Legislative Director

The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide. 

The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Visit our website at: www.sos.wa.gov.

As the Legislative Director, you will be a member of the Secretary's Executive Leadership Team, which helps set the strategic direction for the Office, and serve as a key advisor to the Secretary on strategy and public policy matters.  Additionally, in your role as the Legislative Director, you will serve as the lead for all legislative interaction for the Office, including meeting with state legislators and legislative staff, monitoring the legislative process, and publicly representing the Office of the Secretary of State's positions on policy and budget issues.

So, if you have experience in legislative relations and are looking for a rewarding position that directly impacts the public, media, business community, voters, archive and library users, charity donors, historical organizations and many others, then we encourage you to share your expertise and apply.

The Legislative Director serves as the senior strategist and a primary liaison between OSOS and our most critical partners, to include elected leaders and staff, county partners, especially the Auditors, other state agency executives, and community organizations aligned with the OSOS mission.  In this executive-level advisory role, the director advises the Secretary of State, the Executive Leadership Team, and senior staff on legislative strategy, ensuring that all relationship building and engagement efforts support office priorities. The director anticipates, prepares for, and executes legislative engagements and testimony at hearings; supports office engagement and response to public and media requests; and continuously builds and maintains critical relationships with partners to advocate and support OSOS priorities. The director works collaboratively with the Policy Director to manage a comprehensive legislative and policy team, sharing responsibilities across the spectrum of engagement and strategic policy development.

Legislative Strategy & Advocacy  

• Develops and executes the Secretary’s legislative agenda in coordination with senior staff.
• Develops, manages and executes comprehensive legislative strategies for OSOS policy initiatives and budget requirements.  
• Drafts, reviews, and analyzes bills, amendments, and fiscal notes related to elections, corporations, public records, and other agency functions.  
• Coordinates and provides public testimony before legislative committees to advocate for the Secretary’s and the office’s positions.  

Stakeholder Engagement  

• Creates, manages and improves constructive working relationships and effective communication with legislators, legislative staff, key partners, and constituent groups.
• Represents the Secretary in meetings with key partners on policy matters.  
• Assists with the hosting of special events (dinners, receptions, etc.) for legislators, diplomats, and other community and business partners to foster critical relationships and support office initiatives.    
• As required, travels with and staffs the Secretary in engagements with legislators, community leaders, other partners, and media throughout the state.

Policy Analysis & Research  

• Monitors legislative trends and emerging issues affecting the office’s operations.  
• Advises and assists the Secretary and the OSOS Executive Leadership Team on legislative issues, including participating in the development of public policy, by providing relevant legislative context and information.
• Assist with the preparation of briefs, reports, and presentations on legislative impacts.  
• Participates, as a member of the OSOS Executive Leadership Team, in the development of office policies, priorities and overall strategic direction.

Internal Coordination

• Collaborates with OSOS divisions (e.g., Elections, ISR, Corporations, Archives, Library) to assess legislative needs.
• Coordinates with OSOS Policy and Communications directors to develop and coordinate consistent messaging on legislation, policy and budget issues.
• Advise the Secretary and Executive Leadership Team on political and procedural risks. 
• Tracks and reports necessary legislative and executive office activities to the Public Disclosure Commission on a quarterly basis.

Implementation Oversight

• Tracks passed legislation and ensure compliance with new laws.
• Tracks legislative trends year over year to prepare the office for likely future legislative agendas.
• Works collaboratively with the communications division to publicize legislative wins.  

Miscellaneous

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in legislative/government relations, public administration, or public policy development;   OR a bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, or a field closely related to the specific position and six years of progressively responsible experience legislative/government relations and public policy development.
• A minimum of five years of experience within the Washington state legislative process, including giving public testimony, interacting directly with state legislators and staff, and tracking legislation. 

Required Competencies:

• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Creative problem solver.
• Ability to identify sensitive issues and apply communication tactics proactively to alleviate negative impacts.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work with a wide range of external and internal partners.
• Sensitivity to public attitudes and concerns.

Knowledge of:

• Local State and/or Federal legislative process, its steps and influence points effectively in a team environment.
• Principles and methods of legislative analysis.
• Federal, State, and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to the Office or related programs, operations and policies.
• State and local legal requirements and guidelines governing the conduct of public meetings.
• Statistical/comparative analysis and research techniques.
• Principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Project planning and management methods and practices applicable to areas of assigned responsibility.

Ability to:

• Analyze, interpret, explain and make recommendations on complex legislative, regulatory, community and intergovernmental public policy issues.
• Communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively; orally and in writing.
• Exercise tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with highly sensitive, complex, confidential and controversial issues and situations.
• Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with Office executives and managers, federal, state, and local elected and appointed officials, officials of other governmental agencies, professional and community organizations and committees, the media, the public, and others encountered in the course of work.
• Apply writing style and presentation techniques appropriate for differing business, legislative, and journalistic/public relations purposes.
• Apply seasoned political acumen, reach sound independent conclusions and recommend appropriate courses of action within established policy guidelines to achieve Office objectives.
• Prepare clear, concise, accurate and complete analysis, reports, correspondence, records and other written materials.
• Testify authoritatively before public bodies and represent the Office effectively with community groups and committees and with business and professional organizations.
• Exercise sound independent judgment and political acumen within general policy guidelines.
• Utilize applicable internet, technology, social media and publications to research legislation, regulations, and public policy issues.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies

• Master's degree in political science, public administration or a related field.
• Broad knowledge of election policy issues.
• Extensive policy research and analysis experience.
• Successful experience modeling leadership and performance characteristics that promote professionalism, integrity, accountability and public service, and a cooperative, positive work environment.
• Analyze, interpret, and explain complex legislative, regulatory, community and intergovernmental public policy issues to key partners and the public.

PLEASE READ: If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. Studies have shown that members of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, specifically women and people of color, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they clearly meet every single qualification. 
                
At the Office of the Secretary of State, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic work force with a foundation of belonging. If you are excited about this role and have relevant experience and skills, but question whether your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply regardless. You may just be the ideal candidate this office needs.

 Working Conditions
In this position, the incumbent works in a fast paced and multi-faceted work environment that requires a high need to assess and prioritize multiple tasks in an efficient and effective manner primarily in an office environment where sitting for long periods of time and extensive use of the keyboard is required. The standard work hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Works holidays during legislative session and occasional evening and weekend work. May be required to travel throughout the state and nationwide attending meetings. The position requires standard office, library, and digitizing equipment use and significant interactions with internal and external stakeholders. Requires 40 hours per week but can be more in order to meet deadlines. Note: This position is overtime exempt under the federal Labor Standards Act. Duties may require work beyond a 40-hour workweek. During the legislative session, it is expected that the Legislative Director will work the hours necessary (including weekends, holidays, and evenings) to ensure that the Office and its position are well represented. In an emergency situation the incumbent in this position may be required to work in a capacity outside of this position; and may be asked to stay for extended periods of time. Occasional travel throughout the state. Must be willing to make overnight trips as needed for required meetings/training. This position often accompanies and staffs the Secretary at key engagements statewide to support Office priorities. This position will likely be required to engage with statewide leaders across the state, in their jurisdictions, to further Office objectives. Some travel for national events and conferences should be expected. Serve as a professional representative of OSOS to the public. Requires consultation with the highest levels within the OSOS. Ability to remain calm and communicate effectively under pressure and in an environment where there are strong competing interests.
 
 

Salary : $140,000 - $155,000