L&I Senior Policy Advisor

Senior Policy Advisor

Our Mission:
Keep Washington Safe and Working! Our Values:
Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability

Note:

this position falls under the Washington Management System 2 pay scheduling. The range is $71,004-$130,320 annually. The typical range for this specific position is $86,892-$123,804.

Shape the future of childcare policy in Washington State

Every day, families and childcare providers across Washington rely on a workforce that is stable, supported, and fairly compensated. The Child Care Workforce Standards Board was created to help make that possible – and this position sits at the center of the Board's work, inside the L&I Director's Office.

As the Senior Policy Advisor supporting the Child Care Workforce Standards Board, you'll provide direct executive management support to a 10-member statewide board, ensuring its work is grounded in sound policy, complies with its statutory obligations, and reflects the director's vision and the department's goals, values, and strategic direction.

In this role, you will work closely with the Deputy Policy Director, Policy Director, Legislative Director, and the L&I Director to provide policy support on agency-wide programs and initiatives, with a specific focus on the Child Care Workforce Standards Board. You will foster collaboration within the Board, with programs across the agency, and with partner state agencies like DCYF – coordinating meetings, conducting policy research, and proactively identifying impacted parties.

Your work won't just check boxes; you'll be part of a respected Government Affairs and Policy Division (GAPD) team that values technical excellence, sound judgment, and collaborative problem-solving.

This is a Washington Management Service (WMS) position (Band 2, individual contributor) and is not represented by a bargaining unit.

This position is eligible for telework and/or a flexible schedule with supervisor approval. Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required, particularly during legislative sessions.

Some of what you will do:

• Establish and maintain professional relationships with each of the 10 Child Care Workforce Standards Board members to ensure equitable responsiveness to each member.
• Develop a charter for the Board and ensure the Board operates within that framework.
• Conduct policy, analytics, research, and legislative and management support for the Board.
• Provide updates to the director and agency leadership on Board policy issues affecting the agency, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Advise and coordinate with the Board and internal agency partners on the development, implementation, and evaluation of stakeholder engagement plans, programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Lead and manage all duties related to the Board, including coordinating with DCYF on an interagency agreement and data sharing, conducting policy research across other West Coast states, and developing meeting agendas and content.
• Conduct public hearings as needed for the Board.
• Advise the director on all Board recommendations, distinguishing those achievable within existing authority from those requiring legislative changes.
• Draft all required reports for the Board, accurately capturing discussions, decisions, and votes.
• Review and maintain working knowledge of legislative proposals that may impact the Board's work.
• Conduct policy research on topics including wage rates/compensation, relevant West Coast geographic/occupational data, CBAs, testimony, local minimum employment standards, recruitment/retention, training requirements, career paths, reimbursement practices, and safety requirements.
• Provide policy guidance and assistance across divisions, help identify and resolve sensitive issues, support agency rule making, serve as backup to other policy advisors, and support broader legislative efforts.

Travel to various field offices around the state for meetings is required, with occasional overnight travel. A personal vehicle may be required if state vehicles are unavailable.

REQUIRED:

• A master's degree in public administration or a related field, with…