Legislative Director - Exempt Band 3 - Exempt - 2026-04952

Title- Legislative Affairs Director 

Classification- EMS 3- Civil Service Exempt

Job Status- Full-Time-Exempt

WDFW Program- Director’s office
Duty Station- Thurston County, Olympia, Washington

Hybrid Telework- The successful candidate may be able to tele-work 2 days a week when legislature is not in session at the discretion of the Director. 

Posting Timeframe - This recruitment is scheduled to be posted until July 15, 2026.  The first review of applications will take place on July 1, 2026.  Application review is ongoing, and applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Following the first review date, this recruitment may be closed at any time.

Learn more about WDFW!

Lupines framing the Washington State Capitol. Photo Credit: WDFW - Anour Esa

Help shape the future of one of Washington's most visible and impactful natural resource agencies.

As Legislative Director, you will serve as a key member of the Director's Policy Team, providing strategic counsel on legislative and policy issues and representing the agency before lawmakers, tribal governments, federal partners, and stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Leads the development and execution of the agency’s legislative program, including advancing agency-request legislation and responding to proposed legislation affecting WDFW’s mission, statutory authority, and budget.
• Serves as a senior policy advisor to the Director and Executive Management Team, providing strategic guidance on legislative, budgetary, and public policy issues that influence agency direction and priorities.
• Represents the agency in high-level external affairs and intergovernmental engagement, coordinating with legislators, legislative staff, tribal governments, stakeholders, lobbyists, and other governmental partners on policy and legislative matters.
• Provides leadership and direction to the state and federal legislative team, ensuring alignment between legislative strategy, policy development, and agency priorities.
• Oversees coordination of legislative activities with related agency processes, including rulemaking and SEPA-related considerations, to ensure consistency, compliance, and strategic alignment.
• Engages in ongoing executive-level decision support, including advising on emerging legislative issues and supporting negotiation and strategy development during legislative session and interim periods.

• Performs other duties as assigned in support of executive leadership and evolving legislative priorities. 

Working Conditions:

• This is a high-visibility executive leadership role operating at the center of state policy and decision-making.
• Primary work is conducted in an office environment with frequent engagement in legislative and intergovernmental forums, including occasional field visits and legislative tours.
• Requires regular local and statewide travel, with occasional overnight trips to regional offices and partner locations.
• During legislative session, extended and flexible work hours are expected, including evenings and weekends, to effectively represent the agency’s priorities in a fast-paced and high-stakes policy environment.
• Regular interaction with legislators, legislative staff, elected officials, tribal governments, stakeholders, and members of the public, including in high-pressure or politically sensitive situations.

Lupines at the Capitol Campus pollinator garden. Photo Credit: WDFW - Anour Esa

Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, public policy, or a related field.

• Five (5) or more years of experience with the Washington State legislature or in a comparable policy or legislative environment.

Professional experience in the following areas:

• Public policy or natural resource policy experience. 
• Familiarity with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and Administrative Procedure Act (APA). 
• Understanding of WDFW’s core functions, programs, policies, customers, and constituencies. 
• Established relationships with key government stakeholders and partner organizations. 

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expertise in legislative affairs, public policy analysis, and government relations. 
• Experience advising executive leaders on legislative and policy matters. 
• Strong political judgment and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues. 
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. 
• Experience representing an organization before legislative bodies, elected officials, and stakeholders. 
• Knowledge of the legal, regulatory, and governmental frameworks that affect public-sector operations.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant may possess one or more of the following:

• Master's degree in public policy or a related field including a Juris Doctorate.
• Five years of direct legislative experience.

Your application packet requires the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume. 
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three professional references with current contact information.