Title- Legislative Affairs Director
Classification- EMS 3 - Civil Service Exempt
Job Status- Full-Time - Exempt
WDFW Program- Director’s office
Duty Station- Thurston County, Olympia, Washington
Hybrid Telework- The successful candidate may be able to tele-work 2 days a week when legislature is not in session at the discretion of the Director. 
Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until July 15, 2026.  The first review of applications will take place on July 1, 2026.  Application review is ongoing, and applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Following the first review date, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about WDFW!

Help shape the future of one of Washington's most visible and impactful natural resource agencies.

As Legislative Director, you will serve as a key member of the Director's Policy Team, providing strategic counsel on legislative and policy issues and representing the agency before lawmakers, tribal governments, federal partners, and stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Leads the development and execution of the agency’s legislative program, including advancing agency-request legislation and responding to proposed legislation affecting WDFW’s mission, statutory authority, and budget.
• Serves as a senior policy advisor to the Director and Executive Management Team, providing strategic guidance on legislative, budgetary, and public policy issues that influence agency direction and priorities.
• Represents the agency in high-level external affairs and intergovernmental engagement, coordinating with legislators, legislative staff, tribal governments, stakeholders, lobbyists, and other governmental partners on policy and legislative matters.
• Provides leadership and direction to the state and federal legislative team, ensuring alignment between legislative strategy, policy development, and agency priorities.
• Oversees coordination of legislative activities with related agency processes, including rulemaking and SEPA-related considerations, to ensure consistency, compliance, and strategic alignment.
• Engages in ongoing executive-level decision support, including advising on emerging legislative issues and supporting negotiation and strategy development during legislative session and interim periods.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of executive leadership and evolving legislative priorities. 

Working Conditions:

• This is a high-visibility executive leadership role operating at the center of state policy and decision-making.
• Primary work is conducted in an office environment with frequent engagement in legislative and intergovernmental forums, including occasional field visits and legislative tours.
• Requires regular local and statewide travel, with occasional overnight trips to regional offices and partner locations.
• During legislative session, extended and flexible work hours are expected, including evenings and weekends, to effectively represent the agency’s priorities in a fast-paced and high-stakes policy environment.
• Regular interaction with legislators, legislative staff, elected officials, tribal governments, stakeholders, and members of the public, including in high-pressure or politically sensitive situations.

Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, public policy, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of experience with the Washington State legislature or in a comparable policy or legislative environment.

Professional experience in the following areas:

• Public policy or natural resource policy experience. 
• Familiarity with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and Administrative Procedure Act (APA). 
• Understanding of WDFW’s core functions, programs, policies, customers, and constituencies. 
• Established relationships with key government stakeholders and partner organizations. 

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expertise in legislative affairs, public policy analysis, and government relations. 
• Experience advising executive leaders on legislative and policy matters. 
• Strong political judgment and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues. 
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. 
• Experience representing an organization before legislative bodies, elected officials, and stakeholders. 
• Knowledge of the legal, regulatory, and governmental frameworks that affect public-sector operations.

Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant may possess one or more of the following:

• Master's degree in public policy or a related field including a Juris Doctorate.
• Five (5) years of direct legislative experience.

Your application packet requires the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume. 
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage.  To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at valerie.rogers@dfw.wa.gov.  
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2026-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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 of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to valerie.rogers@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2026-04952.

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