Policy Analyst or Senior Policy Analyst (Property & Casualty)

About the Role

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is seeking a Policy Analyst/Senior Policy Analyst – Property & Casualty to join the Policy & Legislative Affairs Division. This position plays a critical role in advancing the agency's mission to protect consumers, the public interest, and Washington's economy through fair and effective regulation of the insurance industry. As the agency's policy expert on property and casualty insurance, you will research, analyze, and evaluate complex insurance, regulatory, and legislative issues that inform agency policy and support the Commissioner's legislative agenda.

Working independently within a collaborative team of policy professionals, you will develop policy recommendations, draft legislation and administrative rules, prepare executive-level analyses and briefing materials, and provide strategic guidance on issues affecting consumers, the insurance industry, and other interested parties. This position requires the ability to synthesize complex information, exercise sound judgment, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

You will collaborate with agency leadership, subject matter experts, legislators, industry representatives, consumer advocates, and other government partners to develop practical, well-reasoned policy solutions and facilitate informed decision-making. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with exceptional analytical, research, and communication skills who thrives in a fast-paced policy environment. This is an outstanding opportunity to influence public policy, lead meaningful regulatory initiatives, and contribute to work that has a lasting impact on Washington's insurance marketplace and the people it serves.

This is a Civil Service Exempt position.

Pay

• Policy Analyst level: $90,000 - $105,000
• Senior Policy Analyst level: $110,000 - $130,000

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package: health, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave (vacation, sick, etc.)
• Supportive work environment: values diversity, professional growth, and a collaborative atmosphere
• Wellness programs: on-site resources and initiatives
• Work-life balance: flexible schedules with telework opportunities
• Public service fulfillment: contribute to a cause that matters and feel the satisfaction of serving the public good
• Training & development: tuition reimbursement, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and other programs
• Free parking (Tumwater) & public transportation pass (Thurston County)

Explore additional benefits: https://www.insurance.wa.gov

Responsibilities

• Serve as the agency's subject matter expert on property and casualty insurance laws, regulations, and emerging policy issues.
• Conduct comprehensive research and analysis of complex insurance, legislative, regulatory, and public policy issues to support executive decision-making.
• Develop and present clear, well-supported policy recommendations, decision memoranda, briefing materials, reports, and presentations for agency leadership.
• Lead and coordinate rulemaking efforts, ensuring compliance with the Washington Administrative Procedure Act and agency priorities.
• Draft legislation, administrative rules, fiscal note support, legislative reports, and other policy-related documents.
• Monitor, analyze, and assess proposed legislation and emerging policy developments affecting Washington's insurance marketplace.
• Collaborate with agency leadership, subject matter experts, legislators, industry representatives, consumer advocates, and other interested parties to inform policy development and implementation.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement by building productive relationships, gathering input, and communicating complex policy issues to diverse audiences.
• Represent the Office of the Insurance Commissioner on workgroups, committees, public meetings, legislative committees, and other forums as assigned.
• Respond to policy inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, providing accurate, timely, and well-reasoned guidance.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the development and implementation of regulatory and legislative initiatives.
• Identify emerging issues, policy trends, and opportunities to improve agency processes, research methods, and policy development practices.
• Exercise sound professional judgment to elevate significant or sensitive issues to agency leadership while independently managing assigned projects and priorities.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Option 1: Juris Doctorate
• Option 2: Master’s degree in Public Policy, Government, Business Administration, Communications, Journalism, English, Law, Insurance Management, or closely related field
• Option 3: Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy/Administration, Government, Business Administration, Communications, Journalism, English, Law, Insurance Management or closely related field AND two (2) or more years of professional experience in a government or legislative setting doing public policy research, analysis, or development.
• Option 4: Associate’s degree in Public Policy/Administration, Government, Business Administration, Communication, Journalism, English, Law, Insurance Management or closely related field AND four (4) or more years of professional experience in a government or legislative setting doing public policy research, analysis, or development.
• Option 5: Six (6) or more years of professional experience in a government or legislative setting doing public policy research, analysis, or development.

Degree must be from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the American Bar Association, or a foreign equivalent. Professional experience may substitute year-for-year for education. Basic software skills in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Senior Level Policy Analyst Required Experience, Competencies, And/Or Education:

For consideration of placement at the senior level, candidates should have additional experience that demonstrates a combination of the following:

• Two or more years of professional experience drafting legislation and/or rules
• Two or more years of professional experience reviewing and interpreting legislation, rules, policies, technical papers, or legal documentation for likely impacts to Washingtonians and associated interested parties
• Broad experience with insurance products, claims, marketing, and regulations
• Working experience with federal and state regulatory requirements related to insurance
• Knowledge of and experience applying the state Administrative Procedure Act
• Intermediate or above software skills in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Meeting or exceeding preferred position requirements
• Meeting or exceeding analyst role expectations
• Superior communication skills that enhance team camaraderie
• Ability to apply policy analysis outcomes to greater agency and Washington state goals

Qualifications

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Active member of a State Bar Association.
• Master's degree or other advanced degree in law, political science, or public/business administration.
• Two or more years of professional experience drafting legislation and/or rules.
• Two or more years of professional experience reviewing and interpreting legislation, rules, policies, technical papers, or legal documentation for likely impacts to Washingtonians and associated interested parties.
• Three or more years’ experience working in the insurance industry, e.g., marketing insurance products, handling claims, or regulatory compliance.
• Working experience with federal and state regulatory requirements related to insurance.
• Knowledge of and experience applying the state Administrative Procedure Act.
• Working experience with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
• Intermediate or above software skills in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Project management experience.
• Working experience requiring communicating complex topics to a lay audience.

State law (RCW 48.02.090[5]) prohibits employees of the OIC from having any interest, directly or indirectly, in an insurance company other than as a policyholder. This prohibition includes the receipt of renewal commissions. If employment is accepted with this agency, you agree to abide by this state law.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.