Post-Graduate Fellowships

Description

The Washington State House of Representatives - Exempt Recruitment Announcement - Post-Graduate Fellowships - OPENS: June 30, 2026 - CLOSES: July 15, 2026 - REPORTSTO: Director, Office of Program Research - LOCATION: Thurston County -- Olympia, Washington - SALARY: $7,157 monthly + benefits

About the Office of Program Research

OPR provides nonpartisan legal, policy, and fiscal services for House committees and members. Our work involves a wide range of issues relevant to the lives of Washingtonians. Our team consists of curious, creative, collaborative, and dedicated professionals. We share a commitment to public service, teamwork, and excellence.

Duties

• Meeting office standards for nonpartisanship, objectivity, and confidentiality.
• Developing subject matter expertise for assigned agencies, programs, or policies.
• Conducting research and analysis.
• Analyzing budget proposals and/or policy options.
• Drafting budget provisos and/or legislation as well as staff reports.
• Developing and evaluating options to assist House members in meeting their goals.
• Presenting and explaining budget proposals and/or legislation.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be available for full-time work beginning October 1, 2026, and must have graduated after January 1, 2025, or expect to graduate by January 1, 2027, from one of the following types of graduate programs:
• For the Budget Fellow: a Masters or Ph.D. program in public administration, business, economics, or an allied field.
• For the Policy Fellow: a Masters or Ph.D. program in public administration or an allied field or a J.D or other graduate program in law.
• A substantial interest in a career in public service.
• An interest in budget development or policy development.
• An ability to perform high quality, objective research and analysis.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and other relevant computer applications. (For the Budget Fellow, a demonstrated ability to use Excel is necessary.)
• Excellent research, writing, oral presentation, and organizational skills.
• A proactive, creative, flexible, collaborative, and service-oriented approach to work.
• An ability to deal effectively with the complex situations found in the fast-paced, high pressure legislative environment.
• An ability to develop and maintain cordial, effective working relationships.
• An ability to work independently and within a team.
• An ability to work the long, irregular hours that are common during a legislative session.

Supplemental Information

• Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions: Session - An on-site/in-person presence on the Capitol Campus in Olympia is generally required during session. Some telework outside of normal business hours may be authorized in limited circumstances. The hours typically exceed 40 hours weekly, are often irregular, and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays during sessions.
• Interim - Interim schedules allow for more flexibility. In-state telework is allowed during interim for up to five days per week with an expectation to have an on-site/in-person presence when requested.
• Benefits: Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave; paid state holidays; health, life, and other optional insurance; retirement; social security; and military leave.

How to Apply

Please submit the below items combined in one document to :
(1) a letter of interest (1 page) specifically addressing your qualifications and specifying the fellowship(s) of interest to you;
(2) a current resume (1 page);
(3) an unofficial graduate school transcript;
(4) a minimum of three professional or academic references with email addresses and telephone numbers.

More Than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.