WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Job Announcement: Legislative Assistant to Representative Gael Tarleton

UPDATE: We are no longer accepting applications for this posting.

Legislative Assistant to Representative Gael Tarleton, Washington State House of Representatives

Mission:  To assist Legislators in successfully fulfilling their public obligations by providing support services in the areas of administration, office management, communication, constituent services, research and public relations
Reports to:  Representative Gael Tarleton, Caucus Staff Director, Chief Clerk
Location:  The position is based in Olympia during session and a district office in Seattle during the interim
To apply:  Please send your cover letter and resume in one document to amy.Ruble@leg.wa.gov by June 9th

Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

  • Strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills, including knowledge of standard format and protocol for professional correspondence
  • Highly organized and able to perform multiple detailed tasks accurately and efficiently under time constraints
  • Experience conducting complex and detailed scheduling
  • Knowledge of legislative process and state and local government structure, functions, and services
  • High level interpersonal and customer service skills, including ability to proactively anticipate member needs
  • Flexibility to travel to requested locations to attend meetings on the member’s behalf
  • Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgment, and maintain confidentiality
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook

Typical Assignments
Administration & Office Management

  • Manage the Representative’s calendar, including complex scheduling assignments, individual appointments, group meetings, public events, and travel arrangements
  • Manage office operations, including detailed expense reimbursements; district office lease, equipment, and accounts; manage and monitor legislator’s budgets; answer phone and act as first point of contact for all callers and visitors; create and maintain electronic and physical filing and organizational systems

Communication & Public Relations

  • Draft responses on behalf of the Representative to constituent emails, letters, and phone calls. Manage a high volume of constituent inquiries and casework. Draft and edit weekly email newsletters. Draft correspondence to agencies and other elected officials
  • Facilitate and coordinate communication between the Representative, legislators, state officials, staff, agency personnel, stakeholders and constituents in the development and advancement of legislation
  • Serve as a liaison between the Representative and constituents of the Legislative District; exercising independent judgment to determine and implement appropriate courses of action
  • Work with Communications staff and the Representative to prepare articles, newsletters, press releases, speeches, and talking points
  • Represent the office at legislative and community meetings

Research

  • Track advancement of bills throughout drafting and legislative process to ensure that timelines and deadlines are met. This may entail maintaining detailed bill tracking spreadsheets, gathering information from agencies and legislative staff, monitoring committee hearings, coordinating committee testimony, and drafting supporting documents
  • Perform casework, including facilitating communication between constituents and government agencies, assisting constituents in accessing services, and researching and solving complex problems
  • Identify and monitor district-specific issues
  • Work with Office of Program Research and Caucus staff to develop materials and prepare issue briefings for members

The Washington State House of Representatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.