WSLC seeks Deputy Director of Government Affairs

SEATTLE, WA (August 7, 2025) — The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (WSLC) is seeking a strategic, values-driven advocate to join the government affairs team as Deputy Director. This position plays a key role in shaping and advancing a bold, pro-worker legislative agenda in collaboration with union affiliates, community partners, and elected leaders across Washington. Ideal candidates bring policy acumen, political experience, and a deep commitment to equity, economic justice, and the power of working people.

Widely considered to be the “voice of labor” in our state, the WSLC represents and provides services for hundreds of local unions throughout Washington state. The WSLC is the largest labor organization in our state, representing more than 650 local unions and approximately 600,000 rank-and-file union members. Learn more about the Council’s work at the WSLC website.

A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary folks, and Black, Indigenous people, and people of color (BIPOC), are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in the job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay. The WSLC strongly encourages you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

Deputy Director of Government Affairs
(Job posting on Union Jobs)

About the Position
The Deputy Director of Government Affairs works under the direction of the WSLC President and in close collaboration with the Government Affairs Director, who leads the WSLC lobbying team. Together, they develop and advance the WSLC’s biennial legislative agenda. Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the development and advancement of WSLC’s legislative and policy agenda
• Participating in or chairing internal and external policy committees
• Coordinating with affiliated unions and community partners on shared policy goals
• Planning and coordinating the WSLC’s annual Legislative Conference
• Conducting policy trainings and workshops
• Representing WSLC at union meetings, legislative hearings, administrative hearings, and public events
• Drafting and delivering testimony, talking points, position papers, and convention resolutions
• Supporting affiliates and community allies in navigating the legislative process
• Performing other policy-related duties assigned by the President or Government Affairs Director, including non-legislative work aligned with WSLC priorities

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of legislative or lobbying experience at the local, state, or federal level
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Expertise in at least two (2) of the following areas:
  • Climate policy
  • Collective bargaining law
  • Education policy
  • Employment standards
  • Energy policy
  • Health care policy
  • Occupational health and safety standards
  • Paid family and medical leave
  • Tax and revenue policy
  • Transportation and infrastructure policy
  • Unemployment insurance
  • Union organizing
  • Workforce training and apprenticeship
  • Workers’ compensation
• Knowledge of the Washington State Legislature, Washington legislators, and the Washington state labor movement (preferred)
• Other relevant policy experience, union leadership, or education may be considered in lieu of the above qualifications on a case-by-case basis, including experience as a union leader or staff.

Terms of Employment
The Deputy Director of Government Affairs is part of the administrative staff of the WSLC and, as such, is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the WSLC and the Office and Professional Employees International Union, Local 8 (OPEIU 8). This position includes:

• Excellent wages
• Employer paid premiums medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan and an additional employer-matched savings plan
• Generous vacation and holiday leave

Salary range: $92,000 to $112,000 per year

Process and Start Date
Please submit the following materials to Willa Kamakahi, WSLC Executive Assistant to the President, at wkamakahi@wslc.org:

• A formal letter of interest explaining your how your values align with the work of the WSLC and how you meet the qualifications
• Résumé with three (3) references
• A writing sample related to a policy position (e.g., white paper, talking points, legislative report, or similar document largely authored by the applicant of past work; documents authored and designed for this application are acceptable provided that it is noted in the application materials)

The WSLC is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage Black and Indigenous people, people of color, immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with multilingual skills to apply.

This position is open until filled. Expected start date is on or before September 2, 2025.