Who We Are:
The Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), AFSCME Council 28, has a long history of fighting for workers’ rights and employee benefits while tackling social justice issues with passion and energy. The WFSE has operated in the state capital for over 80 years, fighting for fairness and equality. We ensure hardworking public service workers receive better pay, health care, retirement benefits, and a healthy work environment. There’s more to accomplish, and we believe we can achieve it with the right personnel. Join our team and be part of a larger mission that will make an impact for years to come. Learn more about who we are at wfse.org.
What We Are Looking For:
WFSE is recruiting to fill the Lobbyist – Senior Lobbyist position in our Legislative and Political Action (LPA) Department based in Olympia, WA. This position reports to the Director of LPA and is responsible for representing the interests and concerns of classified state employees before the Washington State Legislature, US Congress, and other policy-making bodies.
Essential Functions:
The Lobbyist researches and analyzes public policy issues, prepares and evaluates legislation, and supports the Federation’s political action program. This position develops, prepares, and facilitates training and workshop presentations and works with union members on legislative and political issues. Provides public policy and political advice to members and staff and may testify to the Legislature on behalf of the WFSE and its members.
An ideal candidate will provide knowledge and experience about legislative issues and processes and/or have direct political campaign experience; have an understanding of state employee needs and union values, be outgoing, personable, and professional in demeanor; possess excellent written and verbal communication skills; be able to work as part of a team; work with a wide array of coalition and stakeholder groups and be able to perform well under pressure. Some travel and evening/weekend work is required.
Senior Lobbyist Designation
WFSE may, at its discretion, designate an individual Lobbyist as a Senior Lobbyist in recognition of their experience, demonstrated effectiveness, institutional knowledge, professional contributions, or other organizational considerations.
The Senior Lobbyist designation is intended to recognize a higher level of professional experience and contribution and may carry a higher compensation range or salary. The designation does not change the essential functions, duties, responsibilities, reporting relationships, or other requirements of the Lobbyist position. The WFSE retains discretion to determine when the designation is appropriate and to establish the associated compensation.
Required Qualifications:
- At least two (2) years of direct experience in legislative or political fields.
- Strong communication and analytical skills and the ability to present to large audiences.
- Critical thinking, good judgment, and the ability to manage high levels of stress
- Ability to write professional, clear, and concise briefs, analyses, and other documents or pleadings responsive to appropriate parties.
- Possess a valid Washington driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, automobile insurance, and the ability to travel are mandatory conditions of employment.
- May be called upon to carry and move up to twenty (20) pounds of weight; participates in activities requiring extended periods of standing and sitting, both indoors and outdoors.
- Possess strong written and oral communication skills, including reading, writing, and communicating effectively.
- Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends.
Desired Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science or related field.
- Prior union experience.
Special Note:
- Selected candidates are expected to live within commuting distance of their assigned work location (Olympia area) and within Washington State.
- This position is overtime exempt and may be required to work occasional weekends.
- Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, use of a personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance.
- A motor vehicle report and a background check will be conducted as a condition of employment.
- Benefits include a $150 cell phone allowance, vacation, and sick leave, medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, 401K/Roth IRA, pension, and (12) twelve paid holidays.
- The salary range for the Lobbyist position is $102,014 to $118,094, and the salary range for the Senior Lobbyist is $109,155 to $126,361. The Lobbyist and Senior Lobbyist salary range will be determined based on experience.
How to Apply:
To be considered for this position(s), applicants must submit a resume, letter of interest, and at least three (3) professional references to: resumes@wfse.org. Your letter of interest should clearly explain how your experience, training, and education make you the best candidate for this position.
This position is open until it is filled; however, the hiring authority may conduct interviews as soon as qualified candidates apply. It is in the applicant’s best interest to apply as early as possible.
The Washington Federation of State Employees is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and equal access in a non-discriminatory manner to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, sex (including sexual orientation, transgender status, or pregnancy), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history), creed, color, marital status, religion, age, national origin, political affiliation, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any real or perceived sensory, mental, or physical disability.
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or for an alternative format may contact the HR Manager, Tiffany Wright, at (360) 339-5159 or TiffanyW@wfse.org. Persons with a disability or hearing impairment can call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. The WFSE complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the Federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States, consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.