Policy Analyst, House Democratic Caucus
OPENS: October 03, 2024
CLOSES: Open until filled. First review will begin October 18, 2024
REPORTS TO: HDC Policy Director
LOCATION: Thurston County — Olympia, Washington
SALARY: $77,352 – $179,388 annually
Policy Analyst I: $77,352 – $134,040
Policy Analyst II: $86,904 – $150,624
Senior Policy Analyst: $103,500 – $179,388
(The above reflects the salary ranges. Starting salary based on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications will likely be below the top of the range.)
About the House of Representatives:
The House of Representatives (House) comprises half of the Washington State Legislature and is made up of 98 members elected to serve two-year terms, representing 49 legislative districts. The House employs approximately 240 full-time year-round staff and 100 temporary session staff and interns. Staff workgroups include, nonpartisan staff, Democratic Caucus staff and Republican Caucus staff. The Legislature meets annually on the second Monday in January on the capitol campus in Olympia. Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed.
Our workplace is on the beautiful capitol campus in Olympia. The 486-acre campus includes the Legislative Building and other historic structures, as well as popular parks and trails with views of Capitol Lake, Budd Inlet, and the Olympic Mountains.
The House of Representatives holds themselves to the Legislative Code of Conduct which expects the following:
- We conduct ourselves with self-awareness, self-respect, and professionalism;
- We treat others with respect, dignity, and civility, regardless of status or position; and
- We refrain from engaging in hostile, intimidating, offensive, or unlawful activities or behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying.
About The House Democratic Caucus:
The Washington State House Democratic Caucus (HDC) consists exclusively of the Democratic members of the Washington State House of Representatives. Our caucus staff team is comprised of administrative, policy and communications professionals supporting HDC members in their legislative activities. Policy analysts provide analysis, research and legislative strategy advising in their respective policy areas to all House Democrats. Communications specialists help members of the HDC communicate with their district, the media, interested parties and the general public about policies considered and passed by the Legislature. Legislative Assistants staff and manage individual member offices. HDC caucus staff share a passion for public service, a commitment to addressing inequities in partnership with community, and for improving the way Washington delivers services to its residents.
We believe that honoring diversity, equity, and inclusion means that as an organization, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, and attributes, can Washington State House of Representatives employees achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the House of Representatives.
Position Profile:
Caucus Policy Analysts are experienced public policy professionals who are responsible for analyzing, developing, and advising on innovative policy solutions for House Democrats.
How You’ll Be Expected to Contribute:
- Working with elected officials and staff to develop, analyze, and interpret legislative policy proposals;
- Providing strategic advice to advance a Democratic legislative agenda for individual members and the caucus as a whole on relevant policy issues;
- Researching policy issues and developing issue briefs, summaries, and presentations;
- Cultivating and maintaining effective working relationships with all members of the House Democratic Caucus, stakeholders, partisan and nonpartisan staff, with the other legislative caucuses, and impacted community members;
- Working efficiently with diverse personalities in both team and individual settings.
- Reviewing and developing proposed legislation utilizing an equity lens to mitigate potential harm and address negative impacts to systemically non-dominant communities.
The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:
Successful Policy Analyst candidates will meet these qualifications:
- Exceptional people skills with an ability to collaborate effectively with others, including those who have diverse backgrounds and lived experiences;
- Ability to interact with members, staff and others with professionalism and maintain effective working relationships;
- Strong political judgment, strategic thinking and problem solving;
- A keen understanding of the legislative process, public policy, and politics;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with an ability to distill and synthesize complex policies into clear, actionable recommendations;
- Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, work well under pressure, and manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality results on tight deadlines;
- Ability to use discretion to triage confidential and sensitive information in stressful environments.
To be considered for a Policy Analyst I position, the successful candidate will meet these qualifications:
- Direct experience engaging in public policy, government relations or policy advocacy;
- A bachelor’s degree involving major study in public policy, political science, economics or relevant field strongly preferred;
To be considered for a Policy Analyst II position, the successful candidate will meet these qualifications:
- More than three years working in a legislative environment, or similarly situated work, engaging in public policy, government relations or policy advocacy and familiarity with legislative processes;
- A bachelor’s degree involving major study in public policy, political science, economics or relevant field strongly preferred;
To be considered for a Senior Policy Analyst position, the successful candidate will meet these qualifications:
- More than eight years working in a legislative environment, or similarly situated work, engaging in public policy, government relations or policy advocacy and familiarity with legislative processes;
- A bachelor’s degree involving major study in public policy, political science, economics or relevant field strongly preferred
Desirable/Preferred Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor or advanced degree in public policy
- Additional professional experience in public policy, government relations or policy advocacy will be substituted, year for year, for education.
- Three or more years of relevant professional experience in public policy, government relations or policy advocacy;
Important personal and professional qualities:
- Resolute personal and professional commitment to understanding racial equity, social justice principles, and institutional racism, with an ability to apply this knowledge to daily work;
- Committed to continuous improvement both individually and as a team;
- Creative problem solver with a focus on ensuring equitable outcomes for all Washington residents;
- Strong ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, highly collaborative team;
- Flexibility to adapt to a frequently changing work schedule, particularly during legislative session.
Note: Diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered. Candidates with any combination of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work will be considered.
Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:
This position requires an onsite/in-person presence in Olympia during session and must be able to frequently work more than 40 hours per week including evenings, weekends, and holidays during legislative sessions. Interim schedules allow for more flexibility including in-state telework with an expectation to have an onsite in-person presence when requested.
Benefits:
Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave; paid state holidays; health, life, and other optional insurance; retirement; social security; and military leave.
How to Apply:
Intrigued? If so, please submit the below items combined in one document:
(1) a letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications;
(2) a current resume describing in detail your experience and education; and
(3) a minimum of three professional references with contact information (e.g., address, e-mail address, and telephone).
Send application materials and direct any questions to: HouseHR@leg.wa.gov
The Washington State Legislature is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran, or military status, or using a trained service animal by a person with a disability. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including those listed above and those with other diverse life experiences. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact House HR Director at niki.pavlicek@leg.wa.gov or 360-786-7030, or TTD 1-800-635-9993. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.