Contracts Specialist

Ready to put your contract and procurement expertise into working in a mission driven environment where your work truly matters? The Washington Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is seeking a detail-focused professional to join our Contracts team and help shape the services that support Washington’s entire judicial branch.

In this role, you’ll lead the creation and management of procurement documents, contracts, and a broad range of agreements that are essential to statewide court operations. Your work will directly influence key initiatives and partnerships across Washington, making every project meaningful and high-impact.

Working under the general guidance of the Contracts Manager, you’ll have room to think critically, interpret policies, and develop innovative solutions to complex procurement challenges. This position offers frequent collaboration with executive leaders, project teams, agency partners, and staff at all levels, making it an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment and is ready to contribute to the advancement of justice across the state.

Washington Courts Employment Opportunity Administrative Office of the Courts Contracts Specialist Management Services Division

Our Mission: Advance the efficient and effective operation of the Washington Judicial System.

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values integrity, inclusion, accountability, and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance.

Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

POSITION DETAILS

Job: 2026-26

Status: Regular, Full-Time

Location: Olympia, Washington

Salary: Range 64: $76,968 - $100,980 per year (DOQ)

Opens: March 30, 2026.

Closes: April 13, 2026. AOC reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time but no sooner than seven (7) calendar days after posting.

WASHINGTON STATE RESIDENCY AND TELEWORK INFORMATION

AOC requires employees to reside in Washington State. Any exceptions must be approved. If you are invited to interview and currently reside outside of Washington State, seek more information about residency requirements from the AOC hiring manager for this recruitment.

This position requires you to be in the office at least two (2) days per week.

Duties

Some of the duties you will perform are:

• Develops, maintains, and improves performance-based, best-value contracts for AOC and the Washington State Judicial Branch.
• Prepares, reviews, negotiates, and approves a variety of new and existing contracts, including moderately complex agreements.
• Administers assigned contracts to ensure ongoing compliance, strong performance, and best-value outcomes.
• Collaborates with the Contracts Manager, staff, and stakeholders to create procurement strategies, standards, training materials, and templates.
• Designs and publishes RFPs, responds to vendor questions, participates in proposal evaluations, and maintains procurement documentation.
• Supports and enhances the Judicial Contract Management System (JCTS) and assists with branch-wide contract and procurement policy development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Salary

• $76,968 - $100,982/year

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, economics, mathematics, statistics, or closely allied field

AND

• Three (3) years of experience in contract drafting, procurement management, contract cost or price analysis, process management, and contract compliance administration.

Additional relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.

Advanced education in relevant areas may substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

THE IDEAL APPLICANT WILL ALSO HAVE SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Managing and administering Information Technology (IT) contracts, ensuring alignment with organizational and judicial branch needs.
• Developing, negotiating, and monitoring Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure defined performance metrics and service expectations are met.
• Creating, reviewing, and maintaining data sharing agreements, including ensuring compliance with data security, privacy, and regulatory requirements.
• Identifying and implementing shared technology solutions across programs to maximize efficiency and leverage existing IT investments.
• Researching, evaluating, and recommending new and replacement information systems, software, and hardware within an established IT environment.
• Managing IT software licensing, renewals, and compliance with applicable standards and policies.
• Drafting and reviewing agreements related to software, hardware, and peripheral installation, configuration, and support.
• Assessing contractual risk and developing appropriate terms and conditions for IT procurements and agreements.

• Collaborating with IT staff, program teams, and vendors as a liaison on technology-related contracts and procurements. Manages time, resources, and multiple projects effectively while accurately assessing what is needed to meet objectives.
• Integrates ideas and information to create sound goals, timelines, action plans, and strategic solutions.
• Communicates clearly in writing and verbally, including preparing detailed reports and delivering presentations.
• Builds and maintains professional relationships using strong interpersonal skills and effective collaboration.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and the ability to evaluate risks and outcomes.
• Possesses knowledge of Washington State contract and procurement laws, cost/price analysis, and competitive procurement methods.
• Skilled in preparing and negotiating contracts, agreements, software licenses, interagency agreements, and other procurement documents.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 and other business software tools required for documentation, analysis, and communication.

Other Information

For more information about the position, to review the job description, application submission requirements, supplemental questions, inquire about benefits, or to apply for the position CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• The workweek may fluctuate depending on workload or agency needs.
• Overnight travel may be required based on business needs.
• This position is not overtime eligible.

The AOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, pregnancy, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, physical, mental or sensory disability (actual or perceived), use of a service animal, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, age, HIV or Hepatitis C status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, please contact the AOC Human Resource Office, at (360) 705-5337, or fax (360) 586-4409, or via email to Recruitment@courts.wa.gov.

Candidates who are offered a job with AOC must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

AOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal government eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identify and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements for that form.

AOC does not use E-verify; therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

SPECIAL NOTE: Before a new hire, a background check, including criminal history, will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.

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 01-07-2026