Legislative Assistant to Senator Jamie Pedersen

EXEMPT RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

JOB TITLE:  Legislative Assistant to Senator Jamie Pedersen

SALARY: $4,817- $8,849 monthly depending on qualifications

LOCATION: Olympia, Washington

CLOSES: September 20, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and early applications are encouraged, but first round interviews will not take place until the week of October 7, 2024. 

Senate Profile

The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Legislature meets annually on the second Monday in January in the Capitol Building 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. Permanent staff work year-round supporting the Senate and legislative members. The Senate strives to cultivate an inclusive working environment that supports diversity through equitable policies and practices.

Member Profile

Senator Pedersen represents the 43rd Legislative District (central Seattle) and serves as the Floor Leader for the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus (SDC). Senator Pedersen also serves as a member of the Ways and Means, Rules, Law and Justice, and K-12 Education committees, in addition to several other legislative committees and boards. Senator Pedersen is a founding member of the bicameral LGBTQ caucus.

More information here: https://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/pedersen/

Position Profile

The Office of Senator Jamie Pedersen is seeking a highly organized and motivated Legislative Assistant. The Legislative Assistant (LA) is a self-starter capable of managing multiple work streams simultaneously and committed to fostering a fun and collaborative working environment. This is a full-time, Olympia/remote-based position with benefits, including health, retirement and leave. Candidates must be willing to work from Olympia during the legislative session, but other travel is occasionally required.

The LA reports to the Executive LA and Senator Pedersen.

Position Duties

• Under supervision of the Executive LA, manage the external e-mail, phone and mail communications and ensure everyone who contacts Senator Pedersen’s office receives a timely and appropriate response.

• Serve as a liaison between Senator Pedersen and people interacting with our office; exercise independent judgment to determine the appropriate course of action.
• Take meetings with constituents and stakeholders, and occasionally attend stakeholder events on behalf of Senator Pedersen.
• During the legislative session, provide support with the administration of Senator Pedersen’s Floor Leader responsibilities.
• Assist with office scheduling and calendar management needs.
• Support constituents on casework and follow to conclusion.
• Conduct policy research as needed, using a myriad of resources
• Assist with research and monitoring of district-specific issues.
• Assist in supervising, training, and hiring session personnel and interns.
• Working with the Executive LA, coordinate town hall meetings, and district events.

Requirements

Successful candidates will possess:

• A passion for public service and commitment to responsive constituent services
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain productive working relationships with Senators, staff, lobbyists/ advocates, and constituents. 
• Well-developed project management and event coordination skills. 
• Ability to operate legislative computer programs and video conferencing software. 
• Understanding of the Washington State legislative process. 
• Flexibility and resourcefulness under pressure. 
• The initiative to support team members to achieve collective objectives
• Ability to exercise professional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality. 
• Commitment to our shared community values, including social justice, equity, and prosperity for all. 
• Courage to question conventional wisdom and challenge the status quo when appropriate. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

A bachelor’s degree AND one year of related work experience OR an equivalent combination of experience and education. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

•  This position works in-person in Olympia during the legislative session. When the Legislature is not in session, in-state remote work is supported, except when needed to be in-person for trainings or meetings. 

•  Long and irregular hours are required during the legislative session, including evening and weekend work. When the Legislature is not in session, flexible schedule options are available. 

•  This position is full-time and exempt from civil service. 

Benefits

SALARY RANGE

RCW 49.58.110 requires employers to provide a full salary range in job postings. The salary and classification for this position is based on relevant experience and qualifications. The salary range for this position is $4,817 - $8,849 monthly. A hiring salary will be less than the top of any range, however.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The Senate offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; vacation, sick, military, bereavement, and civil leave; ten paid holidays per year; a state retirement plan; deferred compensation; healthcare flexible spending account; dependent care assistance; infant at work policy, optional credit unions and savings bonds; and tuition reimbursement. 

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Senate Human Resource Office at [email protected].

The Washington State Senate is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, physical, sensory, or mental disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability.