Senior Climate Policy Advisor job at State of Washington. Washington DC. This recruitment will remain open until November 15, 2025. The agency reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening date on October 22, 2025. It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Make a Difference: Protect Consumers & Join Our Dynamic Team!
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) seeks a qualified individual for the Senior Climate Policy Advisor position. This role is within the Policy and Legislative Affairs Division and is based out of our Capitol Campus Office in Olympia.
Meaningful work : Ensure a healthy insurance market & protect Washington consumers.
Impactful career : Make a daily difference in the lives of countless Washingtonians.
Small agency, big opportunities : Gain a holistic understanding of our mission and build strong relationships with colleagues.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion : OIC is committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, and attributes.
About the Position
The Senior Climate Policy Advisor is a strategic and high‑impact role serving as the Commissioner’s primary advisor on all matters related to climate change and its intersection with the insurance marketplace in Washington State. Positioned within the Policy and Legislative Affairs Division and reporting directly to the Deputy Commissioner, this role is central to advancing the agency’s climate agenda and shaping the future of climate policy in insurance regulation.
As the agency’s lead climate expert, you will drive the development and implementation of innovative strategies that align with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s mission to protect consumers, the public interest, and the state’s economy through fair and effective oversight. Your work will range from crafting forward‑thinking policy recommendations to representing the Commissioner in high‑level meetings, task forces, and legislative hearings, requiring both subject‑matter expertise and strategic acumen.
You will engage with stakeholders across local, national, and international platforms—including government agencies, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and public‑private partnerships—to build collaborations that address the growing risks and opportunities associated with climate change. Your work will shape regulations, influence legislation, and support the development of data‑driven, consumer‑focused solutions.
This is a unique opportunity to lead in one of the most critical policy arenas—climate resilience in the insurance industry—while contributing meaningfully to public service and regulatory innovation in Washington State.
Benefits & Perks:
Comprehensive benefits package: Health, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave (vacation, sick, etc.) and much more!
Supportive work environment: We value diversity, professional growth, and collaborative atmosphere.
Wellness programs: Invest in your well‑being with on‑site resources and initiatives.
Work‑life balance: Flexible schedules with telework opportunities.
Public service fulfillment: Contribute to a cause that matters and feel the satisfaction of serving the public good.
Training & Development: Continuously learn and grow with tuition reimbursement, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and other programs.
Free parking (Tumwater) & Public transportation pass (Thurston County): Save on commuting costs.
And more! Explore our website for additional benefits.
Duties of the Position
Serve as the Commissioner’s primary advisor on climate policy and climate‑related insurance issues.
Provide strategic support to the Commissioner, including preparing briefings, speeches, and presentations.
Represent the agency at conferences, legislative hearings, and national/international working groups (e.g., UNEP, SIF, NAIC, IAIS).
Act as the main point of contact for legislators, consumer groups, and stakeholders on climate issues.
Lead development of climate strategies and initiatives aligned with the Commissioner’s policy goals.
Coordinate Washington insurers’ participation in the NAIC Climate Risk Disclosure Survey and report findings.
Support rulemaking and cross‑divisional projects with climate subject‑matter expertise.
Monitor and analyze climate‑related legislation and regulations; provide executive recommendations.
Collaborate with federal, state, and international partners on emerging climate and insurance policies.
Deliver public testimony, draft legislation, and represent the agency in key climate discussions.
Stay current on climate and insurance trends; contribute to agency strategic planning.
Required Qualifications:
Six (6) or more years of professional experience in a business, government, or legislative setting doing climate‑related public policy research, analysis, or development.
One (1) year experience researching and providing information to testify before governing boards and legislative committees.
Intermediate level in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Academic Degree Equivalency Chart
Associate’s Degree – 2 years of experience
Bachelor’s Degree – 4 years of experience
Master’s Degree – 5 years of experience
A degree in Public Policy/Administration, Political Science, Energy, Environment, Climate Policy, Government, Law, Insurance Management or related field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation, or a foreign equivalent may be substituted for relevant experience. Proof of degree may be required prior to employment. If a degree was awarded outside of the United States, candidates must provide a credential evaluation report.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Effective public speaking and communication of complex concepts.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications
Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
Two or more years of professional experience drafting legislation and/or rules.
Master's degree or other advanced degrees in law, political science, public/business administration, energy, climate, or environmental policy, or other relevant field.
Two or more years of professional experience reviewing and interpreting legislation, rules, policies, technical papers, or legal documentation.
Broad experience with insurance products, claims, marketing, and regulations.
Working experience with federal and state regulatory requirements related to insurance.
Active member of a State Bar Association.
Working experience with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Advanced or above software skills in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Maturity and confidence in dealing with elected public officials, other state and federal agencies and industry representatives, senior and high‑ranking members of government, non‑government, national/international organizations, and the public.
Demonstrated experience with current international, national, and state climate issues.
Knowledge and understanding of the organizational and political climate to make decisions and take actions that satisfy diverse interests and contribute effectively to organizational goals.
Wage/salary depends on qualifications or state rules of compensation (if currently a state employee).
State law (RCW 48.02.090[5]) prohibits employees of the OIC from having any interest, directly or indirectly, in an insurance company other than as a policyholder. This prohibition includes the receipt of renewal commissions. If employment is accepted with this agency, you agree to abide by this state law.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
The Office of Insurance Commissioner is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at Recruitment@oic.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1‑800‑676‑3777.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing (log in, password or email issues) or completing your application (error messages), please call toll‑free at (855) 524‑5627.
Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact us at recruitment@oic.wa.gov.
Compensation Details: Annual salary range: $110,000 - $135,000.
