Responsibilities:
The Policy Director is responsible for the development, management, and implementation of strategies to advance DNR’s public policy goals. The Policy Director works closely with DNR program staff and other members of the Executive Management team to develop policy initiatives and provides the Commissioner with high-level, strategic policy advice.

Specific duties include:

• Development and implementation of long-range strategic policy initiatives and translation of long-range goals into short-term actionable projects.
• Collaborate with agency divisions and programs to achieve Commissioner goals and identify information required for policy development and legislation.
• Consult with and advise Executive Management on key issues including legislative and federal issues.
• Collaborate with agency staff on workgroups of agency-wide strategic importance.
• Work with diverse and often competing partners to develop solutions and resolve conflicts regarding policy issues.
• In partnership with the Governmental and External Affairs team, write and support agency request legislation, and conduct research on the impacts of potential legislation.
• Represent Commissioner at meetings and events as required.

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in political science, public policy, business administration, or closely related field;
  OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• Experience working with diverse and competing interest groups to develop solutions on high-profile projects.
• Demonstrated ability to make effective oral presentations to both internal and external audiences, the ability to distill complex concepts into digestible information.
• Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships and work cooperatively with others, inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to manage a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.
• A strong work ethic and commitment to public service.
• Political awareness.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, and regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Work is primarily in an office setting.
• Travel as needed, approximately 15%. Occasional evening and weekend work; occasional field visits.

• Master’s Degree or higher in political science, environmental planning, public policy, business administration, environmental science, or another field relevant to the position’s responsibilities;
  OR ten years of relevant professional experience.
• Motivated, creative, and hardworking, with a successful track record of solving complex policy issues at the state, federal and/or municipal level.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and research skills.
• Experience leading and managing cross-functional teams and projects.
• Thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
• Moving a high-priority, high profile project involving multiple, competing interests from start to completion.
• Building and managing relationships with internal and external partners, including business and private industry partners, government officials, agency staff, senior managers, and the public.
• Working in partnership with internal and external collaborators to advance broad public policy goals.
• Writing and communicating persuasively for targeted audiences.
• Understanding the larger historical, social, economic, and political context of natural resource management in Washington.
• Resolving conflicts and receiving and conveying ideas, thoughts, and information effectively.
• Managing multiple short-term and long-term projects simultaneously.
• Leading and mentoring a team.
• Working collaboratively to support the work of ad hoc teams formed from cross-agency resources.
  
  

Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.