WA State Labor Council seeks Legislative and Policy Director

SEATTLE (Oct. 13, 2022) — The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO — the largest labor organization in Washington state representing more than 600 union organizations with some 550,000 rank-and-file union members — is seeking applicants for the position of Legislative and Policy Director. The WSLC, a state federation of the AFL-CIO that focuses primarily on political, legislative, policy and organizing support, is widely considered the voice of labor in the state. (See a printable version of the job posting.)

The Legislative and Policy Director is part of the WSLC lobbying team and is directed by the President, who is the WSLC’s chief administrative officer. Working with them and Government Affairs Director, who also serves as the lead lobbyist for the council, the Legislative and Policy Director will help develop the WSLC’s biennial legislative agenda.

As part of the legislative development process, the Director will chair, co-chair, or serve on a number of internal and external policy committees, work with affiliated unions and community partners on policy goals, draft convention resolutions, conduct workshops, and represent the WSLC by speaking at various union meetings, addressing legislative and administrative hearings, writing testimony, developing talking points and positions papers, and helping our affiliates and community allies navigate the legislative process. The Director will also be responsible for other policy assignments made by the President.

Job Qualifications: This position requires at least three (3) years of legislative/lobbying experience at the local, state, or federal levels. Content expertise is required in at least two (2) of the following areas: workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, workforce training, health care, health and safety, employment standards, education, climate policy, energy and infrastructure, or tax and revenue policy.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Knowledge of the Washington State Legislature, Washington state legislators, and the Washington state labor movement is preferred.

Terms of Employment: The Legislative and Policy Director is part of the administrative staff of the WSLC and, as such, is part of the collective bargaining agreement between the WSLC and Office and Professional Employees International Union, Local 8. The Director is a member of OPEIU Local 8. The contract provides excellent wages, medical care, including dental and vision, vacation and holiday leave, and a defined benefit pension plan, along with an employer-matched savings plan. Salary range for this position is $100,000 to $118,000 per annum.

Process and Start Date: Please submit the following materials to Willa Kamakahi, Executive Assistant to the President, Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO at wkamakahi@wslc.org:

1) Formal letter of interest explaining why you want this position and why you are qualified for it.

2) Your résumé with references.

3) A sample of your writing on a policy position, which may include a policy white paper, talking points, legislative report, or similar documents

Black and Indigenous people, people of color, immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ folks, people with multilingual skills, disabled folks and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. WSLC is an equal opportunity employer.

This position is open until filled. Expected start date is on or before Dec. 1, 2022.