Legislative Assistant (Policy Lead) - Councilmember Rivera

City-of-Seattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & sick leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Job summary

The City of Seattle's Legislative Department is seeking a Legislative Assistant – Policy Lead to support Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) and the LEN Committee. The role focuses on tracking legislation, managing the committee portfolio, and conducting policy research to inform decisions affecting Seattle residents.

You will collaborate with policy staff, community organizations, and District 4 constituents, lead portfolio work in education, housing, public safety, and transportation,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, law, or other relevant field is required or equivalent experience.
• At least three years of experience in policy, legal, economic, or organizational research or related education.

Responsibilities

• Track legislation from Council and select committees.
• Manage LEN Committee presentations, agendas, minutes, and hybrid meetings.
• Compile data and summarize findings for policy use.
• Research and survey sources on complex policy issues.
• Stay informed about policy issues and emerging district/city issues.
• Lead policy work in education, immigrant and refugee affairs, neighborhoods, and libraries.
• Collect information from records and contacts across jurisdictions.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Perform related duties as required.

Skills

Policy development

Research & data analysis

Communication

Project management

Discretion & confidentiality

Microsoft Office

Meeting coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration / political science / law / related field

3+ years in policy, legal, economic, or organizational research

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

The Legislative Department has an exciting opportunity for a Legislative Assistant – Policy Lead in the Office of Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4), Chair of the Libraries, Education and Neighborhoods (LEN) 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 opportunity offers a chance to grow your skills and advance your career in public service.

The position's primary functions are to track legislation, manage the committee’s portfolio, identify emerging issues, and conduct policy research and analysis. We are seeking candidates with general experience in policy analysis and/or development, but areas of emphasis may include public safety, education, human services, housing, land use, and transportation. As a Legislative Assistant – Policy Lead, you will represent and promote the interests of Councilmember Rivera through collaboration with colleagues including the Legislative policy staff, community organizations and stakeholders, and District 4 constituents. While the main body of work is managing the policy work of the office, it will also encompass a broad range of legislative and administrative tasks.

This is a position in a hard‑working office where teamwork, ability to work in a rapidly evolving environment, and organizational capabilities are valued. The office is comprised of three staff members, all of whom report to Councilmember Rivera. This at‑will appointment serves at the discretion of the Councilmember.

You will be successful in this role if you have:

• Strong experience in policy development, skilled in research, and able to decipher and present complex data/information.
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and accomplish objectives with minimal supervision or oversight.
• Comfort with adapting to shifting priorities and navigating projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to approach new challenges and opportunities with confidence and expedience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate complex issues.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook or similar office tools.

Responsibilities

• Track legislation coming from all Council and select committees.
• Manage LEN Committee presentations, including preparation of agendas and minutes, managing in‑person and hybrid meetings, ensuring timely publication of presentation materials and memos, and tracking public notice requirements.
• Compile data; perform or assist in the organizing, analyzing and interpreting of data; thoughtfully summarize and present findings.
• Research, investigate, and survey available sources of information related to a variety of complex policy issues, including public safety, education, human services, land use, and immigrant and refugee affairs.
• Stay informed about policy issues and legislation before the City Council, and emerging issues in District 4 or throughout the City.
• Lead policy work in policy portfolio including, but not limited to, education, immigrant and refugee affairs, neighborhoods, and libraries.
• Collect a variety of information from existing records and contacts with local, regional, state, and federal jurisdiction staff.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Perform other related duties as required.

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 a policy, legal, economic, or organizational research through work or educational experience.

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.

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 $87,696 - $108,576 annually ($42.00 - $52.00 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.

If you have any questions, please contact the Legislative Department HR Team at [e-mail].