Responsibilities:
State Legislature
The Director will lead the state legislative team responsible for bill analysis, fiscal notes, testimony before state legislative committees, participation in formal and informal legislative and executive branch work groups, task forces, or partners, responding to legislative inquiries and requests from State, Tribal, and local elected officials.

The position is responsible for the development and implementation of all agency request legislation and agency budget requests. The position develops and advises the Commissioner and Executive Management on legislative and policy strategy and tactics in anticipation or response to policy and budget actions taken, or being considered, by the Legislature and separate state and private entities lobbying the legislature.

The Director also represents the Commissioner and the agency before the legislature, with Tribal, state, and local governments, and private entities and partners on significant policy, legislative, and constituent relations issues. The position is responsible for representing and implementing the Commissioner’s legislative agenda and priorities with other elected officials, partners, and the public, including negotiating budget and legislation language.

Federal Relations
The Director will develop and manage strong relationships with federal policymakers and will monitor federal policy developments to identify potential impacts on the agency, often requiring close collaboration with other divisions within the agency to ensure alignment with broader strategic goals. The Director will liaise with federal policymakers to influence legislation and regulations and provide strategic guidance to the Commissioner and the agency.

External Affairs
The Director will develop and manage a strategic external relations strategy for the agency including managing a comprehensive partner management database of external collaborators that builds support for agency and Commissioner initiatives. The Director will ensure robust and strategic community engagement and outreach efforts are undertaken on Commissioner and agency initiatives and will lead the engagement strategy for outreach before, during, and after the state Legislative Session. The Director will also summarize and present partner feedback to the CPL and executive team. The Director will serve as a conduit to address emerging partner issues and improve coordination and communication between agency staff and external partners so that key issues are resolved in a timely and effective manner. The Director will lead in developing and implementing key public education initiatives to ensure community partners, collaborators, and businesses are aware of key programs and directives of the DNR and CPL.

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a political science, law, public policy, business administration, or closely related field;
  OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience successfully moving high-priority, high-profile legislation involving multiple, competing interests.
• Ability to interface and maintain relationships with community partners, analyze/interpret issues and/or concerns, and find solutions.
• Expert-level experience in developing, drafting, and advocating for budget and policy legislation in the state legislature for fiscal and policy legislation beneficial to the agency.
• Ability to work as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to public service.
• Experience working on issues related to equity, environmental, and/or racial justice, including supporting integration into organizational practices and policies.
• Strong problem-solving skills, creative thinking ability, and vision.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and ability to make complex information understandable to the general public using plain language.
• Knowledge of current economic, social, political, and regulatory developments.
• Ability to develop short and long-range plans.
• Ability to develop and conduct independent research projects.
• Ability to coordinate, facilitate, and manage the work of ad hoc teams formed from cross-agency resources.
• Experience working cooperatively with government officials, agency staff, senior managers, industry representatives, and the public at all levels.
• Experience working for an elected official or high-level executive.
• 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

• Mainly working in the office, sometimes longer than 40 hour weeks, and occasional travel to the regions or outside meetings. Assigned to NRB in Olympia WA. Work is performed almost exclusively (95%) indoors in office environments.
• Travel is expected, occasionally to region offices or the offices of external partners/legislators/beneficiaries.
• A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

• Experience working for an elected official.
  
  

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.