Job Description

Salary: $80,312.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number:
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: Prisons - HQ
Opening Date: 09/23/2025
Closing Date: 10/7/ :00 AM Pacific
Description
Executive Secretary
Full Time | Exempt
Location: Headquarters | Tumwater, WA
Salary: $80,312 Annually
The Washington State Department of Corrections has a unique and mission critical role for an organized and diligent individual to join the Prisons division as an Executive Secretary ! The Executive Secretary is the primary support for the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Women's Prisons Division.
This position contributes to the agency's mission of improving public safety by positively changing lives through oversight of various community and staff interactions, duties, and projects collaborating with the Deputy Assistant Secretary, to include all areas of supervision under the Women's Prison Division which could include coordinating tasks, handling scheduling and correspondence, technical and administrative support and accomplishing and solving problems as they arise.
This position contributes to the agency's core values with respectful and inclusive interactions, as the main point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders from all facilities and services provided under the Women's Prisons Division. We are searching for a candidate who can maintain a high level of professionalism and contribute to the overall objective of the Women's Prisons Division. If this sounds like a career move you'd like to make, we encourage you to review the job posting and apply!
A completed application packet will include:

• A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
• A detailed resume
• Three professional references

Duties
We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.
As an Executive Secretary , some of your duties will include:

• Performing and coordinating administrative functions for the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Women's Prisons Division which could include:
  • Acting as a liaison to expedite the flow of information to and from the Deputy Assistant Secretary to the public, other executive and statewide elected officials, various public, federal and state agencies, organizations, and associates, legislative staff and the Governor's office, inside and outside the State of Washington
  • Keeping up on extensive knowledge of the Department's organization, structure, operations and philosophy to respond to a broad range of questions and inquiries
  • Exercising a level of authority and independent judgment in the day-to-day operations of the Deputy Assistant Secretary's office
  • Managing the Deputy Assistant Secretary's schedule and establishes priorities
  • Using independent judgment to accomplish assignments or solve problems and coordinate within the Department or other Agencies as needed
  • Planning and prioritizing work to meet internal and external deadlines
  • Keeping the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Transgender Settlement Agreement Administrator apprised of deadlines and matters requiring review and/or attention
  • Coordinating notification for meetings and prepares agendas
  • Taking and transcribing minutes and tracks action items for the Headquarters MDTs, PEAR meetings, and other meetings as required
  • Preparing and tracking correspondence for supervisor and exercises signature authority on administrative correspondence
  • Working with HR to track and update personnel files
  • Making travel arrangements, flight and hotel reservations for the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Transgender Settlement Administrator as well as others as needed, and submits for reimbursement
• Oversight and management
• Administrative and technical support
• Public Disclosure Requests
• Other duties as required

Qualifications
What we need (required qualifications):

• High school graduation/GED
• Three (3) years of administrative assistant experience providing support to a mid-level manager or higher
• Intermediate level of proficiency in MS Office Suite, to include Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.

In addition to the above education and experience , the below competencies are required:

• Ability to research, accumulate, organize and communicate technical information both orally and in writing, using various technologies such as telephone, electronic mail, and other electronic equipment.
• Ability to prepare correspondence, writing complex sentences and using proper punctuation and grammar.
• Ability to represent supervisor at meetings, conferences and/or conventions.
• Ability to address or respond to agency or public groups on departmental functions and policies
• Demonstrated success in holding progressively higher level administrative support positions for executives
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective internal and external working relationships. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of information
• Demonstrated competence and applied professionalism to speak on behalf of the Deputy Assistant Secretary
• Effective time and project management skills
• Demonstrated resourcefulness

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration or closely allied field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a foreign equivalent
• Experience working in the state government as an administrative assistant to a mid-level or higher manager
• Experience using SharePoint

Knowledge of:

• Experience working in state government as an administrative assistant
• State government organization and administrative procedures Federal and local government functions
• Office methods and procedures Research methods and data collection
• State budget development and contracting
• State and agency functional and personnel policies

Supplemental Information
Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
DOC 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, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
  **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. 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 position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from and Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form.
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit

Telework Details
This position may be allocated for telework. Work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a "drop in" area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.
What We Offer:
As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

PERS : 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 ' web site.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email or call us at . For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or .
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 .
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
Are you a current DOC employee?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03
How many years of administrative assistant experience, providing support to a mid-level manager or higher, do you possess?

