What are the responsibilities and job description for the Criminal Division Operations Manager position at City of Seattle?
Position Description
With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third largest public law office in the State of Washington. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered and thriving community for everyone. We strive to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness, while both acknowledging and addressing historical injustices within the court system. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and collaboratively with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote our shared goals.
The Seattle City Attorney’s Office Criminal Division represents the City in prosecuting misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and traffic infractions in Seattle Municipal Court, including crimes such as driving under the influence, domestic violence, theft, assault, property damage and trespassing.
The Criminal Division’s Administrative Team is seeking a motivated, self-directed leader with strong interpersonal skills who will assist the Criminal Division Chief with the administration and management of daily operations in the Criminal Division.
This position manages the day-to-day operations and ensures that long-term projects are on track and deadlines are being met. The Criminal Division Operations Manager will work towards identifying, addressing, and solving operational issues that may be technical or legal in nature, and sometimes require a high-level of analysis. They will provide direction and strategic planning for the professional support teams and division staff, which includes approximately 90 attorneys, staff, and interns/volunteers. This position may also serve on various steering committees to meet department objectives.
The selected candidate will offer creative ideas/solutions regarding conflict management, will demonstrate strong technical skills in the areas of case processing, operational improvements, administrative practices, organizational structure, and work processes.
The Criminal Division Operations Manager reports directly to the Criminal Division Chief.
Job Responsibilities
Program Management
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Application Process – For your application to be accepted you must:
The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated above at Law_HR@Seattle.gov should you need assistance with the online application process.
Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
Compensation and Benefits – This position is part of a stepped salary program with an initial Step 1 placement ($54.60/hour). Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation. Full Salary Range: $54.60/hr. - $81.93/hr.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. Additional benefits include executive leave and eligibility for merit leave. City Attorney’s Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.
Workplace Environment – Currently, the Seattle City Attorney's Office has an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (2 days in the office, 3 days remote). Effective Monday, April 21st, 2025, the Alternative Work Arrangement Policy will require 3 days in the office with the option of 2 days remote. This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.
Background Check Requirements – All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.
With more than 200 attorneys and professional staff, the Seattle City Attorney’s Office is one of the largest law offices in Seattle and is the third largest public law office in the State of Washington. Our office is committed to making Seattle a safe, healthy, empowered and thriving community for everyone. We strive to pursue justice in Seattle with integrity, creativity, and fairness, while both acknowledging and addressing historical injustices within the court system. We believe working transparently, innovatively, and collaboratively with our partners in the community is necessary to achieve outcomes that promote our shared goals.
The Seattle City Attorney’s Office Criminal Division represents the City in prosecuting misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and traffic infractions in Seattle Municipal Court, including crimes such as driving under the influence, domestic violence, theft, assault, property damage and trespassing.
The Criminal Division’s Administrative Team is seeking a motivated, self-directed leader with strong interpersonal skills who will assist the Criminal Division Chief with the administration and management of daily operations in the Criminal Division.
This position manages the day-to-day operations and ensures that long-term projects are on track and deadlines are being met. The Criminal Division Operations Manager will work towards identifying, addressing, and solving operational issues that may be technical or legal in nature, and sometimes require a high-level of analysis. They will provide direction and strategic planning for the professional support teams and division staff, which includes approximately 90 attorneys, staff, and interns/volunteers. This position may also serve on various steering committees to meet department objectives.
The selected candidate will offer creative ideas/solutions regarding conflict management, will demonstrate strong technical skills in the areas of case processing, operational improvements, administrative practices, organizational structure, and work processes.
The Criminal Division Operations Manager reports directly to the Criminal Division Chief.
Job Responsibilities
Program Management
- Provide administrative support to Criminal Division Chief.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Criminal Division.
- Serve as the Division point of contact person for the section supervisors by.
- Ensuring long-term projects key measurables are being reviewed, to ensure that deadlines will be met.
- Manage and track timelines, progress, and achievements related to Division objectives.
- Identify, address, and solve operational issues that may require a high-level of analysis to support management decisions in a professional and timely manner.
- Address staff concerns in partnership with HR department.
- Provide clear direction and strategic planning for professional support teams and division staff.
- Design and implement office policies and procedures in partnership with the Criminal Division Chief.
- Provide recommendations for improvements in the operation and administrative practices, organizational structure, and work processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Identify and mitigate operational risks and implement controls and protocols.
- Manage document retention and disposal in compliance with policies, and facilitate coordinate with City Records Center, City Archivist, and Seattle Municipal Archives.
- Support special projects and initiatives.
