Legislative Assistant to Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self, Washington State House of Representatives
UPDATE: We are no longer accepting applications for this posting.
Mission: To assist Legislators in successfully fulfilling their public obligations by providing support services in the areas of administration, communication, research and public relations
Reports to: Representative Ortiz-Self, Caucus Staff Director, Chief Clerk
Location: The position is based in Olympia during session and a district office in Shoreline during the interim
To apply: Please send your cover letter and resume in one document by March 10, 2017 to: Amy.Ruble@leg.wa.gov
Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills, including knowledge of standard format and protocol for professional correspondence
- Familiarity with the 21st legislative district
- Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgment, and maintain confidentiality
- Highly organized and able to perform multiple detailed tasks accurately and efficiently under time constraints
- High level interpersonal and customer service skills, including ability to proactively anticipate member needs
- Experience conducting complex and detailed scheduling
- Knowledge of state and local government structure, functions, and services
- Ability to speak, write, and translate in Spanish at a professional level
- Flexibility to travel to district and other requested locations to attend meetings on the member’s behalf
Typical Assignments
Administration
- 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; answer phone and act as first point of contact for all callers and visitors; create and maintain electronic and physical filing and organizational systems
- Coordinate with the intern coordinators to supervise and direct the work of legislative interns
Communication & Public Relations
- Manage a high volume of constituent inquiries and casework. Draft responses on behalf of the Representative to constituent emails, letters, and phone calls. 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 gathering information from agencies and legislative staff, monitoring committee hearings, coordinating committee testimony, and drafting bill summaries and supporting documents
- Identify and monitor district specific issues
- Perform casework, including facilitating communication between constituents and government agencies, assisting constituents in accessing services, and researching and solving complex problems
- Work with OPR 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.