Staff Counsel or Research Analyst

$77,352 - $103,500/Yr

Unclassified - Olympia, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Olympia, WA

About the position

The Washington State Senate is seeking a Staff Counsel or Research Analyst to join the Senate Committee Services (SCS) team in Olympia, WA. This position is integral to supporting the legislative process by providing high-quality, objective, and nonpartisan service to the members of the Washington State Senate. The successful candidate will perform legal and policy research and analysis, draft bills and other legislative documents, and assist Senators in developing policy options. The role requires a collaborative and analytical mindset, as well as the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure legislative environment. As a Staff Counsel or Research Analyst, you will be responsible for conducting thorough legal and policy research, drafting legislative documents, and presenting findings to legislators during public hearings. You will also monitor and analyze the implementation of policies by state and local government agencies, responding to inquiries on pertinent policy issues. Building professional relationships with Senators, legislative staff, state agency staff, and interest groups is essential to effectively support the legislative process. The ideal candidate will possess excellent analytical, writing, problem-solving, and oral communication skills, along with a creative and flexible approach to work. A strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace is also crucial, as the Senate strives to cultivate an inclusive working environment that supports diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Performing legal and policy research and analysis.
• Drafting bills, amendments, and other legislative documents.
• Developing and evaluating policy alternatives to assist Senators in meeting their goals.
• Presenting legislation and other policy matters before committees.
• Monitoring and analyzing implementation efforts by state and local government agencies.
• Responding to inquiries on pertinent policy issues.
• Developing appropriate professional relationships with Senators, other legislative staff, state agency staff, and interest groups.

Requirements

• Knowledge of or interest in learning the legislative process.
• Proven ability to perform high-quality, objective research and analysis in a position requiring high levels of self-direction.
• Ability to effectively interact with others who have diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, gender identities, sexual orientations, veteran statuses, geographical backgrounds, educational backgrounds, and disability statuses to promote trust.
• Excellent analytical, writing, problem solving, and oral communication skills.
• A creative, flexible, cooperative, service-based and team-oriented approach to work.
• Capability to handle the complex, difficult situations that are common in the fast-paced, results-oriented, high-pressure legislative environment.
• Proficiency in multiple computer applications, including word-processing software, presentation applications, and on-line research.

Nice-to-haves

• A law degree or master's degree in public administration, public policy, or a related field is desired, however diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Dependent care reimbursement
• Disability insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Medical insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Vacation leave
• Sick leave
• Military leave
• Bereavement leave
• Civil leave
• Ten paid holidays per year
• State retirement plan
• Deferred compensation
• Healthcare flexible spending account
• Dependent care assistance
• Infant at work policy
• Optional credit unions and savings bonds
• Tuition reimbursement