Employment – Washington State House Democrats

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Position Announcement: Legislative Assistant to Representative Mia Gregerson

Legislative Assistant to Representative Mia Gregerson, 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 Gregerson, Legislative Assistant Staff Director, Chief Clerk

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

To apply: Please send your cover letter and resume in one document to jobs.hdc@leg.wa.gov by November 24, 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

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.

Position Announcement: Session Administrative and Constituent Support Services

Session Administrative and Constituent Support Services
House Democratic Caucus, Washington State House of Representatives

Mission: To assist House Democratic legislative office teams in successfully fulfilling their public obligations by providing casework support services to their constituents. To further House Democratic Caucus and individual member priorities by providing administrative support to policy, communications, and coordinating staff.
Reports to: Caucus Resource Coordinator, Chief of Staff, and Chief Clerk
Salary Range: Depends on qualifications. This is an exempt temporary position for the 2020 legislative session
Location: Olympia
Closing Date: Open until filled. Early applications encouraged
To apply: Please send your cover letter and resume in one document to jobs.hdc@leg.wa.gov

PREFERRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Prior legislative, office management, and administrative support experience
Strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills, including knowledge of standard format and protocol for professional correspondence
Persistent and resourceful in conducting research and problem solving
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook email and calendar functions
Knowledge of legislative process, judicial system, and state and local government structure, functions, and services
Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgment, and maintain confidentiality

TYPICAL ASSIGNMENTS

Casework

Work with Legislative Assistants to identify, plan, complete and close cases
Communicate with state agency liaisons, local governments, and nonprofit service organizations to find options and facilitate solutions
Develop casework resource materials to share with Legislative Assistants
Represent member offices to constituents, agencies, and non-governmental organizations regarding casework
Represent each office as instructed by applying polite, confidential, efficient and effective communication and problem solving skills
Provide written updates to member offices and Resource Coordinator as required
Maintain organized, detailed casework logs and case files

Administrative

Perform office administrative tasks such as: making copies, stocking office supplies, compiling briefing binders and training packets, maintaining bill tracking lists, editing and formatting documents and power point presentations, updating contact lists, and supporting special events
Provide occasional member office coverage to include: answering phones, act as first point of contact for office visitors, compiling appointment requests, and keeping the member meeting schedule on track

Position Announcement: Session Communications Specialist

Session Communications Specialist
Washington State House of Representatives, Democratic Caucus
Salary: Based on previous job experience and qualifications. This is an exempt session/temporary position
Closing Date: Open until filled, early applications encouraged
To Apply: Send your cover letter, résumé, writing sample, and any audio, video, or graphic design samples to: jobs.hdc@leg.wa.gov

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

The House of Representatives is comprised of the elected members of the House of Representatives and the staff necessary to carry out the business of a legislative branch of state government. Staff workgroups include administrative staff, nonpartisan staff, Democratic caucus staff, and Republican caucus staff. The Democratic Caucus consists of the Democratic members of the Washington State House. Each caucus has partisan staff positions that assist the members of the House.

This Olympia-based job is a full-time temporary position lasting for the duration of the upcoming legislative session (January – March 2020). Some nights and weekends may be required.

Caucus communications specialists are communications professionals who are part of a team that advances public policy aimed at improving the lives of Washington’s seven million residents. We work on statewide policies relating to K-12 education, higher education, early learning, health care, human services, environment, transportation, business, labor, agriculture, housing, veterans, economic development, technology, public safety, equal rights, and many more.

If you are a communications professional interested in serving the public working on one or more of these issues areas, you are encouraged to apply.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Caucus communications specialists are responsible for disseminating legislative information to the public for House Democrats. Duties include but are not limited to:

Working with elected officials and staff to provide district-specific communication strategies for mass media and constituent outreach
Working with digital communications team to develop, design, and format visually-engaging materials for web, print, electronic, and social media platform distribution
Working with issue-area policy experts to effectively communicate complex policies using simple, easy-to-understand methods
Writing press statements, talking points, editorial pieces, video scripts, newsletters, speeches, digital media copy, etc.
Producing audio and video clips, posting to websites, and exploring new media opportunities
Organizing media events within district and on capitol campus
Producing town hall and end of session products, presentations for caucus and committee hearings
Helping maintain and expand the caucus webpages
Serving as a primary contact for legislative reporters, facilitating interview requests, and providing background information as needed

Successful candidates will have the ability to:

Communicate clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences using plain language
Manage multiple tasks and make decisions in a fast-paced, pressure-filled environment
Produce and publish content designed to increase social media engagement
Work with various web-based communications programs such as Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, GovDelivery, and SharePoint, among others
Produce products and work well under deadline
Maintain a sense of humor, teamwork, and flexibility to adapt to a wide variety of circumstances
Work efficiently with diverse personalities in team and individual settings

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Proficient with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Strong writing and messaging skills
Familiar with Facebook, Twitter, and other social and web-based communications platforms
Post-secondary degree or relevant work experience in communications, political science, journalism, or similar field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Create various multimedia products such as photos, videos, diagrams, infographics, charts, and maps that allow complex public policy issues to be understood by a general audience
Familiarity with Washington state’s legislative process

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.

