Employment

Position Announcement: Legislative Assistant to Representative Debra Lekanoff

Legislative Assistant to Representative Debra Lekanoff, 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 Lekanoff, Legislative Assistant Staff Director, Chief Clerk

Location: The position is based in Olympia during session and a district office in Bellingham during interim.

To apply: Please send your cover letter and resume in one document to jobs.hdc@leg.wa.gov by June 23, 2019.

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 legislative process 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
• Familiarity with the 40^th legislative district

TYPICAL ASSIGNMENTS

Office Management:

• Create and maintain electronic and physical filing and organizational systems for office operations, committees, task forces, and ongoing projects
• Answer phone and act as first point of contact for all callers and visitors, observing formal professional protocol in all external communications

Scheduling:

• Manage the Representative’s calendar with a high level of accuracy, including complex scheduling assignments, individual appointments, group meetings, public events, and travel arrangements
• Respond to staff, constituent, and stakeholder appointment requests
• Plan and organize town hall meetings
• Coordinate meeting preparation materials when needed
• During session, attend meetings with constituents on member’s behalf, as needed

Bill Management:

• Track advancement of bills throughout drafting and legislative process to ensure that timelines and deadlines are met. This includes maintaining detailed bill tracking spreadsheets and drafting bill and budget request letters to committee chairs

Correspondence & Writing:

• Draft responses on behalf of the Representative to constituent emails, letters, and phone calls. Manage a high volume of constituent inquiries
• Draft correspondence to agencies and other elected officials
• Coordinate between Communications staff and the Representative to prepare articles, newsletters, press releases, speeches, and talking points

Casework & Constituent Service:

• Facilitate communication between constituents and government agencies, assisting constituents in accessing services, and researching and solving complex problems
• Serve as a liaison between the Representative and constituents of the Legislative District; exercising independent judgment and providing high level customer service

Expense Reimbursement:

• Submit detailed and timely accounting reports for member travel and expense reimbursement, according to House policy
• Budget member expense account to ensure that funds are available for planned expenses
• Maintain organized records of expenses and reimbursements

The Washington State House of Representatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process or who need an application in an alternative format may call 360-786-7750 or TTD 1-800-635-9993.