Policy Analyst, House Democratic Caucus

State of Washington; Pasco (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick leave

Paid state holidays

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The House Democratic Caucus in Olympia is seeking a Policy Analyst to analyze and advise on policy proposals for House Democrats. This role supports caucus committees during the legislative session and interim, delivering analysis, briefs, and presentations to inform decision-making.

The successful candidate will develop issue briefs, summaries, and policy recommendations, work with elected officials and staff, and help advance a Democratic legislative agenda while applying an equity lens to

Qualifications

• Five years of policy experience with at least two years in direct policy work (Washington state context preferred).
• Ability to analyze data and develop policy recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, develop, and advise on policy proposals for House Democrats.
• Provide strategic advice to advance a Democratic legislative agenda.
• Research policy issues and produce briefs, summaries, and presentations.
• Maintain relationships with members, staff, stakeholders, and other caucuses.
• Develop legislation with an equity lens to mitigate harm to non-dominant communities.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Oral and written communication

Judgment and problem-solving

Equity lens

Time management

Job description

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 during session; Option of Olympia or in-state telework during interim.

Salary: Policy Analyst II: $91,296 - $158,256 annually

Salary: 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.

Duties

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.

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

Supplemental Information

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.

Benefits Overview

The Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-ratio basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.