Legislative Director

Recruitment will remain open until October 7, 2026. The agency may make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening date of September 23, 2026, so applicants are encouraged to submit materials promptly.

About the Role

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is seeking a Legislative Director for the Policy and Legislative Affairs Division, based at the Capitol Campus Office. The Legislative Director serves as a principal policy advisor to the Insurance Commissioner and executive leadership on legislative proposals and policy priorities affecting Washington’s insurance system.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal legislative advisor to the Insurance Commissioner and executive leadership on legislative proposals, policy priorities, and strategic legislative matters.
• Lead development and execution of the Commissioner’s legislative agenda, identifying priorities and advancing strategic objectives.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with legislators, legislative staff, the Governor’s Office, state agencies, industry representatives, consumer advocates, and other key stakeholders.
• Develop and coordinate legislative proposals, including drafting or guiding legislative language, briefing materials, and supporting documentation, and cultivating legislative sponsorship.
• Coordinate the agency’s legislative strategy and response: track legislation, guide bill analyses, develop agency positions, and advise leadership on emerging issues.
• Prepare and deliver legislative testimony and hearing materials; brief executive leadership and subject‑matter experts; testify on behalf of the agency when appropriate.
• Analyze complex policy, legislative, and regulatory issues and provide clear, timely recommendations to the Commissioner, executive leadership, and agency programs.
• Guide legislative proposals and budget decision packages through the legislative process, providing regular updates and strategic advice.
• Act as the Commissioner’s direct legislative liaison, responding to high‑priority information requests and constituent concerns.
• Communicate legislative developments and policy priorities across the agency, providing status reports before, during, and after the legislative session.
• Represent the agency at meetings with interested parties, communicating agency positions and fostering constructive relationships.
• Advise agency divisions on legislative and policy matters, delivering written, verbal, and electronic guidance.
• Supervise and develop the Legislative Coordinator, providing direction, coaching, performance management, and support for professional growth.
• Participate in national regulatory policy discussions, including involvement with the NAIC Legislative Liaison Committee.
• Collaborate across the agency and with external partners to advance policies that protect consumers, the public interest, and Washington’s economy.

Required Qualifications

• At least nine (9) years of full‑time professional work experience, including:
  • Knowledge of state legislative processes and strategic evaluation of policy direction, **or** serving as a principal advisor to executive staff on policy and legislative activity, **or** coordinating agency testimony at legislative hearings.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in:
  • Analyzing or preparing reports, issue papers, guidance, and other materials related to appropriations hearings, committee mark‑ups, conference committee actions, legislative issues, and laws affecting programs.
  • Developing written legislative language and related materials for strategies, hearings, testimonies, program documentation, and briefing packages.
• Three (3) years of demonstrated supervisory experience, including planning, assigning, directing work, coaching, and performance management.
• A degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, or a related field from an accredited institution (or a foreign equivalent) may be substituted for relevant experience. Proof of degree may be required prior to employment; foreign degrees require a credential evaluation report.
• Equivalency chart:
  • Associate’s Degree + 2 years experience
  • Bachelor’s Degree + 4 years experience
  • Master’s Degree + 5 years experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with federal agencies, the Washington Congressional delegation and staff, and Tribal affairs.
• Knowledge of the Washington insurance environment and state insurance laws, rules, or comparable laws in another state.
• Lobbying experience for public or non‑profit clients.
• Master’s degree in public policy, administration, political science, business administration, or a related field.
• Juris Doctorate degree.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive benefits package: health, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave (vacation, sick, etc.) and more.
• Supportive work environment that values diversity, professional growth, and collaboration.
• Wellness programs with on‑site resources and initiatives.
• Work‑life balance through flexible schedules and telework opportunities.
• Training & development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Free parking (Tumwater) and public‑transportation pass (Thurston County) to reduce commuting costs.
• Additional benefits detailed on the agency website: https://www.insurance.wa.gov

Pay

Annual salary range: $105,000 – $140,000 (depending on qualifications and state compensation rules).

Schedule

Flexible schedules with telework opportunities are available.