Lead Legislative Affairs Strategist

State-of-Washington-Utilities-and-Transportation-Commissio; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 122,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Wellness programs

Mobile/telework opportunities

Medical, dental, vision insurance

State retirement programs

Job summary

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission seeks a Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs to lead legislative strategy, communications, and stakeholder engagement within the Policy and Legislative Division. The role partners with the Chief Financial Officer to develop and execute legislative strategy for agency budget proposals and related fiscal matters.

The incumbent serves as the commission's lead legislative strategist, liaison to the Washington State Legislature, and primary

Qualifications

• The commission values diverse career paths and recognizes that competencies may be acquired through education, training, certifications, research, volunteer service, lived experience, military service, professional practice, or other demonstrated accomplishments.
• Advanced education with experience in utilities, energy, transportation, infrastructure regulation, or another commission‑regulated sector.
• Progressive experience in legislative affairs, public policy, utility or transportation regulation, government affairs, legislative committee staff, consumer advocacy, or comparable work involving complex public‑policy issues.
• Advanced experience working within utilities, energy, transportation, infrastructure, economic regulation, or another commission‑regulated sector is strongly valued.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the commission's lead for legislative affairs and government relations, shaping how the agency engages with policymakers and stakeholders at state and federal levels.
• Manage the full lifecycle of legislative activity from developing proposals and building relationships to providing analysis, testimony, and strategic guidance.
• Act as the primary liaison to legislators, the Governor’s Office, legislative staff, other state agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Lead development of the commission’s legislative agenda, coordinate agency-wide input, and guide proposals through the legislative process.
• Prepare written materials such as testimony, comments, presentations, speeches, and official letters.

Skills

Legislative strategy

Relationship building

Regulatory policy fluency

Written communication

Policy analysis

Stakeholder management

Public policy

Education

Advanced education in utilities policy

Job description

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission seeks a Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs to lead legislative strategy, communications, and stakeholder engagement within the Policy and Legislative Division. The role partners with the Chief Financial Officer to develop and execute legislative strategy for agency budget proposals and related fiscal matters.

The incumbent serves as the commission's lead legislative strategist, liaison to the Washington State Legislature, and primary