Description

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:
Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity
If you understand the importance of developing and implementing policies and rules in a fair, consistent, and equitable manner, please read on!
Duties
As the Legislative and Policy Manager you will lead strategic legislative and rulemaking operations that improve coordination, consistency, and policy implementation across the division and agency. With your excellent communication skills, you will collaborate with the Rules and Policy Manager, Legislative and Special Projects Manager, agency leadership, legislators, the Governor’s Office, and external partners to advance policy priorities, address complex legislative issues, and support informed decision-making. Evaluating operational performance and implementing process improvements to increase team capacity, efficiency, and organizational effectiveness will affect the agency’s ability to maintain and receive funds and approval for initiatives to meet the agency’s strategic objectives and measures.
Some of what you may do:
- Support legislative engagement activities, coordinating committee presentations, and speaking with legislators on various policy issues on behalf of the Legislative and Policy Director.
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Direct and support Legislative and Policy Analysts in developing effective processes, training, and operational guidance that strengthen legislative analysis, rulemaking, fiscal review, and stakeholder engagement activities.
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Identify new legislative and policy projects or proposals that can be pursued based on internal and external feedback.
- Consult with unit leadership on critical assignments like legislative management, maintaining external partner relationships, and formalizing processes for essential internal operations.
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Use sound judgement to respond to questions in high-pressure situations with calm and tact.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career by developing process improvements, to assist in carrying out the operational vision of the Legislative and Policy Director, we invite you to apply!
Qualifications
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Ten (10) years of experience working within the state agency environment, including experience working with the state legislature, in areas of legislative proposals, policy development, and rulemaking experience. Must have excellent communication skills and ability to facilitate conversations effectively.
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Experience in reading and writing legislation.
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Knowledge of:
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Interplay between the various programs administered by the Department of Licensing.
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Principles of sound program administration and policy.
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Principles of developing strategic operational policies and processes.
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Rulemaking process and the Administrative Procedures Act and Regulatory Fairness Act.
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Agency priorities, policies and practices.
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Impacted party engagement strategies and best practices.
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Ability to:
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Effectively communicate in writing and orally with diverse groups, including the Department’s Executive Leadership, Governor’s Office, local government representatives, industry representatives and associations, and Department staff.
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Use sound judgement to respond to questions in high-pressure situations with calm and tact.
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Identify and implement sound processes to achieve effective program administration.
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Establish, monitor and follow timeframes, and successfully meet deadlines.
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Build trusted relationships by working with others both inside and outside the agency.
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Effectively mentor, coach, and train staff.
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Manage others to deliver a high-quality product within set timeframes.
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Anticipate and seek to resolve confrontations and disagreements in a constructive manner.
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Facilitate discussions to arrive at agreed-upon solutions.
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Analyze complex issues by interpreting and applying pertinent rules, laws, and other research material.
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Know when to bring in the expertise of other divisions.
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Work quickly and thoroughly with sound judgment to briefly and accurately summarize complex issues.
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Provide high quality service to customers.
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Remain calm and rational while handling volatile situations.
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Successfully navigate challenging situations and diffuse difficult people.
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Take action to meet the needs of others.
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To take action to learn and grow.
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Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors and decisions.
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Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
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Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
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Demonstrate ethical behavior and impress its importance upon others.
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Speak up for and support a position.
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Exhibit self-confidence, creativity, and objectivity.
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Strong awareness of authorizing environments and discretion to identify issues for escalation.
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Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to accept the suggestions of others, to motivate and build teamwork.
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Strong analytical and organizing skills.
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Strong editing skills for the review of others’ work.
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Self-motivation to produce excellent work.
* Experience may be gained concurrently *
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Prior DOL experience that lends an understanding of internal agency operations and organizational structure.
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Prior experience communicating with legislators, Governor’s Office staff, and external partners.
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A master’s degree in public administration, public administration, or closely allied field.
Additional Requirements of Employment:
- The ability to travel overnight and out of state.
- Prior to a new hire, a pre-employment screening that includes a criminal record history check will be conducted. These findings may not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.


Supplemental Information
- Select the Apply button at the top of this job announcement.
- A cover letter detailing your qualifications for the role and providing specific examples that illustrate your ability to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington.

To take advantage of veteran/military spouse preference, email the Talent Acquisition team. Please include the title of this position in the subject line.
