Legislative Assistant (Policy Director) - Councilmember Kettle

Seattle Legislative Department; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Seattle Legislative Department is seeking a Legislative Assistant – Policy Director for Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7). You will support public safety policy, staff committee work, and advance district and citywide initiatives with strong research and community engagement.

You will analyze complex policy issues, craft communications for diverse audiences, and coordinate multiple projects across portfolios.

Qualifications

• Knowledge or experience in policy development and strong research skills to decipher and present complex data.
• Build trust and strong working relationships for community engagement and change.
• Ability to adapt communications to diverse audiences and community needs.
• Well organized and able to manage political tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Apply racial equity lens in policy analysis and work toward ending systemic racism.

Responsibilities

• Clerk the Public Safety Committee, prepare agendas/minutes, manage in-person/hybrid meetings and publish materials.
• Coordinate and staff legislative committees, including schedule and content for the Public Safety Committee.
• Plan/manage multiple projects: permitting processes, Design Review reform, outdoor dining streets, Seattle Comprehensive Plan update, land use legislation.
• Lead policy work across portfolios including Transportation, City Light, Public Utilities, Parks, Finance, Governance.
• Research and survey information on complex policy issues across public safety, health, transportation, and municipal utilities.
• Collect information from local, regional, state, and federal staff; compile data and present in reports or tables.
• Respond to inquiries from constituents, stakeholders, and City Council staff.
• Stay informed about policy issues and emerging District 7 topics; communicate effectively with public and agencies.
• Develop outreach strategies and prepare speeches, talking points, press releases, and briefings.
• Assist with constituent services including screening mail and answering calls.
• Be available to support team during busy periods or when others are on leave.

Skills

Policy research

Public speaking

Communication

Organizational skills

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration or political science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Outlook

Job description

Position Description The Legislative Department has an exciting opportunity for a Legislative Assistant – Policy Director in the Office of Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), Chair of the Public Safety Committee. If you are passionate about public policy, enjoy working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and want to make a meaningful impact for Seattle residents, this role offers an opportunity to strengthen your skills and advance your career in public service.

You will be successful in this role if you have:

• Are excited to dive into new challenges and opportunities with confidence, energy, urgency, and optimism.
• Have knowledge or experience of policy development and have solid research skills with the ability to decipher and present complex data/information.
• Believe building trust and strong working relationships are the foundations to lasting community engagement and change.
• Enjoy speaking with community members and can adapt communications to a variety of audiences and community-specific needs.
• Are soundly organized, thrive in the political environment, and are excited about taking on political tasks.
• Understand what it means to use a racial equity lens in the analysis of policies and are motivated to work towards ending institutional/systemic racism.

Job Responsibilities

• Clerk the Public Safety Committee, including preparing agendas and minutes, managing in-person and hybrid meetings, ensuring timely publication of presentation materials and memos, and tracking public notice requirements.
• Coordinate and staff legislative committees, including coordinating the schedule and agenda content for the Public Safety Committee.
• Plan and manage multiple projects, including streamlining permitting processes, Design Review reform, outdoor dining streets, the upcoming major update of the Seattle Comprehensive Plan, and land use legislation including the tree ordinance.
• Lead policy work in policy portfolios including, but not limited to, Transportation, Seattle City Light, Seattle Public Utilities, Parks, Finance, and Governance.
• Research, investigate, and survey available sources of information related to a variety of complex policy issues, including public safety, human services, transportation, municipal utilities, and the overlaps that exist between public safety and public health.
• Collect a variety of information from existing records and contacts with local, regional, state, and federal jurisdiction staff.
• Compile data; perform or assist in the organizing, analyzing and interpreting of data; summarize and present compiled data in report or table form.
• Respond to inquiries from constituents, stakeholders, and City of Seattle Councilmembers and staff.
• Stay informed about policy issues and legislation before the City Council, and emerging issues in District 7 or throughout the City.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and work well with the general public, stakeholders, and agency staff.
• Develop outreach and engagement strategies on policy issue areas.
• Prepares speeches, talking points, press releases, and issue briefings on policy areas.
• Assist with constituent services including screening and responding to Councilmember's paper and electronic mail, answering telephone calls.
• Be available to support team in times of high need, including while other team members are on leave or during particularly busy periods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, law, or other relevant field. Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.
• At least three years of experience in policy, legal, economic, or organizational research; community organizing; or public relations through work or educational experience.
• Policy background and expertise in public safety or other City policy areas, which are directly relevant to Seattle (District 7 specific issues, Housing, Transportation, Health Services).

You may be even more prepared for this role if you have:

• Have a master’s degree in public administration, political science, or other relevant field; or experience demonstrating educational equivalency.
• Demonstrate commitment to public service, appreciation for vigorous discussion, and willingness to work hard to accomplish meaningful goals.
• Demonstrate ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.

The successful candidate will also have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Strong research and analytical skills, and the ability to decipher complex issues.
• Effective written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to connect with community members and community organizations.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Have the attitude and competencies to align with the Councilmember's priorities and strategic vision.
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and accomplish objectives with minimal supervision or oversight.
• Commitment to work toward achieving gender equity and anti-racist policies.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook or similar scheduling tools.

Additional Information

Total Compensation And Benefits

This position is classified as a Legislative Assistant and is exempt from the Seattle Civil Service System. The full salary range for this classification is $22.48 - $76.53 hourly. The starting salary range for this individual role has been identified as $100,000 - $120,000 annually ($47.89 - $57.47 hourly).

Additionally, the City offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

Work Environment

This position will be onsite at Seattle City Hall (600 Fourth Ave. 2nd Floor, Seattle, WA).

Why Work at the City?

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.