Senior Legislative Analyst - King County Council

King County; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Health insurance

Dental

Job summary

King County is seeking a Senior Legislative Analyst to join the central policy staff. The role involves conducting comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analyses of legislation and policy issues, developing policy and fiscal options, and presenting findings in public meetings.

The analyst will provide expert consultation and draft legislation and amendments as needed. The successful candidate will have a master’s degree in a relevant field and at least six years of analytical experience,

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of principles and practices in public administration, budgeting, finance or related fields.
• Expert knowledge of the legislative process and parliamentary rules and procedures.
• Strong math skills for statistical, financial, and economic analyses.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication adaptable to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of legislation and policy issues.
• Develop policy and fiscal options for council decision-makers with limited supervision.
• Provide expert consultation in legislation and policy development.
• Research and analyze legislation referred to the council and identify legislative intent.
• Prepare and present staff reports and briefings for council committees.
• Draft legislation and amendments for council consideration and review for compliance with standards.
• Develop new legislative proposals based on requests and directions.
• Review annual budget proposals and develop policy options.

Skills

Policy analysis

Quantitative analysis

Oral & written communication

Public administration

Budget/financial analysis

Education

Master's degree in Public Administration

Six years of professional analytical experience

Job description

UPDATE 11/3/2026: Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews may begin the first week of December. We encourage you to apply early.

The Metropolitan King County Council is seeking a skilled thinker and communicator to join its central policy staff as a Senior Legislative Analyst. The Council's policy team conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses of legislation and policy issues, including fiscal impacts, regulatory requirements, and potential legislative outcomes; staff also present their findings in public meetings.

The policy team's goal is to provide high-quality, nonpartisan and objective analyses of policy proposals for councilmembers to consider when making policy decisions -- maintaining personal neutrality is a must for this position.

King County is becoming a global leader whose continued excellence and diverse population is a driving force in the Pacific Northwest. As the legislative branch of county government, the King County Council represents nine geographical regions of the county, sets policies, enacts laws, and adopts budgets that guide an array of services.

At King County Council, we are committed to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment. The Council encourages people of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions to apply, including veterans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities. A diverse workforce is a strong workforce.

To be considered for this opportunity, you must at a minimum, demonstrate knowledge, skill, and ability to:

• Conduct, organize, and synthesize qualitative and quantitative objective and non-partisan analysis of legislation and policy issues that may be complex or controversial.
• Develop policy and fiscal options for council decision-makers with limited supervision.
• Provide expert consultation in connection with legislation and policy development involving broadly defined subject matter, services, and processes.
• Research and analyze legislation referred to the council on specific policy and fiscal matters. Identify legislative and executive intent.
• Prepare and present staff reports and briefings for council committees. Summarize intent, outline background information, analyze important issues, identify legal issues, impacts and risks. Prepare pertinent attachments and illustrations.
• Draft legislation and amendments as required for council consideration. Review for compliance with professional and technical standards.
• Develop new legislative proposals based on councilmember or supervisor's request and direction.
• Review annual budget proposals, engage in discussions about policy intent and expected outcomes, analyze issues, and develop options.

A full description of the job duties can be found here: Position: Senior Legislative Analyst

The most successful applicants will possess the following experience, knowledge, and skills:

• Expert knowledge of the principles and practices in one or more of the following areas: public administration, budget and accounting, financial planning and analysis, management, social science, planning, operations research and evaluation, or the equivalent that can aid policy analysis.
• Expert knowledge of the legislative process and parliamentary rules and procedures.
• Well-developed math skills to perform statistical, financial, and economic analyses.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills and the ability to adapt to diverse personalities and audiences, collaborate with team members, facilitate small group discussions, and prepare and deliver formal presentations.
• The ability to learn, interpret, and apply relevant sections of the King County Code, and local, regional, state and federal mandates and programs.
• Use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of proposals, alternatives, and conclusions, as well as whether proposals comply with policy. Identify issues for legal review.

Education Qualifications

The Senior Legislative Analyst position typically requires a master's degree in public administration, finance, accounting, transportation planning, behavioral or social science, political science, business, economics, or equivalent discipline that will enable job performance AND at least six years of experience performing professional level work in an analytical, evaluative, and planning capacity and/or any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position.

The King County Council strives to create an inclusive, anti-racist workplace and seeks team members who will thrive in this type of working environment.

With a commitment to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment and valuing lived experiences, we endeavor to hire a workforce which reflects the County we serve. People of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions are encouraged to apply, including veterans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.

KING COUNTY COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other forms of compensation.

About the Position

This position is open to all qualified applicants. Acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States are required by federal immigration law.

This is a salaried, at-will, overtime-exempt position that is not eligible for the county Career Service system. The standard workweek is 40 hours. Non-traditional work hours and travel throughout King County may occasionally be required.

This position is represented by Teamsters Local 117. The salary represents a mandatory $1.50 per hour deduction on behalf of the employee to the pension trust.

Full benefits are available, some of which include the Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System; county health insurance, dental, and