Policy Analyst, House Democratic Caucus

Washington State Health Care Authority; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement plan

Job summary

Washington State House of Representatives in Olympia, Washington is seeking a Policy Analyst for the House Democratic Caucus to analyze, develop, and advise on policy issues. The role provides caucus policy support for the Early Learning & Human Services committee and the Local Government committee.

The successful candidate will collaborate with elected officials and staff to develop policy proposals, research issues, and prepare briefs and presentations.

Qualifications

• Exceptional people skills with an ability to collaborate effectively with others, including those who have diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Ability to interact with members, staff and others with professionalism and maintain effective working relationships.
• Strong political judgment, strategic thinking and problem solving.
• A keen understanding of the legislative process, public policy, and politics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with an ability to distill and synthesize complex policies into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, work well under pressure, and manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality results on tight deadlines.
• Ability to use discretion to triage confidential and sensitive information in stressful environments.

Responsibilities

• Working with elected officials and staff to develop, analyze, and interpret legislative policy proposals.
• Providing strategic advice to advance a Democratic legislative agenda for individual members and the caucus as a whole on relevant policy issues.
• Researching policy issues and developing issue briefs, summaries, and presentations.
• Cultivating and maintaining effective working relationships with all members of the House Democratic Caucus, stakeholders, partisan and nonpartisan staff, with the other legislative caucuses, and impacted community members.
• Working efficiently with diverse personalities in both team and individual settings.
• Reviewing and developing proposed legislation utilizing an equity lens to mitigate potential harm and address negative impacts to systemically non-dominant communities.

Skills

Exceptional people skills

Professional interaction

Analytical thinking

Policy knowledge

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Discretion with sensitive information

Job description

Washington State House of Representatives

Exempt Recruitment Announcement

Policy Analyst, House Democratic Caucus

Opens: September 18, 2026

Closes: Open until filled. First review will begin October 1, 2026.

Reports To: Policy Director

Location: Thurston County -- Olympia, Washington

Salary: Policy Analyst II: $91,296 - $158,256 annually; Senior Policy Analyst: $108,744 - $188,460 annually.

(The above reflects the full salary ranges. Starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s experience, qualifications, and internal alignment and will be below the range maximum.)

This position is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).

About the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives (House) comprises half of the Washington State Legislature and is made up of 98 members elected to serve two-year terms, representing 49 legislative districts. The House employs approximately 240 full-time year-round staff and 100 temporary session staff and interns. Staff workgroups include, nonpartisan staff, Democratic Caucus staff and Republican Caucus staff. The Legislature meets annually on the second Monday in January on the capitol campus in Olympia. Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed.

Our workplace is on the beautiful capitol campus in Olympia. The 486-acre campus includes the Legislative Building and other historic structures, as well as popular parks and trails with views of Capitol Lake, Budd Inlet, and the Olympic Mountains.

The House of Representatives holds themselves to the Legislative Code of Conduct which expects the following:

• We conduct ourselves with self-awareness, self-respect, and professionalism;
• We treat others with respect, dignity, and civility, regardless of status or position; and
• We refrain from engaging in hostile, intimidating, offensive, or unlawful activities or behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying.

About The House Democratic Caucus

The Washington State House Democratic Caucus (HDC) consists exclusively of the Democratic members of the Washington State House of Representatives. Our caucus staff team is comprised of administrative, policy and communications professionals supporting HDC members in their legislative activities. Policy analysts provide analysis, research and legislative strategy advising in their respective policy areas to all House Democrats. Communications specialists help members of the HDC communicate with their district, the media, interested parties and the general public about policies considered and passed by the Legislature. Legislative Assistants staff and manage individual member offices. HDC caucus staff share a passion for public service, a commitment to addressing inequities in partnership with community, and for improving the way Washington delivers services to its residents.

We believe that honoring diversity, equity, and inclusion means that as an organization, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, and attributes, can Washington State House of Representatives employees achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the House of Representatives.

Position Profile

Caucus Policy Analysts are experienced public policy professionals who are responsible for analyzing, developing, and advising on innovative policy solutions for House Democrats.

This position is anticipated to provide caucus policy support for the Early Learning & Human Services committee and the Local Government committee.

How You’ll Be Expected to Contribute

• Working with elected officials and staff to develop, analyze, and interpret legislative policy proposals;
• Providing strategic advice to advance a Democratic legislative agenda for individual members and the caucus as a whole on relevant policy issues;
• Researching policy issues and developing issue briefs, summaries, and presentations;
• Cultivating and maintaining effective working relationships with all members of the House Democratic Caucus, stakeholders, partisan and nonpartisan staff, with the other legislative caucuses, and impacted community members;
• Working efficiently with diverse personalities in both team and individual settings.
• Reviewing and developing proposed legislation utilizing an equity lens to mitigate potential harm and address negative impacts to systemically non-dominant communities.

The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications

Successful Policy Analyst candidates will meet these qualifications:

• Exceptional people skills with an ability to collaborate effectively with others, including those who have diverse backgrounds and lived experiences;
• Ability to interact with members, staff and others with professionalism and maintain effective working relationships;
• Strong political judgment, strategic thinking and problem solving;
• A keen understanding of the legislative process, public policy, and politics;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with an ability to distill and synthesize complex policies into clear, actionable recommendations;
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, work well under pressure, and manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality results on tight deadlines;
• Ability to use discretion to triage confidential and sensitive information in stressful environments.

To be considered for a Policy Analyst II position, the successful candidate will also meet these qualifications:

• Five years of relevant* policy experience with at least two or more years of direct** policy experience; and

To be considered for a Senior Policy Analyst position, the successful candidate will also meet these qualifications:

• Ten or more years of direct** policy experience. At least five years must have been direct** policy experience while working in a Washington state legislative or executive branch agency; and

*Relevant policy experience includes one, or a combination, of the following duties:

• Research and analysis, including analyzing data to understand impact of policies
• Developing, drafting and working to create and write policies, laws, regulations, etc.
• Stakeholder engagement including communicating with and gathering input from various groups to draft, evaluate, amend policy
• Monitoring and implementation of policies, including evaluation of policy impacts

**Direct policy experience: working with public sector officials to develop, advance, and implement policy proposals. This could be gained from lobbying and other executive branch agency roles.

Important personal and professional qualities

• Resolute personal and professional commitment to understanding racial equity, social justice principles, and institutional racism, with an ability to apply this knowledge to daily work;
• Committed to continuous improvement both individually and as a team;
• Creative problem solver with a focus on ensuring equitable outcomes for all Washington residents;
• Strong ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, highly collaborative team;
• Flexibility to adapt to a frequently changing work schedule, particularly during legislative session.

Note: Diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered. Candidates with any combination of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work will be considered.

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions

This position requires an onsite/in-person presence in Olympia during session and must be able to frequently work more than 40 hours per week including evenings, weekends, and holidays during legislative sessions. Interim schedules allow for more flexibility including in-state telework with an expectation to have an onsite in-person presence when requested.

Benefits

Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave; paid state holidays; health, life, and other optional insurance; retirement; social security; and military leave.