Description Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process may contact the Recruitment Team at hr@wssb.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
(Logo: Silhouette of Washington State with a lighthouse icon pointing to Vancouver) The Washington State School for the Blind is seeking a highly skilled, detail-driven Executive Assistant to provide comprehensive support to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees (BOT). This position plays a central role in ensuring smooth executive operations, effective communication across the agency, and accurate management of critical administrative, governance, and compliance functions. The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator, a proactive problem-solver, and a professional who thrives in a dynamic environment with diverse responsibilities. Duties Position Overview: The Executive Assistant supports the Superintendent and Board of Trustees by managing high-level administrative functions, coordinating communication with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of essential organizational processes. This role requires strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and the professionalism to interact effectively with students, staff, state agencies, parents, the public, and other partners. This full-time/permanent position is exempt from state civil service laws and reports directly to the School Superintendent. The major responsibilities for the position include, but are not limited to, the following. Executive Support to the Superintendent
- Manage the Superintendent’s calendar, travel arrangements, and monthly travel expense vouchers.
- Prepare and maintain credit card logs and collect monthly student/data counts.
- Draft the Superintendent’s monthly report and distribute it to the Governor’s Office, Board of Trustees, and Cabinet.
Board Secretary Duties
- Serve as the primary contact for Boards & Commissions.
- Coordinate onboarding and exiting of Board and Ex-Officio members.
- Prepare meeting agendas, take minutes, and post approved minutes online.
- Manage board member travel, maintain rosters, and prepare A-19s or travel vouchers.
School Calendar Development
- Draft the annual school calendar using Vancouver Public School (VPS) alignment.
- Route drafts for Superintendent, Principal, and union review.
- Distribute approved calendars to staff and the Board of Trustees.
- Create a text-based events calendar and place the calendar on the March BOT agenda.
Facility Rentals
- Meet with potential renters and review rental requests/contracts.
- Enter rentals into the Resource Scheduler and send confirmations to all affected departments.
- Issue keys/keycards, schedule gate/door access, and generate invoices.
- Billing and receiving payments from renters.
Cabinet & Emergency Response Team Support
- Schedule monthly Cabinet meetings, prepare agendas, and identify policies/procedures for review.
- Attend Cabinet and Emergency Response Team meetings, prepare agendas, and update the Emergency Reference Guide annually.
Public Records Officer
- Respond to all public records requests within legal timelines.
- Research, redact, and provide records in compliance with Public Records Act requirements.
- Maintain a Public Records Request log and manage record disposal per retention rules.
Records Management
- Ensure proper retention and disposition of agency records.
- Respond to staff inquiries and coordinate annual July 1 record purges.
- Arrange shredding services with the Buildings & Grounds manager.
Combined Fund Drive (CFD) Chair
- Attend annual CFD chair meetings.
- Recruit committee members and communicate campaign information to staff.
- Submit donations to the CFD office.
Constituent Services
- Serve as the primary contact for Governor’s Office constituent services.
- Provide information to support responses to requests or complaints.
Policies & Procedures
- Maintain original signed policies/procedures.
- Support staff in drafting or revising policies.
- Post approved policies online and distribute to staff and the Board.
Data Collection
- Update the annual data sheet each August using Superintendent report data.
- Post the updated data sheet to the website.
Privacy Officer
- Complete the annual privacy survey and coordinate privacy training.
- Serve as the agency’s data privacy contact.
Low Vision Clinic Support
- Schedule student appointments and enter evaluations into Skyward.
- Distribute evaluations to relevant staff and mail copies to families.
Keys, Keycards, Gates & Doors
- Issue keys/keycards to employees and maintain inventory.
- Schedule gate and door access for school events and student needs.
Notary Services
- Provide notary services for agency-related documents.
WAC Revisions
- Collaborate with the Attorney General’s Office on WAC creation or revisions.
- File revisions with the Code Reviser’s Office and schedule required hearings.
Organization Chart
- Update the agency organizational chart annually.
While this is not an exhaustive list, it highlights the key duties and responsibilities of the role.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate should possess the following:
- Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders in a professional environment.
- Proficiency with office software and database systems; QuickBooks experience preferred.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle highly sensitive information.
- Knowledge of public agency operations, public records, and records retention is highly desirable.
This position is central and essential to the smooth functioning of the agency’s leadership, governance, and operational systems. The Executive Assistant ensures that critical processes run efficiently, communication flows effectively, and the Superintendent and Board are supported in fulfilling their responsibilities to students, staff, and the community. This position is open until filled. The hiring manager reserves the right to close this posting at any time so apply early for optimal consideration. We are unable to respond individually regarding the status of your application. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview. Supplemental Information hat we offer: The WSSB campus is 13.2 acres and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It not only includes state-of-the-art classrooms but a fitness center with a saline pool and new rock-climbing wall, track & field, auditorium, LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing, and much more! WSSB affords employees all the benefits of state service (such as PEBB benefits and PERS retirement plan) while remaining small enough to know fellow staff by name! WSSB prides itself on its mission-driven environment as we seek to empower blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential. How to apply: To begin the online application process, click the 'Apply' button at the top of this announcement. To be considered for this position, you must include the following information in your online application and complete any supplemental questionnaire(s).
- A completed online application profile that includes education and employment history (applications that state "see my resume" or similar language on the application may be considered incomplete); and,
- Provide and allow contact for three professional references in your application. This must include at least one supervisor. All reference and employer contact information must be up-to-date/complete.
For security purposes, attachments will not be opened. If you have a cover letter and/or resume, letters of recommendation, or other documents of a similar nature that you wish to share, you may bring them to any scheduled interview. You will be reminded to submit official transcripts and certifications at the time of your scheduled interview. Please remove or black out personally identifiable information (such as social security number, date of birth, photos, educational years or dates, salary history, etc.) from any submissions on your application. For questions or information regarding the online application, please email hr@wssb.wa.gov. Opportunity for All: The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion in accordance with state and Federal laws regardless of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy/childbirth or related medical conditions, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, 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.
Background inquiries of convictions and pending criminal charges will be conducted for all positions. Background checks shall be completed on applicants prior to their appointment to positions in the state of Washington which are directly responsible for the supervision, care or treatment of children. Information obtained from background inquiries will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's character, suitability, and competence to perform in the position applied for and may result in the denial of employment. Applicants are required to sign a release authorizing inquiry, and a background check will be conducted at the applicant's expense after a conditional offer of employment has been made. Failure to complete the authorization and background check shall disqualify the applicant from employment in these positions.
Veterans Preference:
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. We thank you and are grateful for your service! Additional Information: The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance with the application process, may call (360) 696-6321 and ask to speak to Human Resources or email hr@wssb.wa.gov. We are unable to respond individually regarding the status of your application. You will be contacted directly, if selected for an interview.
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
