Legislative Assistant to Senator Claudia Kauffman

Senate Profile

The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Legislature meets annually in the Capitol Building in Olympia beginning on the second Monday in January. Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed. Permanent staff work year‑round supporting the Senate and its legislative members.

Member Profile

Senator Claudia Kauffman represents Washington State's 47th Legislative District (Kent). She serves as the caucus's Leadership Liaison to Tribal Nations, chair of the Business, Trade & Economic Development Committee, vice chair of the State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee, and a member of the Ways & Means Committee. Senator Kauffman also co‑vice chairs the Senate Democrats' Members of Color Caucus. More information is available at her Senate page.

Position Profile

The legislative assistant (LA) is a highly motivated self‑starter who helps provide the highest quality service, representation, and leadership for the people of the 47th Legislative District. The LA is the first face visitors see in Senator Kauffman's office and sets the tone for all interactions. This is a full‑time, year‑round, exempt position represented by a union.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of Senator Kauffman's office.
• Serve as a liaison between the Senator and internal and external parties (legislators, staff, lobbyists, agencies, local/federal governments, tribal nations, and constituents).
• Field questions from the public regarding legislation, the Senator's stance on issues, and other legislative‑related inquiries.
• Collaborate with caucus communications staff on drafting talking points, press releases, mailings, and planning town halls and district‑specific media strategies.
• Draft and/or review responses to legislative correspondence, exercising independent judgment to determine the appropriate course of action.
• Assist constituents in their interactions with state agencies.
• Meet with constituents, lobbyists, and other parties on behalf of the Senator.
• Organize in‑person and virtual legislative events.
• Monitor district‑specific issues and concerns.
• Maintain the Senator's legislative calendar, prioritizing meeting requests, preparing briefing and background materials, and arranging travel details.
• Oversee the Senator's legislative office budget, including equipment purchases and submitting travel and reimbursement requests.
• Manage, submit, and track the Senator's budget requests throughout the budget process.
• In consultation with the Senator, recruit candidates for session staff positions.
• Train session staff to ensure compliance with office procedures and Senate rules.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of temporary office staff and interns during the legislative session.
• Oversee progression of bills and amendments through the legislative process.
• Facilitate and coordinate communication between the Senator and stakeholders in the creation, development, and progression of legislation.
• Organize committee testimony for the Senator's prime sponsor bills.
• Collaborate with partisan caucus policy staff and non‑partisan committee services staff to implement the Senator's policy goals.
• Maintain and preserve records of the legislative office.
• Conduct records searches for responsive public records as needed.

Requirements

• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful and professional manner.
• Ability to maintain productive working relationships with Senators, staff, lobbyists/advocates, and constituents.
• Well‑developed project management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to understand and competently operate legislative computer systems and video‑conferencing software.
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the committee and leadership structure in the Washington State Legislature.
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the public records law and the legislative records retention schedule.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Passion for the legislative process, good government, and public service.
• Courage to question conventional wisdom and challenge the status quo when appropriate.

Required Qualifications

A bachelor's degree AND one year of related work experience, OR an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Additional Requirements

• This position works in‑person in Olympia during the legislative session.
• When the Legislature is not in session, in‑state remote work is supported, except when in‑person attendance is needed for training or legislative meetings.
• Long and irregular hours are required during the legislative session, including evening and weekend work.
• When the Legislature is not in session, flexible schedule options are available.

Pay

Salary range: $5,061 – $8,770 monthly, based on relevant experience and qualifications. The hiring salary will be less than the top of the range.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance.
• Vacation, sick, military, bereavement, and civil leave.
• Twelve paid holidays per year.
• State retirement plan and deferred compensation.
• Healthcare flexible spending account.
• Dependent care assistance.
• Infant‑at‑work policy and optional credit unions.
• Paid subscription to DeleteMe.
• Tuition reimbursement.