Legislative Assistant: Shape Policy & Stakeholder Engagement

Washington State Senate; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

State retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Washington State Senate is seeking a Legislative Assistant to Senator Claudia Kauffman in Olympia. This full-time, year-round exempt position serves as the first face of the office and helps set the tone for visitors while supporting legislative operations and constituent services.

The LA will manage daily office activities, liaise with lawmakers, staff, lobbyists, and the public, and assist with drafting communications, scheduling, budgeting, and event planning to advance the Senator’s

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree AND one year of related work experience OR an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with legislative processes and public records is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of Senator Kauffman’s office.
• Serve as a liaison between the Senator and both internal and external parties (legislators, staff, lobbyists, agencies, local/federal governments, tribal nations, and constituents).
• Field questions from the public regarding legislation, the Senator’s stance on issues, and other legislative-related questions.
• Collaborate with caucus communications staff on drafting talking points, press releases, mailings, and in planning town halls and district-specific media strategies.
• Draft and/or review responses to legislative correspondence; exercise independent judgement to determine the appropriate course of action.
• Assist constituents in their interactions with state agencies.
• Meet with constituents, lobbyists, and other parties on behalf of the Senator.
• Organize in-person and virtual legislative events.
• Monitor district-specific issues and concerns.
• Maintain the Senator’s legislative calendar throughout the year; prioritizing meeting requests, preparing briefing and background materials for meetings, and arranging travel details.
• Oversee the Senator’s legislative office budget, including making equipment purchases and submitting travel and reimbursement requests.
• Manage, submit, and track the Senator’s budget requests throughout the budget process.
• In consultation with the Senator, recruit candidates for session staff positions.
• Train session staff to ensure compliance with office procedures and Senate rules.
• Supervises and coordinates the work of temporary office staff and intern during the legislative session.
• Oversee progression of bills and amendments through the legislative process.
• Facilitate and coordinate communication between the Senator and stakeholders in the creation, development, and progression of legislation.
• Organize committee testimony for the Senator’s prime sponsor bills.
• Collaborate with partisan caucus policy staff and non-partisan committee services staff to implement the Senator’s policy goals.
• Maintain and preserve records of the legislative office.
• Conduct records searches for responsive public records as needed.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Stakeholder liaison

Public records

Legislative process

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Video conferencing

Office software

Job description

The Washington State Senate is seeking a Legislative Assistant to Senator Claudia Kauffman in Olympia. This full-time, year-round exempt position serves as the first face of the office and helps set the tone for visitors while supporting legislative operations and constituent services.

The LA will manage daily office activities, liaise with lawmakers, staff, lobbyists, and the public, and assist with drafting communications, scheduling, budgeting, and event planning to advance the Senator’s