Legislative Assistant to Senator Marcus Riccelli

Washington State Senate • Olympia, WA

4h • $4,962 - $8,598 • Hybrid

About The Position

Senator Marcus Riccelli is seeking a Spokane-based legislative assistant who is willing and able to temporarily relocate to Olympia for the legislative session. The successful candidate is a highly motivated self-starter that will help our team provide the highest quality service, representation, and leadership for the people of Spokane. This is a full-time year-round position that is exempt from civil service laws. This position is represented by a union.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree AND one year of related work experience OR an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Familiarity with the 3rd Legislative District (Spokane)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful and professional manner
• Ability to maintain productive working relationships with Senators, staff, lobbyists/ advocates, and constituents
• Well-developed organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to understand and competently operate legislative computer systems and video conferencing software.
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the legislative process, including the committee and leadership structure, in the Washington State Legislature
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the public records law and the legislative records retention schedule
• Ability to exercise professional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality
• Have a passion for the legislative process, good government, and public service
• The desire to exceed expectations and to run the most efficient and responsive legislative office possible, always keeping a customer service mindset
• The courage to question conventional wisdom and challenge the status quo when appropriate

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of Senator Riccelli’s office.
• Attend in-district meetings both with the Senator and on the Senator’s behalf when the legislature is not in session.
• Serve as a liaison between the Senator and both internal and external parties (legislators, staff, lobbyists, agencies, local/federal governments, tribal nations, and constituents).
• Field questions from the public regarding legislation, the Senator’s stance on issues, and other legislative-related questions.
• Collaborate with caucus communications staff on drafting talking points, press releases, mailings,and planning town halls and district-specific media strategies.
• Draft and/or review responses to legislative correspondence; exercise independent judgement to determine the appropriate course of action.
• Assist constituents with casework and in their interactions with state agencies.
• Meet with constituents, lobbyists, and other parties on behalf of the Senator.
• Organize in-person and virtual legislative events.
• Monitor district-specific issues and concerns.
• Assist the Executive legislative Assistant in maintaining the Senator’s legislative calendar throughout the year; prioritizing meeting requests, preparing briefing and background materials for meetings, and arranging travel details.
• Oversee the Senator’s legislative office budget, including making equipment purchases and submitting travel and reimbursement requests.
• In consultation with the Senator and Executive LA, recruit candidates for session staff positions.
• Train and supervise session staff to ensure compliance with office procedures and Senate rules.
• Delegate tasks associated with the Senator’s legislative priorities and goals to the session staff.
• Oversee progression of bills and amendments through the legislative process.
• Manage, submit, and track the Senator’s budget requests throughout the budget process.
• Facilitate and coordinate communication between the Senator and stakeholders in the creation, development, and progression of legislation.
• Collaborate with partisan caucus policy staff and non-partisan committee services staff to implement the Senator’s policy goals.
• Maintain and preserve records of the legislative office according to the retention schedules.
• Conduct records searches for responsive public records as needed.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance
• vacation, sick, military, bereavement, and civil leave
• twelve paid holidays per year
• a state retirement plan
• deferred compensation
• healthcare flexible spending account
• dependent care assistance
• infant at work policy
• optional credit unions
• paid subscription to DeleteMe
• tuition reimbursement
• Relocation compensation is available for permanent staff who live more than 50 miles from Olympia.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level