EXEMPT RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

JOB TITLE:    Legislative Assistant to Senator Bob Hasegawa

SALARY:      $4,962 - $8,598 monthly depending on qualifications

LOCATION:       Olympia, Washington

REPORTS TO:     Senator Hasegawa and his Executive Legislative Assistant

CLOSES:      July 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We   strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.

SENATE PROFILE

The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Legislature meets annually in the Capitol Building in Olympia beginning on the second Monday in January. Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years. Special legislative sessions occur as needed. Permanent staff work year-round supporting the Senate and its legislative members. The Senate strives to cultivate an inclusive working environment that supports diversity through equitable policies and practices. 

MEMBER PROFILE

Senator Hasegawa has been serving the 11th Legislative District since 2005, first in the House of Representatives and then in the Senate beginning in 2012. He is currently the Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus (Majority Caucus).  His Senate standing committee assignments are:  Rules; Ways & Means; State Government and Elections: and Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade. 

More information here: https://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/hasegawa/

POSITION PROFILE

Senator Hasegawa’s legislative assistant (LA) is a highly motivated self-starter that will help our team provide the highest quality service, representation, and leadership for the people of the 11th Legislative District. The LA will also be the first face people see in the office of Senator Hasegawa and helps set the tone for all visitors to our office.

This is a full-time year-round position that is exempt from civil service laws.  This position is represented by a union.

POSITION DUTIES

·       Manage the daily operations of the office of Senator Hasegawa’s office.

·       Serve as a liaison between the Senator and both internal and external parties (legislators, staff, lobbyists, agencies, local/federal governments, tribal nations, and constituents).

·       Field questions from the public regarding legislation, the Senator’s stance on issues, and other legislative-related questions.

·       Collaborate with caucus communications staff on drafting talking points, press releases, mailings,and in planning town halls and district-specific media strategies.

·       Draft and/or review responses to legislative correspondence; exercise independent judgement to determine the appropriate course of action.

·       Assist constituents in their interactions with state agencies.

·       Meet with constituents, lobbyists, and other parties on behalf of the Senator.

·       Organize in-person and virtual legislative events.

·       Monitor district-specific issues and concerns.

·       Maintain the Senator’s legislative calendar throughout the year; prioritizing meeting requests, preparing briefing and background materials for meetings, and arranging travel details.

·       Oversee the Senator’s legislative office budget, including making equipment purchases and submitting travel and reimbursement requests.

·       In consultation with the Senator, recruit candidates for session staff positions.

·       Train and supervise session staff to ensure compliance with office procedures and Senate rules.

·       Delegate tasks associated with the Senator’s legislative priorities and goals to the session staff.

·       Oversee progression of bills and amendments through the legislative process.

·       Manage, submit, and track the Senator’s budget requests throughout the budget process.

·       Facilitate and coordinate communication between the Senator and stakeholders in the creation, development, and progression of legislation.

·       Organize committee testimony for the Senator’s prime sponsor bills.

·       Collaborate with partisan caucus policy staff and non-partisan committee services staff to implement the Senator’s policy goals.

·       Maintain and preserve records of the legislative office.

·       Conduct records searches for responsive public records as needed.

·       Supervises and coordinates the work of temporary office staff and intern during the legislative session

Requirements

·       Strong communication skills

·       Ability to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful and professional manner

·       Ability to maintain productive working relationships with Senators, staff, lobbyists/ advocates, and constituents

·       Well-developed project management skills and attention to detail

·       Ability to understand and competently operate legislative computer systems and video conferencing software.

·       Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the committee and leadership structure in the Washington State Legislature

·       Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the public records law and the legislative records retention schedule

·       Ability to exercise professional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality

·       Have a passion for the legislative process, good government, and public service

·       The courage to question conventional wisdom and challenge the status quo when appropriate.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree AND one year of related work experience OR an equivalent combination of experience and education.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

·       This position works in-person in Olympia during the legislative session. When the Legislature is not in session, in-state remote work is supported, except when needed to be in-person for training or legislative meetings.

·       Long and irregular hours are required during the legislative session, including evening and weekend work. When the Legislature is not in session, flexible schedule options are available.

Benefits

SALARY RANGE

RCW 49.58.110 requires employers to provide a full salary range in job postings. The salary for this position is based on relevant experience and qualifications. The salary range for this position is $4,962 - $8,598 monthly. A hiring salary will be less than the top of any range, however.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The Senate offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; vacation, sick, military, bereavement, and civil leave; twelve paid holidays per year; a state retirement plan; deferred compensation; healthcare flexible spending account; dependent care assistance; infant at work policy, optional credit unions; paid subscription to DeleteMe; and tuition reimbursement. 

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Senate Human Resource Office at Senate.HRO@leg.wa.gov.

The Washington State Senate is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, physical, sensory, or mental disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability.