About University of Washington
What is the University of Washington?
The University of Washington is a public research university in Seattle. "Since our founding in 1861, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building," the university says. It spans three campuses — Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma — plus "a world-class medical center serving the state and the region," and teaches more than 60,000 students. It is a research heavyweight: "The UW receives more federal research dollars than any other U.S. public university."
Where will I work?
Most staff roles sit in Seattle, with others at Bothell, Tacoma and across UW Medicine. UW's flexwork policy sets out two named categories. An alternative work arrangement is "a regular, recurring work schedule that falls within the standard workweek and is anything other than five consecutive eight-hour work days" — the policy's own worked example is "working four consecutive ten-hour workdays during the week." A flexible work arrangement instead keeps daily hours consistent but varies start and finish times around core hours. Either is available "when the employee's manager (or other designated official) evaluates the flexwork request and approves it." Individual postings vary: one current listing advertises a "Remote opportunity with occasional office attendance in Seattle, WA."
What is the University of Washington team like?
Around 30,000 faculty and staff work across academic departments, research institutes, UW Medicine, the libraries, IT, finance, facilities and student services, making the UW one of the largest employers in the Seattle region. Openings run from clinical and research posts to administrative, technical and professional staff roles.
Work-Life Balance
A compressed schedule at UW is a full week rearranged into longer days, not a reduction in hours, and the university spells out the trade-off: where your scheduled hours on a holiday exceed the eight-hour entitlement, "you will 'owe' the University the difference between the holiday hours and your scheduled hours." Time off is published in detail. Professional staff accrue 15 days of vacation in their first year, rising to 26 days; classified staff start at 12 days and reach 25. On top sit 11 scheduled holidays and one personal holiday a year, plus the option of "two unpaid holidays for reasons of faith or conscience." Parental leave of up to six months is available to professional and classified non-union staff: job-protected time, with pay drawn from accrued balances rather than a separate paid entitlement.
Perks and Benefits
- The UW Retirement Plan matches your contribution dollar for dollar by age band: 5% under 35, 7.5% from 35 and 10% from 50, for a 10%, 15% or 20% total.
- Washington State Employee Tuition Exemption, which UW calls "one of the most valuable benefits offered to UW employees," covering qualifying coursework each term on a space-available basis.
- 11 paid holidays plus a personal holiday you schedule yourself.
- 15 to 26 days of accrued vacation, rising with service.
- Medical, dental and vision plan choices through Washington's PEBB programme.
- "$35,000 of life insurance coverage and $5,000 of accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage" at no cost to you.
- WorkLife consultations covering childcare, adult and elder care, and housing.
- Employee Assistance Program "connecting PEBB-eligible employees with experts for life's challenges."