Reentry Systems Policy & Legislative Strategist (MA 4)

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Department of Commerce is the one agency in state government that touches every aspect of community and economic development: planning, infrastructure, energy, public facilities, housing, public safety and crime victims, international trade, business services and more. We work with local governments, tribes, businesses and civic leaders throughout the state to strengthen communities so all residents may thrive and prosper. The Community Services Division (CSD) partners with local governments, tribes, community based organizations, and nonprofits to provide community assistance, promote individual and family self-sufficiency, address the causes and effects of crime and violence, and reduce poverty, and increase equity and belonging so that all people in Washington can thrive. This position supports the Statewide Reentry Council (SRC) to fulfill its legislative mandate of developing collaborative and cooperative relationships among the criminal justice system, victims and their families, impacted individuals and their families, and service providers, with the purpose of improving public safety and outcomes for people reentering the community from incarceration. It supports the Washington Statewide Reentry Council’s mission by providing coordination and management of the Council’s legislative affairs (including monitoring and tracking bills and hearings), systems of accountability (tracking data and program outcomes), and communications and reporting to stakeholders, partners, and the Reentry Council. This position embeds equity and trauma-informed principles into the provision of proactive solutions to complex issues, including process improvement and policy development on reentry related issues and programs that are broad in scope and that have significant impact to those leaving incarceration. Our Mission, The Washington Statewide Reentry Council advocates for Washington laws, investments, and attitudes that improve reentry outcomes and increase public safety by supporting equitable reentry systems that are more humane and restorative. Our Vision, We disrupt the cycle of mass incarceration by transforming systems so that each individual is treated equitably and with dignity. Some travel to the Olympia office will be required during legislative sessions.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration, or a related field.
Four years of experience in two or more of the following areas: Conducting research; analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations conducting business analysis and developing requirements; leading business projects; managing business operations; or business policy development. or eight years of experience conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations, or comparable combination.
Leadership experience (may be through professional, volunteer, or other relevant community involvement).
Expertise writing and editing technical documents.
Experience using computer applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and HTML.
Experience with statistical analysis, performance assessment, and outcome measurement.
Demonstrated competency in diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism work, including: create space that is inclusive and respectful for everyone who interacts with and within our agency; recognize that oppression and inequities such as racism, sexism, classism, etc., are real, exist and need to be addressed; implement practices and working conditions that achieve inclusion in the workforce and in the way we serve the public; identify where barriers and inequities exist in your area of expertise or responsibility and lead the removal, change or culture adjustment; co-create and support policies, programs, practices and procedures that increase the power, voice and influence of the most impacted and marginalized people; and use DEI data to inform and influence inclusive programs and services.
Demonstrated commitment to growth Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism competencies, including: able to learn and understand the language and concepts of DEI; commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness related to DEI; demonstrated the understanding that all people are valued by contributing to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the team, agency, and community; and commitment to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity, belonging, and antiracism in our organization.
Service focus: Treat fellow employees, clients, and the public as partners and collaborators who are equally committed to a healthy, prosperous Washington. Build and maintain internal and external satisfaction with the services offered by the agency. Consistently strive to exceed expectations.
Adaptability and flexibility: Solve problems, consider different perspectives, and find new and creative ways to accomplish your work. Adapt quickly to changing needs, conditions, and work responsibilities. Adapt approaches, goals, and methods to achieve successful solutions and outcomes.
Communication: Communicate clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner. Actively listen and engage in open, respectful, professional dialogue. Perform work in a helpful, friendly, and positive manner.
Accountability: Accept personal responsibility and accountability for the quality and timeliness of your work and for meeting workplace expectations. Achieve excellent results with minimal oversight. Link agency mission/vision/values to everyday work.
Trust and integrity: Remain objective at all times and ensure that professional judgment, rather than personal opinion, influences our work. Earn the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions.
Relationships: Build and maintain cooperative relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance and cooperation.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience with incarceration, criminal justice systems, including navigating reentry, or related public systems may substitute for one (1) year of education beyond high school equivalency and/or professional-level experience.
Expertise analyzing legislative activities in government or nonprofit agencies.
Ability to independently determine and prioritize workload, meet reporting deadlines with high degree of accuracy.
Experience analyzing, reporting, and sharing information in online applications or software data system.
Experience using computer applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, Smartsheet, and website development software.
Demonstrated knowledge of or lived experience with public systems that serve vulnerable populations and other issues relevant to the Community Services Division.
Committed to excellence, looking for improvements continuously, monitoring quality levels, finding root causes of issues, owning/acting on issues, and turning mistakes into learning opportunities.
Experience briefing and engaging legislators and senior level government officials.

Responsibilities

Legislative session tracking and coordination for reentry related bills and outcomes.
Responsible for using legislative tracking system, including creation and daily updates of the legislative dashboard.
Track Reentry bills, including bill introductions, hearings and passage.
Ensure new bills are reviewed, analyzed, and that Reentry Council’s Legislative Subcommittee responds timely and appropriately.
Responsible for writing the SRC’s legislative and Reentry 2030 Reports, and work closely with the Executive Director to produce the Biennial repots to the Governor Office.
Responsible for monitoring and reporting back on committee hearings.
Coordinate legislative and budget proposals for new programs, funding, or changes to existing law.
Interact with other agencies or stakeholders to coordinate reentry legislative affairs.
Manage hearing testimony and provide the Reentry Council with analysis and recommendations related to legislation.
Draft, review, and write respond to bill analysis and fiscal note assignments from CSD and the agency.
Prepare oral and written testimony for legislative hearings, communicate Reentry council plans for testimony to division policy team, and complete hearing registration processes.
Present research findings and recommendations to Reentry Council.
Responsible for analyzing, reviewing, editing, and approving reports and other policy documents.
Coordinate with budget and policy staff to ensure that timelines and other requirements are met.
Attend Advisory Groups for reentry legislative matters.
Attend CSD legislative and policy meetings.
Work closely with the CSD’s Policy and Communications team, ensuring alignment and coordination with division and agency policy and legislative processes.
Serve as an expert consultant who leads special projects relevant to Reentry. Special projects could include program implementation, research related to legislative directives, strategic planning, coordination of external stakeholder meetings, or focus groups.
Present research findings and recommendations to Reentry Council elected officials and outside organizations.
Develop methods and timelines for project completion.
Present written reports on legislative outcomes, decisions made, and recommendations that advances the progress of the Councils Mission and Reentry 2030.
Ensure close alignment, coordination, and partnership with division Policy and Communications team for all Reentry communications priorities, efforts, and needs.
Provide maintenance and updates of division web pages.
Draft social media content, GovDelivery emails, and news releases to highlight key efforts, events, upcoming meetings, and legislative/policy updates.
Write and edit and approve documents for audiences including the public, agency management, and elected officials or their staff.
Develop presentations for a variety of audiences and settings.
Ensure all public meetings and communications meet Open Public Meetings Act, language access, and accessibility requirements.