Legislative Assistant to Representative Larry Springer, Washington State House of Representatives
UPDATE: We are no longer accepting applications for this position
Mission: To assist Legislators in successfully fulfilling their public obligations by providing support services in the areas of administration, office management, communication, research and public relations
Reports to: Representative Springer, Caucus Staff Director, Chief Clerk
Location: The position is based in Olympia during session and a district office in Kirkland during interim
To apply: Please send your cover letter, resume, and writing sample in one document to jobs.hdc@leg.wa.gov by May 13, 2018
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 and travel arrangements
- 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 exercise professional judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work independently to fully develop materials and propose next steps
- 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; answer phone and act as first point of contact for all callers and visitors; create and maintain electronic and physical filing and organizational systems
- Supervise and direct the work of independent session intern
- Manage caucus stakeholder meetings led by the Representative and report issues to all members of the HDC
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
- Coordinate between Communications staff and the Representative to prepare articles, newsletters, and press releases
- Represent the office at legislative and community events
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.