Legislative Assistant Staff Director Washington State House of Representatives, Democratic Caucus
UPDATE: We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
Salary: Based on previous job experience and qualifications
Closes: September 17, 2018
To Apply: Send cover letter and resume in one document to: jobs.hdc@leg.wa.gov
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated success in employee hiring, and supervision and management of staff
- Understanding and awareness of diversity and inclusion issues, and a commitment to applying best practices for attracting and retaining a diverse workforce
- Knowledge of the legislative process and an understanding of the unique needs and power dynamics of staffing elected officials.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight timelines
- Flexibility to travel to district offices regularly
- Experience mediating disputes
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Legislative Assistant Staff Director is a key member of the House Democratic Caucus senior management team that includes the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Policy and Communications Directors. The Legislative Assistant Staff Director co-manages House Democratic Caucus Legislative Assistants (LAs) in conjunction with Members, Chief of Staff, and Chief Clerk. This job is located in Olympia during session, with an option to work in Seattle during interim with frequent travel to Olympia. It is a full-time, exempt position with benefits.
Supervision
- Co-manage LAs in conjunction with Legislators, Chief of Staff, and Chief Clerk
- Strategize with LAs and/or legislators to address communication or performance issues.
- If necessary, draft Work Improvement Plans to clearly define problematic work performance to design plans for improvement and provide steps for resolution
- Fulfill reporting and enforcement duties in accordance with the House Respectful Workplace Policy
- Partner with Caucus Resource Coordinator on LA onboarding and ongoing training
- Meet with each LA and legislators at a minimum annually to gather feedback, discuss goal-setting, and assess needs
Personnel and Administration
- Authorize and process all personnel paperwork for LAs which includes salary adjustments, hiring, and employment transitions
- Manage confidential employment information
- Manage hiring process for LAs in coordination with members. This includes: communicating with member and outgoing LA to determine hiring priorities and hiring timeline, drafting position announcements, developing interview questions and qualifications rubric, conducting screening interviews, scheduling member interviews, conducting reference checks, and notifying applicants of hiring decisions
- Review and approve travel authorizations, leave requests, interim hours, telecommute authorizations, overtime tracking, and relocation per diem for LAs
- Act as a primary contact for LAs on House employment policy
Internal Communication
- Interface between House Administration and House Democratic Caucus LA workgroup regarding personnel and policy issues
- Attend caucus meetings, Member Advance, senior staff, and other staff meetings and share relevant information with LAs
- Develop agenda for and participate in monthly LA meetings and annual LA caucus
- Provide staff support to LA workgroup or subsets of workgroup on issues relating to personnel and workplace policy
- Collaborate with senior staff on team building and communication improvement between internal House Democratic Caucus workgroups
Mentorship
- Conduct weekly meetings during session for first year LAs, in collaboration with Resource Coordinator
- Coordinate and encourage professional development opportunities for interested LAs, including facilitating partnerships and mentor relationships between House Democratic Caucus LAs and other House staff
- Provide informational interviews to legislative interns and others interested in LA employment
- Lead a small group of LAs to coordinate Open Pathways mentorship program
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.