Senior Policy Advisor; WMS

At the Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.

Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.

Let’s build what’s next, together.

The Government Affairs Division (GAD) is hiring for a senior policy advisor. This is an existing role that we’re filling focused on supporting our legislative agenda and government affairs work. The GAD team is responsible for the agency’s legislative strategy development and execution – engaging with state legislators, staff, governor’s office team, and constituents around the state. Reporting to the Assistant Director of the Government Affairs & Policy Division (GAD), the Senior Policy Advisor is primarily responsible for legislative engagement for the department of Commerce.

This position is a member of a small team – director, two policy advisors, coordinator, and administrative support – responsible for the comprehensive legislative and policy agenda development, government affairs, and strategic initiatives that drive the agency’s approach to a broad range of budget, legislative, and policy issues impacting the 400+ programs within the agency. The team covers a wide variety of programs, and we share a portfolio work to independently support specific teams and divisions in the agency.

We’ll work together through agendas, process, and engagement, but you’ll have independence in supporting teams, establishing relationships and working on specific policies.

This position leads highly visible legislative, budgetary, and policy development that will substantially advance the department’s mission and vision. The position is a key advisor to the director and executive leadership team, providing reliable and professionally sound guidance on complex policy issues and initiatives, and overall strategic direction. The position also works with the Governor’s Office and staff to respond to and collaborate with legislative members and leaders and their staff.

This position works independently through effective working relationships with Commerce team members, community organizations, local leaders, economic development and industry representatives, and policy, governmental, and academic organizations. The position represents the department in official meetings, legislative committees, rule making, and other committee boards, councils, or convenings.

During state legislative session (January to April), you will need to work part-time in Olympia at the Commerce office and the state capital to meet with the Commerce team, legislators, staff, among others.

• Anticipate needs and opportunities for the department and advise on policy direction, communications, and actions.
• Serve as trusted advisor for agency executive leadership, providing high level recommendations, complex analysis, data, coordination and convening, planning, and…