Government Relations Director (WMS3 2020-04453)



Government Relations Director (WMS3 2020-04453)

Salary

$81,355.00 - $113,906.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2020-04453

Department

Employment Security Department

Division

Executive Programs

Opening Date

05/22/2020

Closing Date

10/20/2020 12:49 PM Pacific

Description


**** PLEASE NOTE: This job is posted continuously and will remain open until a selection is made.  Application review will be ongoing, and therefore we encourage you to submit your application materials as soon as possible.  The Hiring Manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made. ****

Here's your opportunity to be a key part of how we live our vision and BUILD the nation's best and most future ready workforce – starting right at ESD!

Who We Are 
Here at the Employment Security Department (ESD) we believe in the #PowertoHelp when people need it most. We provide our communities with inclusive workforce solutions that promote economic resilience and prosperity. We help people find jobs, bridge gaps in employment and now provide paid family and medical leave.

Why bring your talent to ESD?
At ESD we value Collaboration, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Innovation, and Integrity, Investing in our people and Service with kindness.  We have a flexible work environment that respects your work/life balance, ensures your voice matters, and values a diverse workforce dedicated to the Power to Help when people need it most. 
 
The Government Relations Office supports the mission of the agency by providing policy, analytic and management assistance to the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and agency leadership. The office represents the Commissioner and agency before federal and state elected officials, and external stakeholders; leads intra-agency coordination efforts to ensure the agency "speaks with one voice," and directs the development of and response to state and federal legislative proposals. The Government Relations Office also manages high-level, complex projects and provides objective research and analysis on government affairs.
 
This position has direct impact on agency policy development and implementation. The Government Relations Director is responsible for policy decisions on a daily basis, including how and when to respond to the Governor, members of the Legislature and Congress. This position briefs and advises the Commissioner and Executive Leadership Team, identifies issues and key decision points to shape the legislative agenda, approves policy and legislative-related material prior to submittal to the Governor, Legislature, Congress and other key stakeholders. This position also manages submittal of agency request legislation, develops and manages strategy to secure passage, coordinates inter-agency policy efforts, including monitoring the implementation of all legislation that impacts the department.
 

Duties

The Government Relations Director is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Government Relations team, and the annual development, adoption, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the agency's legislative and policy processes.
 
Some of what you will do: 

  • Supervises the Government Relations Team.
  • Provide direction to staff throughout the agency on behalf of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner related to legislative and stakeholder relations.
  • Represent the Commissioner and department with state legislators, legislative staff, executive branch staff and stakeholder in the labor, business and advocacy communities regarding all agency programs.
  • Analyze state and federal legislation, write related issue briefs and make recommendations to the Commissioner and Executive Leadership Team regarding agency position, response and addition outreach which may be needed.
  • Provide direct support, such as policy analysis and recommendations to the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and members of the Executive Leadership Team.
  • Identify problematic legislative and policy proposals and work to find solutions with external stakeholders and the authorizing environment.
  • Advance the department's legislative goals and priorities by working in close coordination with the Governor's staff, Commissioner, Executive Leadership Team and division staff.
  • Communicate complex data and sensitive information clearly and diplomatically.

Qualifications

This position requires:

  • A Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, law or related field.
  • Mastery level knowledge and expertise in legislative processes and procedures including the more advanced behind the scenes portions of the legislative process.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret policies, laws, rules or regulations and to develop appropriate strategy to positively influence the department's legislative agenda and standing.
  • Ability to operate in ambiguous environments and be able to infer the needs to the agency and independently deliver products without extensive oversight.
  • Strong relationships with legislative leaders and stakeholders with the ability to leverage those relationships into action benefitting the agency and the execution of our strategic plan.
  • Supervisory experience
  • Exceptional grasp of managerial expertise over complex legislative organizations critical to the effective performance of government with the ability to strategically plan for the long-term viability of the agency and services.
 
Additional preferred experience and leadership competencies:
  • Five years of experience working with the state legislature or Congress, external stakeholders, and executive branch staff.
  • Model and champion ESD's culture and values
  • Strategic acumen
  • Proven ability to develops staff
  • Demonstrated ability to drive results, create and nurture a performance-based culture of continuous improvement
  • Build relationships, foster teamwork and collaboration and embrace and embed inclusion in decision making
  • Experience successfully leading and navigating change

Supplemental Information

Please attach a resume and letter of interest to your on-line application (through the Add Attachment(s) field).

  • A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa.
  • Applications with blank fields, or comments such as "see attachments" in the supplemental question responses, may be considered incomplete.


More than Just a Paycheck! 

  • Washington state has one of the most comprehensive benefit and leave packages in the nation, and you can see them by in full by selecting these links: Core Benefits for State Employees, and Paid Leave and Holidays.
  • Throughout the COVID-19 crisis the Employment Security Departments positions are essential to the continued support of the citizens of Washington state, and most will not be affected by the current hiring freeze.

We also offer:
Healthy work/life balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for many positions.
Growth and development opportunities.
A wellness program that offers education, access to healthy food, and fitness classes.
Opportunities to serve your community through meaningful work.
A commitment to diversity and inclusion by fostering an inclusive environment that encourages all employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
An Infant at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of breastfeeding newborns and infant-parent bonding.
A modernized workplace.

The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960.

 

Modern Workplace
ESD's employee engagement continued to trend upward in 2018 as we developed programs to improve the employee experience. We are diligent and remain focused on creating a modern workplace designed to meet the needs of a changing workforce. We have wellness programs, telework policies and flexible schedules and are working to update our facilities all over the state to enhance both the client and employee experience. 
 
Opportunity for All
The Washington Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Please include your name and preferred pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process.

Please contact Phyllis Gallegos on the Talent Acquisition Team at 360-890-3793, Pgallegos@esd.wa.gov, HRRecruiting@esd.wa.gov, or Washington Relay Service 711 with general questions, if you are a person with a disability needing assistance in the application process, or if you need this job announcement in an alternate format.

More than Just a Paycheck!
 
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. 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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and 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.
 
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.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
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.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
This position requires a Mastery-level knowledge of and expertise in legislative process, protocol and procedure. Describe your mastery-level knowledge. Tell us about your experience analyzing state and federal legislation, writing related issue briefs and making recommendations
02
ESD How did you hear about this job opportunity?
  • WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
  • WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
  • Washington State Employee Referral
  • ESD Employee Referral
  • Employment Security Department's job web page: WWW.Esd.Wa.Gov
  • Monster
  • College/university career fair or website
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • VERG
  • Craigslist
  • CareerBuilder
  • Other
03
If you selected "Other", please tell us how you learned about this job opportunity. If this does not apply to you, type N/A.
04
Are you a current or former Washington state employee?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
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