WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Position Announcement: Legislative Assistant to Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos

UPDATE: We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
Legislative Assistant to Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, 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, research and public relations

Reports to: Representative Santos, Caucus Staff Director, Chief Clerk

Location: The position is based in Olympia during session and a district office in Seattle during interim, with regular trips to Olympia.

To apply: Please send your cover letter and resume in one document to jobs.hdc@leg.wa.gov. Position open until filled.

PREFERRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

  • Prior office management and administrative support experience
  • 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
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook, with the ability to work with speed and accuracy in both programs. Knowledge of chart, graph, and table formatting
  • Knowledge of legislative process, judicial system, and state and local government structure, functions, and services
  • Flexibility to travel to requested locations to attend meetings and provide staff support to the member
  • Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgment, and maintain confidentiality
  • Persistent and resourceful in conducting research and problem solving

TYPICAL ASSIGNMENTS

Administration & Office Management:

  • Manage the Representative’s calendar with a high level of accuracy, including complex scheduling assignments, individual appointments, group meetings, public events, and travel arrangements
  • Maintain financial records and submit regular detailed expense reimbursements
  • Answer phone and act as first point of contact for all callers and visitors, observing formal professional protocol in all external communications
  • Create and maintain extensive electronic and physical filing and organizational systems for office operations, committees, task forces, and ongoing projects
  • Compile regular information packets for the member, containing meeting preparation materials, agendas, scheduling details, travel itineraries, and other requested items
  • Coordinate with the House intern program to direct the work of House interns

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 compiling 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 member

Communication & Public Relations:

  • Draft responses on behalf of the Representative to constituent emails, letters, and phone calls. 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; demonstrating sound, independent judgment to determine and implement appropriate courses of action
  • Coordinate between Communications staff and the Representative to prepare articles, newsletters, press releases, speeches, and talking points
  • Plan and organize town hall meetings and district events
  • Represent the office at legislative and community events

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