Legislative Assistant to Senator Bob Hasegawa

Washington State Senate•Olympia, WA

5h•$4,962 - $8,598•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legislative Assistant (LA) to Senator Bob Hasegawa is a highly motivated self-starter who will help the team provide the highest quality service, representation, and leadership for the people of the 11th Legislative District. The LA will also be the first face people see in the office of Senator Hasegawa and helps set the tone for all visitors to our office. This is a full-time year-round position that is exempt from civil service laws and 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.
Strong 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 project management 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 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 courage to question conventional wisdom and challenge the status quo when appropriate.

Responsibilities

Manage the daily operations of the office of Senator Hasegawa’s office.
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 in 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 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.
Maintain 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, 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.
Organize committee testimony for the Senator’s prime sponsor bills.
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.
Conduct records searches for responsive public records as needed.
Supervises and coordinates the work of temporary office staff and intern during the legislative session.