Affiliate:
AFSCME Council 28/WFSE
Location:
Olympia, WA
Salary Range:
Lobbyist - $102,014 to $118,094/Senior Lobbyist - $109,155 to $126,361
Posting Date:
November 06, 2026
What We Are Looking For: WFSE is recruiting to fill the Lobbyist - Senior Lobbyist position in our Legislative and Political Action (LPA) Department based in Olympia, WA. This position reports to the Director of LPA and is responsible for representing the interests and concerns of classified state employees before the Washington State Legislature, US Congress, and other policy-making bodies.
Essential Functions: The Lobbyist researches and analyzes public policy issues, prepares and evaluates legislation, and supports the Federation's political action program. This position develops, prepares, and facilitates training and workshop presentations and works with union members on legislative and political issues. Provides public policy and political advice to members and staff and may testify to the Legislature on behalf of the WFSE and its members.
An ideal candidate will provide knowledge and experience about legislative issues and processes and/or have direct political campaign experience; have an understanding of state employee needs and union values, be outgoing, personable, and professional in demeanor; possess excellent written and verbal communication skills; be able to work as part of a team; work with a wide array of coalition and stakeholder groups and be able to perform well under pressure. Some travel and evening/weekend work is required.
Senior Lobbyist Designation WFSE may, at its discretion, designate an individual Lobbyist as a Senior Lobbyist in recognition of their experience, demonstrated effectiveness, institutional knowledge, professional contributions, or other organizational considerations.
The Senior Lobbyist designation is intended to recognize a higher level of professional experience and contribution and may carry a higher compensation range or salary. The designation does not change the essential functions, duties, responsibilities, reporting relationships, or other requirements of the Lobbyist position. The WFSE retains discretion to determine when the designation is appropriate and to establish the associated compensation.
Required Qualifications: - At least two (2) years of direct experience in legislative or political fields.
- Strong communication and analytical skills and the ability to present to large audiences.
- Critical thinking, good judgment, and the ability to manage high levels of stress
- Ability to write professional, clear, and concise briefs, analyses, and other documents or pleadings responsive to appropriate parties.
- Possess a valid Washington driver's license, access to a reliable vehicle, automobile insurance, and the ability to travel are mandatory conditions of employment.
- May be called upon to carry and move up to twenty (20) pounds of weight; participates in activities requiring extended periods of standing and sitting, both indoors and outdoors.
- Possess strong written and oral communication skills, including reading, writing, and communicating effectively.
- Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends.
Desired Qualifications: - A Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science or related field.
- Prior union experience.
Special Note: - Selected candidates are expected to live within commuting distance of their assigned work location (Olympia area) and within Washington State.
- This position is overtime exempt and may be required to work occasional weekends.
- Applicants must have a valid driver's license, use of a personal vehicle, and valid vehicle insurance.
- A motor vehicle report and a background check will be conducted as a condition of employment.
- Benefits include a $150 cell phone allowance, vacation, and sick leave, medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, 401K/Roth IRA, pension, and (12) twelve paid holidays.
- The salary range for the Lobbyist position is $102,014 to $118,094, and the salary range for the Senior Lobbyist is $109,155 to $126,361. The Lobbyist and Senior Lobbyist salary range will be determined based on experience.
How to Apply: To be considered for this position(s), applicants must submit a
resume, letter of interest, and at least three (3) professional references to: resumes@wfse.org. Your letter of interest should clearly explain how your experience, training, and education make you the best candidate for this position.
This position is open until it is filled; however, the hiring authority may conduct interviews as soon as qualified candidates apply. It is in the applicant's best interest to apply as early as possible.