• I do not have this experience
• I have one year of this experience
• I have two years of this experience
• I have three or more years of this experience

04
If you indicated having administrative assistant experience, providing support to a mid-level manager or higher, please describe this experience in detail. If this does not apply to you, please put NA. See resume will be considered an incomplete answer.
05
Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Excel skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.))

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Create basic worksheets; create basic formulas; use basic functions; modify and format a worksheet; print workbooks
• INTERMEDIATE: Use advanced formulas; organize tables and worksheets; create and modify charts; analyze data using Pivot tables and Pivot Charts; insert and modify graphic objects in a worksheet
• ADVANCED: Create and edit macros; conditional formatting; apply data validation criteria; able to protect, share and merge files; trace cells and troubleshoot formula errors; uses data list outline; consolidate data and link workbooks; export and import text files and XML data; import data from the Web and create Web queries; analyze data using trend lines, Sparklines and scenarios
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Excel functions listed above and uses advanced formulas, functions and arrays; uses information, date and time functions; uses advanced editing and formatting; advanced chart formatting; runs solver models and reports; embed and link information; set up customization including automation

06
Which one of the following best describes your highest level of PowerPoint skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.))

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Create, save, preview and print
• INTERMEDIATE: Create slides; format text; add and modify graphics; create tables in presentation; imports charts
• ADVANCED: Customize environment; set up a slide master; create custom layouts; add headers and footers; insert and modify SmartArt graphics; add special effect; customize slide animations; customize a design template; covert to video; secure and distribute
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all PowerPoint functions listed above

07
Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Outlook skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.))

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Compose email messages; send and respond to messages; organize email into folders; create contact information; schedule appointments; schedule meetings, manage tasks and notes
• INTERMEDIATE: Set calendar options; sort, find and filter messages; create distribution lists; share and delegate folder access; customize toolbar, menu bar, quick access tool bar and the To-DO bar; customize message options; use the journal entry to track and record; assign, reply and track tasks; create public folders and send and post information
• ADVANCED: Personalize with stationary and themes; create signatures; configure email security settings; group items and create search folders; apply conditional formatting; manage data files; create mail merge using contacts; archive messages
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Outlook functions listed above

08
Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Word skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.))

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
• BASIC: Create, save, preview and print a basic document; edit selected text; change font appearance; highlight text; format paragraphs with tabs, borders, shading and styles; page setup, use auto correct
• INTERMEDIATE: Insert graphic objects and visual effects to a document; add tables to a document or convert tables to text; add watermarks, borders, headers and footers; use the word look up (thesaurus, dictionary); customize tables and charts; modify pictures in document; create customized graphic elements; use templates
• ADVANCED: Insert content using quick parts; control text flow; perform mail merge function; uses macros for tasks; insert cover pages and table of contents; track changes and comments; insert bookmarks, footnotes and endnotes; add hyperlinks; cross-references and citations; link documents to excel worksheets; send document to PowerPoint; merge documents; redaction function; hide text; add digital signature, restrict access and use passwords; create, protect and automate forms
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Word functions listed above

09
Please indicate all knowledge, skills and/or abilities in which you possess:

• Experience working in the state government as an administrative assistant to a mid-level or higher manager
• Experience using SharePoint
• Knowledge of state government organization and administrative procedures Federal and local government functions
• Knowledge of office methods and procedures Research methods and data collections
• Knowledge of state budget development and contracting
• Knowledge of state and agency functional and personnel policies
• I do not have any of the above knowledge, skills and/or abilities

10
How did you hear about this opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov; jobs.doc.wa.gov; or governmentjobs.com
• Indeed
• DOC social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Job/career fair
• Job boards (Monster. ZipRecruiter, GlassDoor, CareerBuilder)
• WorkSource
• Veteran outreach
• Referral from current DOC employee
• Other

11
If hired for this position, will you require employer sponsorship, either now or in the future?

• Yes
• No

12
If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? (The below link lists acceptable documents:

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Job Tags

Full time, Part time, Local area, Work from home, Shift work,

Similar Jobs