Research Analyst/Policy Counsel - Senate Democratic Caucus

Research Analyst/Policy Counsel - Senate Democratic Caucus

EXEMPT RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

JOB TITLE: Research Analyst/Policy Counsel

REPORTS TO: Policy Director

SALARY: $6,639-$15,397 monthly depending on qualifications

LOCATION: Olympia, Washington (Hybrid/remote flexibility available during interim)

CLOSES: July 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.

About the Senate Democratic Caucus
The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Legislature convenes annually in Olympia, with regular sessions beginning each January and special sessions as needed. Permanent Senate staff work year-round to support Senators in carrying out their legislative responsibilities.

The Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus (SDC) consists exclusively of Democratic members of the Washington State Senate. Our caucus staff is a collaborative team of forward-thinking administrative, policy, and communications professionals dedicated to putting people first.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can belong and thrive. That means fostering a respectful, safe, and supportive environment for all employees. We believe our work is strongest when informed by people of all backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences.

We’re seeking policy professionals who are committed to equity, collaboration, and improving lives across Washington. As part of the SDC, you’ll support Democratic Senators in developing policy ideas, advancing priorities, and evaluating legislation while engaging with communities impacted by it.

Position Summary
Research Analysts/Policy Counsel are public policy professionals who support Senate Democrats by evaluating legislation, developing policy proposals, and advising on strategic and technical matters. Working closely with Senators, legislative staff, state agencies, and stakeholders, analysts/counsel conduct research, clarify complex issues, and help translate ideas into actionable legislation. Analysts/counsel also support committee coordination, track policy implementation, and monitor community response and impact.

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Olympia during the legislative session, with hybrid/remote work flexibility during the interim.

Duties

How You’ll Contribute
As a Research Analyst/Policy Counsel, you will play a key role in helping Senate Democrats shape, advance, and communicate public policy. You’ll work directly with elected officials and staff to provide strategic guidance, develop legislation, and analyze complex issues with political and policy awareness.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting members in refining proposals to meet strategic, policy, and caucus goals
• Developing and analyzing legislative proposals
• Conducting research using legal, fiscal, and programmatic sources to develop recommendations
• Drafting written materials including memos, bill analyses, talking points, and policy summaries
• Monitoring committees, legislative progress, agency implementation, and emerging issues
• Collaborating with nonpartisan staff on bill drafting and with caucus communications staff on messaging
• Providing concise briefings and supporting materials to inform decision-making
• Cultivating relationships with stakeholders, agencies, impacted communities, and internal teams to support inclusive, informed policy development
• Supporting caucus strategy with sound judgment, political awareness, and a team-oriented mindset
• Facilitating negotiations between stakeholders on complex and potentially contentious policy topics
• Coordinating committee activities and assisting with planning, scheduling and communication across chambers

Salary

• $6,639 - $15,397/month

Qualifications

The most successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong political judgment and strategic thinking, with a clear understanding of how policy and politics intersect
• Familiarity with the legislative process and the ability to support public officials in a dynamic political environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill and convey complex ideas, policies, and data with clarity, precision, and cultural awareness
• Strong research, analytical, and synthesis skills, including the ability to evaluate large volumes of information and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations
• Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet tight deadlines under pressure
• Ability to manage high workloads and stressful situations with professionalism, composure, and empathy
• Professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential or sensitive information
• Initiative, resilience, and adaptability in fast-paced and high-stakes settings
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and policymakers
• Commitment to continuous learning, systems thinking, and interdisciplinary approaches to public policy
• A strong commitment to equity, cultural humility, and inclusive policy development
• Genuine interest in public service and in improving outcomes for communities across Washington

Minimum Requirements:

We welcome applicants with a range of educational, professional, and lived experiences. Candidates with any combination of experience that demonstrates the ability to succeed in this role are encouraged to apply. Diverse backgrounds in education and experience can be successful in this role and will be considered.

Examples of qualifying experience may include but are not limited to:

• Legislative or policy research and analysis
• Government, nonprofit, or professional research experience involving statutory implementation, rulemaking, or legislative relations
• Strategic communications, constituent services, or stakeholder engagement
• Advocacy, community organizing, or public affairs
• Lived experience navigating or responding to the impacts of public systems or policy decisions

Preferred (but not required):

• Familiarity with Washington State legislative processes

Research Analyst Track:

• Research Analyst I: Typically 2–4 years of relevant experience in public policy, legislative affairs, government relations, advocacy, or related fields.
• Research Analyst II: Typically 5+ years of progressively independent experience managing complex policy issues, leading collaborative efforts, and advising elected officials or executive leadership.
• Senior Research Analyst: Typically 8+ years of advanced experience in public policy or government leadership, demonstrating leadership in complex policy development, strategic insight, negotiations, mentoring, and the ability to navigate high-stakes political environments.

Policy Counsel Track:
Must hold a Juris Doctor from an accredited institution and be licensed to practice law in Washington or another U.S. jurisdiction.

• Counsel I: J.D. and typically 1-3 years of relevant experience in public policy, legislative affairs, government relations, advocacy, or related fields.
• Counsel II: J.D. and 4+ years of progressively independent experience managing complex policy issues, leading collaborative efforts, and advising elected officials or executive leadership.
• Senior Counsel: J.D. and 7+ years of senior-level legal and policy experience or government leadership, demonstrating leadership in complex policy development, strategic insight, negotiations, mentoring, and the ability to navigate high-stakes political environments.

Working Conditions & Requirements

• Extended and irregular hours (evenings/weekends) during legislative sessions
• Hybrid/remote flexibility during interim; Olympia-based during session
• Occasional travel required
• This position is full-time and exempt from civil service.

Other Information

SALARY RANGE

RCW 49.58.110 requires employers to provide a full salary range in job postings. The classification for this position is based on relevant experience and qualifications. The following are the full wage ranges for each of the classifications. The hiring salary offered will consider internal equity and will be based on relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

Research Analyst I/ Staff Counsel I – $6,639 - $11,505

Research Analyst II/ Staff Counsel II – $7,459 - $12,929

Senior Research Analyst/ Senior Staff Counsel - $8,884- $15,397

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The Senate offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, 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 and savings bonds; and tuition reimbursement.

HOW TO APPLY:

Complete the application form accessed by clicking this link: Research Analyst/Policy Counsel - Senate Democratic Caucus or typing this URL: https://apply.workable.com/washington-state-senate/j/DCB5088DBA/ The closing date is July 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible. E-mail contact Senate.HRO@leg.wa.gov.

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 employerand 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.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022