Administrative Assistant 4

Administrative Assistant 4

Salary

$4,633.00 - $6,229.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-OMWBE-003

Department

Minority & Womens Business Enterprises

Opening Date

07/09/2026

Closing Date

7/16/2026 11:59 AM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Administrative Assistant 4

Monday - Friday | 8am - 5pm | Hybrid/Flexible

Union Represented | WFSE

This position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the standard 7-day posting period.

About OMWBE

The Washington State Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) leads the state's efforts to ensure fair and equitable access to public contracting and procurement. As the sole state agency authorized to certify small minority - and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs), OMWBE administers a comprehensive program that includes business certification, small business support, and robust Supplier Diversity initiatives. We collaborate with state agencies, institutions of higher education, local and regional governments, and small diverse businesses to instill equitable and inclusive contracting and procurement policies and practices across the state of Washington, and lead the Governor's Subcabinet on Business Diversity. Our work ensures small businesses, and businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities secure more government contracts-strengthening local economies, enhancing community resilience, and improving the quality of life for all Washingtonians.

Our Purpose

To be a vital and trusted resource for small businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities-improving access, visibility, and opportunity in public contracting and procurement. We promote equity in Washington State spending by dismantling barriers to participation and advancing inclusive economic growth.

To learn more about how OMWBE supports Washington State, click here to explore our website.

About this Opportunity

The Administrative Assistant 4 (AA4) position provides the tactical support needed to move operational programs and community partnerships forward. This role is defined by action, public-facing support, and programmatic readiness. The AA4 focuses on the "outward-facing" mission - ensuring that the units have the materials, schedules, and partner connections necessary to serve the public. OWMBE puts people first by centering on the lived experiences of the communities we serve. Their voices shape what we do and how we do it. Our Guiding Principles are for everyone - we are inclusive by design, and innovative for impact. The individual in this role is often the administrative face of the agency to community partners (Chambers, Collectives, and Outreach groups). The selected incumbent will be responsible for turning high-level program goals into tangible results by managing event logistics, coordinating outreach materials development and procurement, and maintaining the tactical calendars that keep service delivery on track. Success in this role means that the agency's programs are visible, professional, and effectively engaged with the community.

We are seeking a team member who aligns with our operating style of being focused, detail-oriented, and community-minded. The identified candidate will possess skills that support our guiding principles by using data responsibly, supporting our commitment to a Washington for All, - work in partnership by building lasting and sustainable community relationships, move with a purpose by looking for ways to ensure OWMBE is effective and responsive. Your work experience and knowledge in public contracting and procurement can be applied to building skills, tools, and knowledge, so our staff, partners, and communities can thrive together. If your core values align with OWMBE's Agency Pledge "To move with purpose, act with conviction, and uphold the promise of a Washington where public dollars build pathways to justice, resilience, and opportunity for all," then the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises invites you to apply!

For the full job description, email the recruiter: Rachel Vaughan jobs@des.wa.gov.

Duties

Some of what you will enjoy doing:

Operational & Programmatic Support

• Serves as the primary administrative link for the Operations and Service Delivery units
• Directs the full administrative lifecycle for unit-level meetings
• Executes high-volume data entry and digital record maintenance
• Designs and maintains a centralized library of standardized templates, checklists, and reporting forms
• Organizes and audits the unit's SharePoint and Teams filing systems
• Monitors outstanding tasks generated during unit-level meetings

Outreach & Partner Support

• Acts as the primary administrative liaison for community partners
• Maintains the OMWBE Outreach and Agency Events calendar
• Oversees the inventory and distribution of agency outreach materials
• Manages inventory and availability of outreach flyers and promotional materials
• Drafts routine "Save the Date" notices and follow-up emails

Event Execution & Programmatic Support

• Provides primary support for agency events and in-person meetings
• Coordinates travel itineraries for Assistant Directors and program staff
• Facilitates the procurement of program-specific supplies

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs additional responsibilities as needed
• Engages in special projects or collaborative efforts as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Please note that a skills assessment will be sent to applicants applying for this position. Applicants do not need to contact the recruiter. Applicants will receive the assessment via email when your application has been received.

Operational Program Support

• Knowledge of: Basic administrative procedures and the standard operational workflows of program-based units
• Ability to: Provide consistent and reliable administrative "lift" for service delivery teams, ensuring that unit-level documentation, filing, and routine workflows are maintained without backlog

Event & Outreach Logistics

• Skill in: The tactical execution of event planning, including venue coordination, registration tracking, and physical site setup/teardown
• Ability to: Manage the "on-the-ground" details of agency events, ensuring all logistical components are prepared and professional for attendees

Community Partner Coordination

• Knowledge of: Professional communication etiquette and the organizational structures of key community stakeholders (e.g., Chambers of Commerce, NAMC, AWMB)
• Ability to: Act as a responsive and helpful administrative liaison for external partners, facilitating meeting requests and ensuring consistent communication between the agency and the community

Inventory & Materials Stewardship

• Knowledge of: Basic inventory management practices for physical goods and promotional materials
• Ability to: Monitor stock levels of outreach "swag," flyers, and business cards; assemble professional outreach kits; and ensure that materials are organized and ready for field distribution

Tactical Multi-Calendar Management

• Skill in: Advanced use of Outlook to manage and synchronize diverse outreach, program, and project-specific calendars
• Ability to: Proactively identify and resolve scheduling overlaps across different program units to ensure that outreach efforts do not conflict with other agency priorities