Position Announcement: Session Aide to House Democratic Caucus Member Office

Session Aide to HDC Member Office, Washington State House of Representatives

Mission: To assist Legislators in successfully fulfilling their public obligations by providing administrative and constituent support services

Reports to: Legislative Assistant, Representative, Caucus Staff Director, Chief Clerk

Salary range: Depends on qualifications. This is an exempt session/temporary position

Start Date: January 6, 2020

Closing Date: Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received

To apply: Please send your cover letter and resume in one document to jobs.hdc@leg.wa.gov . Please include in your email how you heard about the position.

PREFERRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills, including knowledge of standard format and protocol for professional correspondence
Persistent and resourceful in conducting research and problem solving
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook email and calendar functions
Knowledge of legislative process, judicial system, and state and local government structure, functions, and services
Ability to uphold legislative decorum, exercise professional judgment, and maintain confidentiality

TYPICAL ASSIGNMENTS

Administration:

Answer phones, screen calls for Legislative Assistant, and greet visitors.
Assist with scheduling tasks by maintaining accurate lists of appointment requests, reserving conference rooms, and guiding constituents and guests to meetings with the Representative.
Prepare meeting materials, make copies, compile issue binders, update rosters and contact lists, edit and format documents.
Take accurate notes and messages from constituent, staff, agency and stakeholder calls and visits.
At direction of the Legislative Assistant, maintain electronic and physical filing systems for correspondence, scheduling, budget requests, and committee materials.

Correspondence & Communication:

With supervision of Legislative Assistant, draft responses on behalf of the Representative to constituent emails, letters, and phone calls.
Manage a high volume of constituent inquiries, providing friendly and accurate information to callers and visitors about the legislative process and capitol campus.
Facilitate and coordinate communication between the Representative, legislators, state officials, staff, agency personnel, stakeholders and constituents in the development and advancement of legislation.
With supervision of Legislative Assistant, perform casework, including facilitating communication between constituents and government agencies, assisting constituents in accessing services, and researching and solving complex problems. Coordinate with caucus caseworker when appropriate.

Bill and Budget Tracking:

Maintain tracking spreadsheets to follow advancement of bills and budget requests throughout legislative process and ensure that timelines and deadlines are met.
Support the Legislative Assistant in tracking and organizing member and stakeholder requests and information.

Position Announcement: Legislative Assistant to Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos

Legislative Assistant to Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, Washington State House of Representatives

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

Location: The position is based in Olympia during session. During interim, LA may work in district office in Seattle or split time between Seattle and Olympia offices (minimum one day per week in district office).

To apply: Please send your cover letter, resume, and writing sample in one document to jobs.hdc@leg.wa.gov. Open until filled.

REQUIRED 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

TYPICAL ASSIGNMENTS

Office Management:

Create and maintain extensive 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
Manage district office leases, expenses and equipment needs.

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
Compile regular scheduling packets for the member, containing calendar, meeting preparation materials, agendas, travel itineraries, and other requested items
Plan and organize town hall meetings
Coordinate meeting preparation materials when needed
During session, attend some meetings with constituents on member’s behalf, as needed

Bill Management & Chair Support:

Maintain files on bills referred to the House Education Committee, sponsored by or of interest to the Representative
Track advancement of bills throughout drafting and legislative process to ensure that timelines and deadlines are met. This includes maintaining detailed bill tracking spreadsheets
Draft bill and budget request letters to committee chairs
Daily identification of bills referred to the House Education Committee

Correspondence & Writing:

Draft responses on behalf of the Representative to constituent emails, letters, and phone calls.
Draft correspondence to agencies and other elected officials

Casework:

Facilitate communication between constituents and government agencies, assisting constituents in accessing services, and researching and solving complex problems

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

Position Announcement: Legislative Assistant to Representative Mia Gregerson

Position Announcement: Session Administrative and Constituent Support Services

Position Announcement: Session Communications Specialist

Position Announcement: Session Aide to House Democratic Caucus Member Office

Position Announcement: Legislative Assistant to Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos

Washington State Government