- Manage Division volunteer and Rule 9 Intern Program, including position advertisement, job fair participation, and onboarding activities.
- Lead the Division in carrying out the mission of the City Attorney’s Office.
- At the direction of the Criminal Division Chief draft, review, and advise on proposed Division policy.
- Serve on various steering committees as assigned by the Criminal Division Chief to meet department objectives.
- Work in conjunction with City Attorney’s Executive Team to monitor Division budget of over $7 million.
- Administer Division training budget.
- Support management of finances for Division administrative units.
- Regularly review tools and resources to increase efficiencies and achieve cost savings.
- Review and approve invoices on a monthly or quarterly basis.
- Oversight of vendor contracts for Division resources, budget process, resource allocation, personnel and technology.
- Directly supervise two managers and six professional support partners.
- Manage, lead, coach and mentor a team of legal professionals and operational support staff.
- Provide guidance, direction, and support to ensure high performance and productivity levels.
- Set clear objectives for team, regularly review and monitor performance, and provide guidance and support through regular one-to-one meetings.
- Address work performance of professional support staff, including coaching and managing deficiencies.
- Support Human Resources Department in recruitment and retention efforts, including hiring panels and onboarding activities for employees and volunteers.
- Support training and development plans to enhance team competency, including Division continued legal education programming.
- Oversee Division office space planning and layout.
- Help to cultivate and support a positive and inclusive work environment.
- Offer creative ideas/solutions regarding conflict management between professional support staff.
- Demonstrate strong technical skills in the areas of eDiscovery and electronic records management.
- Make appropriate adjustments to workload management, data production, and case tracking.
- Maintain and update office records, databases, and filing systems.
- Manage and coordinate system software and subscriptions to support operations, including access to Westlaw and other legal resources.
- Ensure the security and confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Support Division Chief and Case Management Lead in the review, coordination, and implementation of changes to the case management system to integrate business needs and system improvements.
- Support Division Chief and Case Management Lead and Data Analyst in reporting to other departments.
- Support Division Chief and Case Management Lead in collaboration with justice partners on implementation of their systems relative to the Law Department.
- Support Division Chief and Case Management Lead in making program modifications to suit hybrid work environment and leverage available technology.
- Maintain a professional and positive work environment by facilitating effective communication and information sharing.
- Maintain Division templates for centralized reference and access.
- Oversee Division SharePoint page organization and content.
- Organize and facilitate meetings, conferences, and events.
- Audit responses or reports.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of increasing administrative responsibility that includes experience in planning, organizing, and coordinating program or case related activities or operations. Experience consulting with attorneys and professional support partners; evaluating case management systems; coordinating activities between agencies, government, and enforcement units; and/or preparing and analyzing case processing statistical reports. Demonstrated ability to provide training and mentor staff.
- An associate’s degree and four (4) years of additional professional experience may be substituted for the required bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree may be substituted for three (3) years of experience as indicated above. A law degree may be substituted for four (4) years of experience as indicated above.
- Experience as an office operations manager.
- Knowledge and skill in criminal law and Washington Court practices.
- Experience working with government partners.
- Microsoft Office Suite.
Application Process – For your application to be accepted you must:
- Complete the online City Application.
- Attach a resume detailing your relevant experience.
- Attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position.
The required documents listed in the above "Application Process" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resources on or before the closing date indicated above at Law_HR@Seattle.gov should you need assistance with the online application process.
Race and Social Justice Initiative – The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
Compensation and Benefits – This position is part of a stepped salary program with an initial Step 1 placement ($54.60/hour). Advanced initial step placement may be considered under limited circumstances, but step salaries are not subject to negotiation. Full Salary Range: $54.60/hr. - $81.93/hr.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, 12 official holidays and 2 floating holidays, sick, and paid parental leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. Additional benefits include executive leave and eligibility for merit leave. City Attorney’s Office employees also have the opportunity to participate in a defined benefits retirement program. More information about benefits can be found at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.
Workplace Environment – Currently, the Seattle City Attorney's Office has an Alternative Work Arrangements Policy. Employees have the option to work a hybrid schedule (2 days in the office, 3 days remote). Effective Monday, April 21st, 2025, the Alternative Work Arrangement Policy will require 3 days in the office with the option of 2 days remote. This is subject to change as circumstances and business needs dictate.
Background Check Requirements – All positions are security sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the verification of credentials and/or other information required by the municipal corporation’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Who may apply – This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The Seattle City Attorney's Office encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Questions? Contact our Human Resources team at LAW_HR@seattle.gov.
Salary : $55 - $82
