Recruitment: Director of Legislative and Political Action - Olympia, WAThe Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), AFSCME Council 28, has a long history of fighting for workers' rights and employee benefits while tackling social justice issues with passion and energy. The WFSE has operated in the state capital for over 80 years, fighting for fairness and equality. We ensure hardworking public service workers receive better pay, health care, retirement benefits, and a healthy work environment. There's more to accomplish, and we believe we can achieve it with the right personnel. Join our team and be part of a larger mission that will make an impact for years to come. Learn more about who we are at wfse.org. WFSE is recruiting to fill the Director of Legislative and Political Action (LPA) position based in Olympia, WA. The Director of LPA reports to the Executive Director and serves as the WFSE's senior leader responsible for developing, directing, and executing its legislative and political action program. This position exercises considerable independent judgment and discretion in navigating a complex and rapidly changing political environment; assessing legislative, political, and policy opportunities and risks; developing strategic and tactical responses; and recommending actions that advance the organization's mission and priorities.
Essential Functions:
This position develops comprehensive legislative and political action plans, oversees member education, political engagement, and volunteer mobilization programs designed to build member participation and strengthen the WFSE's political capacity. Monitors legislative and political developments, identifies emerging opportunities and risks, and recommends appropriate strategies and actions to WFSE leadership. Directs the WFSE's legislative and lobbying program; prepares the WFSE legislative package as established by the Biennial Convention, Executive Board, members, and staff. Represents the WFSE before the Legislature, advocates for WFSE's legislative priorities, and leads the lobby team to further the WFSE's mission. Oversees the WFSE member lobby program, including the development and delivery of member lobby training and legislative advocacy activities. Assists AFSCME with federal lobbying as needed. Supervises LPA staff currently consisting of two full-time lobbyists, an organizer, and an administrative assistant. The director establishes staff performance expectations, provides regular feedback, and promotes accountability and professional development. Trains, coaches, and mentors LPA staff. Provides staff support to the Executive Board and committees, caucuses, meetings, and events, as assigned. Represents the WFSE in public policy, legislative, labor, and political coalitions and builds effective relationships with elected officials, community organizations, labor organizations, and other external partners. Works collaboratively across divisions, particularly with WFSE Field, Negotiations, and Organizing staff, to develop and implement strategies that advance organizational objectives and increase member engagement and political participation. Leads and manages the WFSE's political endorsement process. Administers the endorsement process consistent with WFSE policy and develops recommendations for consideration by the Executive Director and appropriate governing bodies. Administers WFSE political contributions and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local campaign finance laws, regulations, reporting requirements, and WFSE policies. Develops and manages the LPA department budget and ensures responsible stewardship of LPA resources in accordance with the approved budget and WFSE policies. Coordinates WFSE 's participation in AFSCME's federal PAC, the PEOPLE program, and works collaboratively across all areas of the union to increase PAC participation and maximize member engagement and financial support. Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:- Demonstrated knowledge of the Washington State Legislature, legislative process, and political environment.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing legislative, political, lobbying, or advocacy strategies in a complex organization.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a member-driven organization and navigate multiple stakeholders and governance structures.
- Demonstrated experience navigating politically sensitive issues, balancing competing organizational priorities, and providing strategic advice and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to present effectively to large groups and provide testimony before legislative committees, panels, and other legislative bodies.
- Experience developing, managing, and monitoring budgets.
- Demonstrated experience supervising staff, establishing performance expectations, providing feedback, and managing performance.
- Strong strategic planning, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex legislative and political issues clearly and persuasively.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, member leaders, members, staff, coalition partners, and other organizations.
- Possess a valid Washington driver's license, access to a reliable vehicle, automobile insurance, and the ability to travel as required. These are mandatory conditions of employment.
- Ability to lift and carry up to twenty (20) pounds of weight and participate in activities requiring extended periods of standing and sitting, both indoors and outdoors.
- Willingness and ability to work extended and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly during legislative sessions, elections, endorsement activities, and other political events.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Desired Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
- Thorough understanding of Washington's political landscape and experience working on political campaigns.
- Previous experience working for a labor union and/or demonstrated experience advancing labor, worker, economic, or social policy priorities through legislative and political advocacy.
- Experience working with elected officials, legislative staff, political campaigns, coalitions, and community or labor organizations.
- Experience developing and implementing legislative, political, lobbying, or grassroots advocacy strategies.
- Experience managing staff and volunteers.
- 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, $400 driving 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 is $126,137 to $146,018 and will be determined commensurate with experience.
- 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.
The Washington Federation of State Employees is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and equal access in a non-discriminatory manner to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, sex (including sexual orientation, transgender status, or pregnancy), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history), creed, color, marital status, religion, age, national origin, political affiliation, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any real or perceived sensory, mental, or physical disability.
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or for an alternative format may contact the HR Manager, Tiffany Wright, at (360) 339-5159 or TiffanyW@wfse.org. Persons with a disability or hearing impairment can call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. The WFSE complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the Federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States, consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
