Washington Education Association

Legislative Assistant III
(Full -Time)

Based in Olympia, WA

 

Job Summary
The Legislative Assistant III will provide administrative support for Washington Education Association (WEA) political coordinators, lobbyists, and WEA-PAC (Political Action Committee). The work location for this position is our Olympia office in Olympia, WA.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Salary range (LEVEL 3) - $82,324 to $113,039
• Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance (full family coverage)
• Generous sick and paid time off (PTO)
• Long-term disability plan
• Defined Contribution plan - 401(k) (with employer contribution)
• Defined Benefit plan
• Relocation assistance
• Position covered by the WEA/WEASO Collective Bargaining Agreement

Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative support for WEA political coordinators and lobbyists, including:
  • Administrative support and assistance to the Director of Governmental Relations.
  • Maintain office, legislative hearing, and bill schedules.
  • Research and track testimony and news coverage of key issues.
  • Assist with coordination of member participation and member lobby programs, from small scale trainings to large public events.
  • Provide administrative support for political coordinators and lobbyists.
  • Facilitate meeting scheduling, including conference calls and video/web-based events.
  • Manage basic office functions, including overseeing equipment, communicating with vendors, providing minor IT (Information Technology) support, and scheduling office and conference room space.
  • Respond to requests and provide information to those who contact the office.
  • Process division expenditures and member vouchers, accounting paperwork; control petty cash and order supplies for Olympia office.
  • Prepare and produce memos, letters, articles and other documents using word processing software.
  • Investigate, using initiative and judgment; analyze, prioritize, and organize the work in an ambiguous legislative and policy environment.
  • Track member engagement in lobbying and political activities.
  • Other duties as assigned.
• Provide primary administrative support for WEA-PAC, including:
  • Provide data for regular and timely updates for the political action committee (PAC).
  • Serve as the administrative liaison to the WEA-PAC Management Board.
  • Prepare materials for WEA-PAC meetings.
  • Perform research and record-keeping functions for WEA-PAC.
  • Maintain candidate database; enter, track, and report a variety of candidate data into internal information systems for possible online distribution.
  • Track and report publicly available campaign finance information using the state's Public Disclosure Commission website.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including experience in dealing with volunteers or membership organizations; must support and maintain relations with outside agencies, including legislative staff.
• Demonstrated history and/or experience working with communities of color and/or with historically underrepresented groups to enhance civil rights; experience with union activism and/or political engagement on behalf of civil rights issues.
• Self-starter; demonstrated initiative regarding assignments and flexibility with changing priorities; well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize and coordinate office workloads.
• Flexible and adaptable to a fast-paced, changing environment; ability to produce quality work under pressing deadlines.
• Ability to compile and analyze information from a variety of sources to prepare accurate reports.
• Experience with various software programs to create, process, and maintain a variety of documents and administrative records containing technical information and complex formatting.
• Working knowledge and experience using large database systems, such as the Voter Activation Network (VAN).
• Experience with office support functions including word processing, filing, composing a variety of business documents, and gathering and compiling data.
• Experience preparing mailings and mail merges.
• Ability to proofread and edit documents.
• Ability to maintain consistent high standards of work and move projects forward on set timelines.
• Ability to work independently and apply detailed organizational or specialized program knowledge.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and work well with diverse groups of people.
• Working knowledge of Washington State government and politics; experience during legislative session or campaign experience.
• Ability to draft content for social media and websites.
• Ability to occasionally travel as required by the center Director.
• Must support and help advance the WEA mission, goal, core values, and priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with a political action committee or legislative body.
• Prior experience with a labor union or member-based organization.

COVID-19 Vaccination
As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our employees, members, and councils, all candidates must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status upon hire. Exceptions may be made for medical or religious reasons in accordance with applicable laws.

Supervision
The successful incumbent will function as a member of the Governmental Relations Center and will report to the Director of Governmental Relations.

Application:

• If you are interested in applying for this position, please click on the Apply for This Job button to submit your application, cover letter, and résumé.
• If you are invited to an interview, you will receive an email from SkillSurvey with instructions and a link on how-to submit your five (5) professional references.
• Closing date is November 5, 2024, at 4:00pm PT.
• If you are interested in applying for this position, please apply HERE.

The Washington Education Association is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where the contributions of each employee are respected as part of the work performed on behalf of 90,000+ members in public education. WEA embraces employees with varied backgrounds and life experiences, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability, and veteran status. Only those candidates who can commit to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness need apply.