Salary: $91,296.00 - $188,460.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number:Department: House of Representatives
Opening Date: 09/18/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
DescriptionWashington State House of RepresentativesExempt Recruitment Announcement
Policy Analyst, House Democratic CaucusOPENS:
September 18, 2026
CLOSES:Open until filled. First review will begin October 1, 2026.
REPORTS TO:
Policy Director
LOCATION:
Thurston County -- Olympia, Washington
SALARY:
Policy Analyst II: $91,296 - $158,256 annually
Senior Policy Analyst: $108,744 - $188,460 annually
(The above reflects the full salary ranges. Starting salary will be based on the successful candidate's experience, qualifications, and internal alignment and will be below the range maximum.)
This position is represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA). DutiesPosition Profile: Caucus Policy Analysts are experienced public policy professionals who are responsible for analyzing, developing, and advising on innovative policy solutions for House Democrats.
This position is anticipated to provide caucus policy support for the Early Learning & Human Services committee and the Local Government committee.
How You'll Be Expected to Contribute:- Working with elected officials and staff to develop, analyze, and interpret legislative policy proposals;
- Providing strategic advice to advance a Democratic legislative agenda for individual members and the caucus as a whole on relevant policy issues;
- Researching policy issues and developing issue briefs, summaries, and presentations;
- Cultivating and maintaining effective working relationships with all members of the House Democratic Caucus, stakeholders, partisan and nonpartisan staff, with the other legislative caucuses, and impacted community members;
- Working efficiently with diverse personalities in both team and individual settings.
- Reviewing and developing proposed legislation utilizing an equity lens to mitigate potential harm and address negative impacts to systemically non-dominant communities.
QualificationsThe Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:Successful Policy Analyst candidates will meet these qualifications:
- Exceptional people skills with an ability to collaborate effectively with others, including those who have diverse backgrounds and lived experiences;
- Ability to interact with members, staff and others with professionalism and maintain effective working relationships;
- Strong political judgment, strategic thinking and problem solving;
- A keen understanding of the legislative process, public policy, and politics;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with an ability to distill and synthesize complex policies into clear, actionable recommendations;
- Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, work well under pressure, and manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality results on tight deadlines;
- Ability to use discretion to triage confidential and sensitive information in stressful environments.
To be considered for a
Policy Analyst II position, the successful candidate will also meet these qualifications:
- Five years of relevant* policy experience with at least two or more years of direct** policy experience; and
To be considered for a
Senior Policy Analyst position, the successful candidate will also meet these qualifications:
- Ten or more years of direct** policy experience. At least five years must have been direct** policy experience while working in a Washington state legislative or executive branch agency; and
*Relevant policy experience includes one, or a combination, of the following duties:
- Research and analysis, including analyzing data to understand impact of policies
- Developing, drafting and working to create and write policies, laws, regulations, etc.
- Stakeholder engagement including communicating with and gathering input from various groups to draft, evaluate, amend policy
- Monitoring and implementation of policies, including evaluation of policy impacts
**Direct policy experience: working with public sector officials to develop, advance, and implement policy proposals. This could be gained from lobbying and other executive branch agency roles.
Important personal and professional qualities:- Resolute personal and professional commitment to understanding racial equity, social justice principles, and institutional racism, with an ability to apply this knowledge to daily work;
- Committed to continuous improvement both individually and as a team;
- Creative problem solver with a focus on ensuring equitable outcomes for all Washington residents;
- Strong ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, highly collaborative team;
- Flexibility to adapt to a frequently changing work schedule, particularly during legislative session.
Note:Diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered. Candidates with any combination of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work will be considered
Supplemental InformationConditions of Employment/Working Conditions:
This position requires an onsite/in-person presence in Olympia during session and must be able to frequently work more than 40 hours per week including evenings, weekends, and holidays during legislative sessions. Interim schedules allow for more flexibility including in-state telework with an expectation to have an onsite in-person presence when requested.
Benefits:Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave; paid state holidays; health, life, and other optional insurance; retirement; social security; and military leave.
How to Apply:Intrigued? If so, please submit the below items combined in one document:
(1) a
letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications;
(2) a
current resume describing in detail your experience and education; and
(3) a minimum of three
professional references with contact information (e.g., address, e-mail address, and telephone).
