Legislative Assistant to Senator Vandana Slatter

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 Vandana Slatter represents Washington State's 48th Legislative District, which includes part of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland and all of Clyde Hill, Medina, Yarrow Point and Hunts Point. She currently serves as vice chair of the Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, vice chair of the Health & Long‑Term Care Committee, and as a member of the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee.

Position Profile

The Legislative Assistant (LA) is a highly organized and motivated professional who leads and coordinates the day‑to‑day operations of the legislative office. The LA anticipates needs, manages competing priorities, communicates proactively, and supports staff in delivering high‑quality service, representation, and leadership for the people of the 48th Legislative District. Working closely with the Senator, staff, constituents, community partners, and legislative colleagues, the LA ensures the office is responsive, professional, and effective. This full‑time, year‑round exempt position is represented by a union.

Position Duties

• Manage the daily operations of Senator Slatter'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.
• 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, prioritize meeting requests, prepare briefing materials, and arrange travel details.
• Oversee the office budget, including equipment purchases and submitting travel and reimbursement requests.
• Manage and track the Senator's budget requests throughout the budget process.
• Recruit candidates for session staff positions in consultation with the Senator.
• 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 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 and conduct records searches for responsive public records as needed.

Requirements

• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact tactfully with a variety of personalities.
• Ability to maintain productive working relationships with Senators, staff, lobbyists/advocates, and constituents.
• Well‑developed project management skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with legislative computer systems and video‑conferencing software.
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the committee and leadership structure of the Washington State Legislature.
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, 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 evenings and weekends.
• 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 and dependent care assistance.
• Infant‑at‑work policy.
• Optional credit union membership.
• Paid subscription to DeleteMe.
• Tuition reimbursement.