Administrative Office of the Courts

Compensation

Full Description

Join us and help shape the future of justice technology in Washington State Courts! The Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), in partnership with the Judicial Information Systems Committee (JISC), is seeking an innovative and visionary leader to serve as our next Chief Information Officer (CIO). This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead statewide technology strategy for the judicial branch and ensure that Washington courts remain accessible, secure, and efficient for all. As CIO, you will be at the forefront of digital transformation in a mission-driven environment that directly impacts justice and public service. You will guide modernization efforts, oversee enterprise systems, and champion initiatives that improve the administration of justice. Your leadership will shape technology policy, drive operational excellence, and deliver secure, modern solutions that meet the evolving needs of courts and communities. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in technology strategy, IT operations, and system modernization, paired with a commitment to the values of integrity, inclusion, accountability, and teamwork. You will lead a team of 185 talented professionals and collaborate with judges, court leaders, and stakeholders to implement innovative solutions that advance the courts’ mission. This executive role offers a unique opportunity to influence statewide technology policy and manage critical infrastructure including AOC’s own data center while supporting the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and trial courts across Washington. If you are a dynamic technology leader with a proven record of strategic vision and operational excellence and are eager to serve the people of Washington State by advancing the courts’ technology landscape, we invite you to apply. About the Washington Judicial Branch and AOC The Judicial Branch is a separate and coequal branch of government, led by Chief Justice Debra Stephens. The AOC, under the leadership of State Court Administrator Dawn Marie Rubio, is a people-centered court service organization with 425 employees and a biennial operating budget of $338 million. Our mission is to advance the timely, effective and equitable operations of the Washington Judicial Branch. Washington Courts Employment Opportunity Administrative Office of the Courts Director/Chief Information Officer - Information Services Division 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 #: 2026-005 Status: Regular, Full-Time Location: Olympia, Washington Salary: Range of Consideration: $200,000 - $213,456 per year Opens: January 13, 2026 Closes: February 18, 2026. AOC reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time; but no sooner than seven calendar days after posting. Start Date: May 1, 2026. The successful candidate will work with the incumbent for two months before taking over the position on July 1, 2026. 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 of this recruitment. This position requires five (5) days per week in office. • Provide strategic leadership and governance for statewide judicial technology by developing and implementing long-range IT plans, policies, and objectives that align with court system goals and JISC directives. • Direct and oversee the Information Services Division (ISD), including 185 staff, managing hiring, onboarding, training, performance, workforce planning, and organizational development while fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture. • Advise AOC executives and the Judicial Information Systems Committee (JISC) on technology governance, modernization initiatives, and integration strategies to support judicial operations and business objectives. • Manage enterprise IT operations and infrastructure, including data center services, application development, network communications, security, disaster recovery planning, and continuous improvement of systems and processes. • Oversee technology procurement and vendor management, including evaluation of emerging technologies, approval of major contracts, and implementation of new systems and enhancements to meet evolving court needs. • Ensure compliance, security, and operational excellence by establishing policies for data integrity, system reliability, and disaster recovery while monitoring performance and recommending enhancements across all IT functions. • Other duties as assigned. • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, business administration, public administration or closely allied field AND • Ten (10) years’ management experience in a complex information technology environment. • Direct experience with integration efforts • Experience managing and directing information technology professionals. • Demonstrated ability to lead and manage change. Additional management experience within an information technology environment may be considered in lieu of the education requirement listed. THE IDEAL APPLICANT WILL ALSO HAVE SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES It is the expectation that the Information Services Division Director/Chief Information Officer will be able to effectively demonstrate the following competencies: • Lead and manage a large IT organization, overseeing staff onboarding, training, performance management, workforce planning, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture. • Drive strategic vision and organizational change, creating an innovative environment that encourages creative thinking, problem-solving, and persistence in achieving results. • Communicate effectively and build consensus among diverse stakeholders, advocating for technology initiatives, negotiating solutions, and making timely, informed decisions. • Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with judicial, legislative, and executive branches, representing the Judicial Information System in statewide technology efforts and guiding collaborative solutions. • Provide expert leadership in IT operations and modernization, including system analysis, implementation, business process reengineering, and integration of technology into court operations. • Demonstrate technical proficiency and operational excellence, with deep knowledge of IT systems, emerging technologies, and Microsoft 365 tools, while motivating teams to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY TO ENSURE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED THE REQUIRED MATERIALS TO BE CONSIDERED. IMPORTANT: To be considered for this position, you MUST include the following: • Completed online application; • Current resume; • Cover letter that explains how your qualifications (or background) and experience align with the position's requirements. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Supplemental 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.