeholders; and exercises independent judgment in adapting practices and procedures to meet developments in case law.

This position supervises and coordinates with the WMS Band 1 Administrative Operations Managers (AOMs) who oversee operations at three Torts locations. This position is responsible for developing and implementing all processes, procedures, and best practices used by all attorneys and staff in the Torts Division to assure optimum use of AGO resources in defense of state tort liabilities.

If you thrive managing people and office programs such as strategic planning, contracts, developing policies, processes and procedures; data management and reporting; along with oversight and management of personnel; and essentially influencing all the details of an office while fostering successful and positive colleague relationships, this might be the opportunity for you.


About the Torts Division
The Torts Division is seeking an experienced, senior-level administrative professional to fill the Division’s lead non-lawyer position, the Torts Operations Manager. The Torts Division defends state agencies, employees, officers, and volunteers against lawsuits for money damages in state and federal court. Our sophisticated civil litigation practice involves defending claims of negligence, employment discrimination, and violations of civil rights, among many others. The challenges of annually defending over 1500 claims and 500 lawsuits are more than offset by the rewards of working on important issues with dedicated professionals in a collegial team environment. The Torts Division is comprised of 65 attorneys and 136 professional staff between the four locations of the division (Olympia; Seattle; Tacoma; Spokane). The Torts Operations Manager will be the leader of the Division’s professional support staff and a core member of the Division’s management team.

We value collaboration and teamwork, diversity, flexibility, transparency, and collegiality. The Torts Division defends tort claims and lawsuits against all state agencies, officers, and employees. The majority of cases are based on actions brought under theories of liability for state actions such as highway design, release of inmates, injuries on state property, medical malpractice, employment, childcare and custody, auto accidents, and maritime injuries. Torts’ attorneys also provide legal and risk management advice to the Department of Enterprise Services, Office of Risk Management, and state agencies on tort matters.



About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General
Join an agency whose work impacts the lives of every resident of Washington State. 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 bachelor’s degree in business administration or a closely allied field and three years of supervising, mentoring and training staff in a legal or judicial setting; OR a combination of seven years legal office experience and three years of supervising, leading, mentoring and training staff. So, what does it take to be a successful TOM:

Competitive applicants will possess a combination of 3-5 years of experience in:

• Advanced skills in Human Resources Management
• Budget Development using sound fiscal management practices
• Law office management
• Supervisory techniques

And will demonstrate knowledge of:

• Organizational development
• Budget planning, monitoring, and implementation
• Governmental fiscal and budgetary processes
• Litigation processes and procedures
• Management principles and practices, including mentoring, training, and supervision
• Strategic planning
• Human Resources management
• Public Records Act

Ideal Candidate Profile, Skills, & Abilities (Preferred Qualifications)
The ideal candidates will be empathetic and professional. They will have prior experience managing legal personnel and projects effectively. They will be comfortable with high-profile work and have the ability and eye for detail to review, make and implement office policies and procedures. They will have outstanding people skills to build professional relationships in and outside of the division. They will be a nimble team player and true leader who knows how to work with and develop staff based on individual needs in order to keep the office running. A true leader who works with the Division Chief and management team to keep the section running as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Develop and implement budgets
• Develop and implement long and short range plans
• Develop internal operating procedures
• Conduct effective meetings
• Organize, prioritize and manage a large number of projects and diversified work groups
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Work independently
• Effectively use Microsoft Office suite applications, case management systems and databases
• Advise subordinates on law office and court procedures
• Research and comply with state and agency policies and procedures

Application Instructions
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

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

Read the following information completely:

• 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 www.careers.wa.gov.
• 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 www.uscis.gov.

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 2024 "Zo8 Washington Wellness Award".

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations Requests
Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO. The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Recruitment Team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at 855-524-5627 or support@neogov.com.

Salary

• $97,500 - $126,500/year

Benefits

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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-31-165(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 WAC 357-58-175, 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
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025