L&I Senior Policy Advisor

State of Washington•Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position supports the Child Care Workforce Standards Board, aiming to create a stable, supported, and fairly compensated childcare workforce in Washington State. The Senior Policy Advisor provides direct executive management support to the 10-member board, ensuring its work is policy-grounded, statutory compliant, and aligned with the director's vision and departmental goals. The role involves close collaboration with various directors and agency leaders, focusing on agency-wide programs and initiatives, particularly those related to the Child Care Workforce Standards Board. Key activities include fostering collaboration, coordinating meetings, conducting policy research, and identifying impacted parties. The position is part of the Government Affairs and Policy Division (GAPD) and is a Washington Management Service (WMS) position (Band 2, individual contributor). Telework and flexible schedules are possible with supervisor approval. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, especially during legislative sessions.

Requirements

A master's degree in public administration or a related field, with experience in rule and/or public policy development and analysis, experience with the Legislature, and stakeholder engagement expertise.
OR A bachelor's degree involving major study in public or business administration, journalism, communications, writing, English, or a closely allied field, with additional qualifying experience substituting for education at a rate of one year of experience per one year of education.
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Knowledge of the agency's authorizing and political environment, multiple program statutes, and each program's legal process, as well as the agency's work functions and current controversies.
Ability to solve complex problems that impact policy and politics, work with diverse and opposing stakeholders, communicate complex legal information in easily understood terms, analyze intended and unintended consequences of agency action or inaction, defend recommended positions, and present to internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of tools, materials, and methods used in the childcare industry; wage and hour laws; principles of legislative and rulemaking processes; compensation and benefits analysis and theory; principles of project/program management; principles of labor law; statistical methods; and principles of effective program performance management.
Strong service orientation.
Technology aptitude.
Leadership and team orientation.
Excellent verbal and writing skills.
Ability to motivate and influence.
Business process analysis skills.
Superior organizational skills.
Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate your combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated using an intentional equity lens.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain professional relationships with each of the 10 Child Care Workforce Standards Board members to ensure equitable responsiveness.
Develop a charter for the Board and ensure the Board operates within that framework.
Conduct policy, analytics, research, and legislative and management support for the Board.
Provide updates to the director and agency leadership on Board policy issues affecting the agency, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
Advise and coordinate with the Board and internal agency partners on the development, implementation, and evaluation of stakeholder engagement plans, programs, projects, and initiatives.
Lead and manage all duties related to the Board, including coordinating with DCYF on an interagency agreement and data sharing, conducting policy research across other West Coast states, and developing meeting agendas and content.
Conduct public hearings as needed for the Board.
Advise the director on all Board recommendations, distinguishing those achievable within existing authority from those requiring legislative changes.
Draft all required reports for the Board, accurately capturing discussions, decisions, and votes.
Review and maintain working knowledge of legislative proposals that may impact the Board's work.
Conduct policy research on topics including wage rates/compensation, relevant West Coast geographic/occupational data, CBAs, testimony, local minimum employment standards, recruitment/retention, training requirements, career paths, reimbursement practices, and safety requirements.
Provide policy guidance and assistance across divisions, help identify and resolve sensitive issues, support agency rulemaking, serve as backup to other policy advisors, and support broader legislative efforts.
Travel to various field offices around the state for meetings is required, with occasional overnight travel. A personal vehicle may be required if state vehicles are unavailable.