Legislative Director - Exempt Band 3 - Exempt

Legislative Affairs Director

Help shape the future of one of Washington's most visible and impactful natural resource agencies. As Legislative Director, you will serve as a key member of the Director's Policy Team, providing strategic counsel on legislative and policy issues and representing the agency before lawmakers, tribal governments, federal partners, and stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Leads the development and execution of the agency's legislative program, including advancing agency-request legislation and responding to proposed legislation affecting WDFW's mission, statutory authority, and budget.
• Serves as a senior policy advisor to the Director and Executive Management Team, providing strategic guidance on legislative, budgetary, and public policy issues that influence agency direction and priorities.
• Represents the agency in high-level external affairs and intergovernmental engagement, coordinating with legislators, legislative staff, tribal governments, stakeholders, lobbyists, and other governmental partners on policy and legislative matters.
• Provides leadership and direction to the state and federal legislative team, ensuring alignment between legislative strategy, policy development, and agency priorities.
• Oversees coordination of legislative activities with related agency processes, including rule making and SEPA-related considerations, to ensure consistency, compliance, and strategic alignment.
• Engages in ongoing executive-level decision support, including advising on emerging legislative issues and supporting negotiation and strategy development during legislative session and interim periods.

• Performs other duties as assigned in support of executive leadership and evolving legislative priorities.

Working Conditions:

• This is a high-visibility executive leadership role operating at the center of state policy and decision-making.
• Primary work is conducted in an office environment with frequent engagement in legislative and intergovernmental forums, including occasional field visits and legislative tours.
• Requires regular local and statewide travel, with occasional overnight trips to regional offices and partner locations.
• During legislative session, extended and flexible work hours are expected, including evenings and weekends, to effectively represent the agency's priorities in a fast-paced and high-stakes policy environment.
• Regular interaction with legislators, legislative staff, elected officials, tribal governments, stakeholders, and members of the public, including in high-pressure or politically sensitive situations.

Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, public policy, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of experience with the Washington State legislature or in a comparable policy or legislative environment.

Professional experience in the following areas:

• Public policy or natural resource policy experience.
• Familiarity with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
• Understanding of WDFW's core functions, programs, policies, customers, and constituencies.
• Established relationships with key government stakeholders and partner organizations.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expertise in legislative affairs, public policy analysis, and government relations.
• Experience advising executive leaders on legislative and policy matters.
• Strong political judgment and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience representing an organization before legislative bodies, elected officials, and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the legal, regulatory, and governmental frameworks that affect public-sector operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant may possess one or more of the following:

• Master's degree in public policy or a related field including a Juris Doctorate.
• Five years of direct legislative experience.

Your application packet requires the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.