Marketing Material Coordination & Brand Compliance

• Knowledge of: Agency branding standards and the internal workflows required to request, update, and approve public-facing materials
• Ability to: Act as the primary administrative liaison between the Communications team and operational units; ensure that all flyers, brochures, and digital assets are current, approved, and organized for programmatic use; and perform quality control checks to verify that materials meet brand requirements before they are distributed to the public

Programmatic Travel & Itinerary Planning

• Knowledge of: Standard state travel regulations and booking procedures
• Ability to: Create detailed and accurate travel itineraries for Assistant Directors and program staff, ensuring all bookings follow agency policy and align with the specific timing and logistical needs of field events

Customer Service & Public Engagement

• Skill in: Professional interpersonal communication and conflict de-escalation in public-facing settings
• Ability to: Represent the agency mission to the public with a helpful and welcoming demeanor, whether at an event registration desk, over the phone, or via email

Collaborative Unit Support

• Ability to: Work effectively as a tactical support resource under the guidance of multiple leads (e.g., EA, AA5, Assistant Directors, Program Supervisors). Must be able to pivot between different program needs while maintaining high attention to detail

Cultural Humility & Community Awareness

• Knowledge of: The diverse demographics served by the agency and inclusive communication best practices
• Ability to: Interact respectfully and authentically with a wide array of community organizations and individuals, ensuring that the agency's efforts are culturally accessible and welcoming

Required Competencies:

• Equity: We are catalysts for equitable change. This includes identifying and dismantling barriers that limit participation and opportunity for small businesses
• Respect: We honor the dignity, culture, and unique lived experiences of individuals and communities. We create an environment where all voices are welcomed and valued. We respect our partners, community, customers, and each other not just by words but through meaningful actions
• Integrity: We act honestly and ethically, upholding public trust by ensuring open access and fair practices
• Transparency: We speak the truth and share the stories of Washingtonians to ensure that we are building lasting pathways towards equity in public spending
• Collaboration: We build meaningful relationships with agencies, institutions, communities, and trusted partners to co-create solutions and drive change. We leverage these trusted relationships and our shared values to achieve our goals and objectives
• Innovation: We embrace agile, creative approaches to meet the distinct needs of Washington's diverse businesses. Innovation means bold, targeted action-adapting quickly to unlock opportunity and reflect the communities we serve
• Accountability: We take ownership of our actions and outcomes, delivering measurable, lasting results aligned with our mission and goals. Everyone at OMWBE is responsible for delivering measurable, lasting results. Our collective actions create the future we would like to achieve
• Inclusion: We are a civil rights agency that intentionally cultivates culturally responsive practices and a workplace where everyone can thrive. We are an anti-racist agency committed to advancing justice in public spending
• Safety: Complies with all safety regulations and understand why they are important. Performs work in a safe and effective manner. Displays situational awareness and can identify, avoid, and or resolve safety risks
• Dependability: Reports to work every day and on time. Is fully prepared and conforms to assigned work hours and schedule. Notifies supervisor immediately when unexpected problems cause absence, lateness, or the need to leave early. Makes arrangements to ensure workload is covered. Provides adequate notice for planned leave
• Maintains Confidentiality: Holds and or shares information as appropriate to the work of this position: Consistently adhere to applicable regulations and ethics principles governing state employees related to privacy and confidentiality
• Manages Time: Accurately estimates time required to complete actions and activities. Adheres to schedules and timetables. Displays sensitivity to the use of other people's time

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with their updated contact information.

Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).

Please Note: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify the information provided. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the online application. Please do not say "refer to resume for detail" in your question responses, or your application may be disqualified.

Union Inclusion:

This position is in a bargaining unit and falls under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the state of Washington and the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Opportunity for All:

The Office of Minority and Womens Business Enterprises celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan via email at jobs@des.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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. Thats 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

01

Are you a current employee of OMWBE?

• Yes
• No

02

I understand that the information provided in this application is subject to verification. I consent to the agency contacting my references and previous employers and reviewing my state employment history to verify my professional qualifications and performance.

• Yes
• No

03

Describe the specific system or process you use to monitor inventory levels (such as outreach materials, flyers, or swag) and maintain unit-level documentation. How do you ensure that these routine workflows are managed proactively to prevent backlogs for the service delivery teams you support?

04

When coordinating the logistics for a professional event or staff travel, what steps do you take to ensure all components-such as venue requirements, registration tracking, and itinerary timing-align with agency policies? Please identify the tools or checklists you utilize to ensure on-the-ground details are executed without error.

05

Describe your approach to synchronizing multiple, diverse program calendars in Outlook. How do you proactively identify scheduling overlaps, and what is your method for communicating these adjustments between internal units (like Communications) and external community partners to ensure everyone remains aligned?

06

In a public-facing setting with diverse demographics, how do you apply inclusive communication practices and cultural humility to ensure every individual feels welcomed? Please describe the techniques you use to maintain a professional demeanor and de-escalate tension during challenging interpersonal interactions.

07

When acting as a tactical resource for multiple leads or program supervisors, how do you prioritize competing tasks and manage your time effectively? Describe how you ensure high attention to detail and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information while pivoting between different program needs.

08

This position requires that applicants submit all required documents (resume, letter of interest, 3 updated professional references with current contact information). References can be submitted if invited to interview. Did you remember to submit all required documents with your application?

• Yes
• No

09

How did you learn about this job posting?

• careers.wa.gov
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Coworker/friend
• Job Board
• Other

10

If you selected Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov