Senior Policy Advisor - State Policy & Legislation

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor (WMS3) to lead complex policy development and legislative engagement across the department. You will work with executive leadership, Governor’s Office, and lawmakers to advance the agency’s mission.

This role requires a strong background in public policy, data analysis, community engagement, and ability to coordinate cross‑agency initiatives.

Qualifications

• Nine (9) years of combined experience and/or education as described below.
• Experience must include four (4) years of gathering and analyzing legislation proposals, case law, regulations, policies, reports, and other data.
• Minimum one year of experience developing funding-related needs, grants, or related analyses.
• Education includes coursework in public administration, law, economics, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead highly complex policy development with diverse stakeholders and political considerations.
• Advise agency executive leadership with high‑level recommendations, data, coordination, and communications.
• Analyze legislative proposals and help advance bills and their implementation.
• Develop department decision packages, agency request legislation, and fiscal notes for proposals.
• Create materials presenting clear information to specific audiences and stakeholders.
• Collaborate on government affairs initiatives and agency-wide projects.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Public speaking

Relationship building

Education

PhD in public administration/law/economics

Master’s degree in related field

Bachelor’s degree + experience

Job description

The Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor (WMS3) to lead complex policy development and legislative engagement across the department. You will work with executive leadership, Governor’s Office, and lawmakers to advance the agency’s mission.

This role requires a strong background in public policy, data analysis, community engagement, and ability to coordinate cross‑agency initiatives.