Senior Climate Policy Advisor

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.

We are an employer of choice! Here’s why:

• 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 (OIC) mission to protect consumers, the public interest, and the state’s economy through fair and effective oversight. From crafting forward-thinking policy recommendations to representing the Commissioner in high-level meetings, task forces, and legislative hearings, this position requires 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 of our time—climate resilience in the insurance industry—while contributing meaningfully to public service and regulatory innovation in Washington State.

This recruitment may be used to establish a qualified pool of candidates for Senior Climate Policy Advisor vacancies in the next sixty days.

This is a Civil Service Exempt, full-time position. The annual salary range for this position is $110,000 - $135,000.

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: https://www.insurance.wa.gov

Duties

The duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

• 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.

To read more about this position and view all duties, click here to request a position description.

Salary

• $9,166.67 - $11,250/month

Qualifications

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.

AND

One (1) year experience researching and providing information to testify before governing boards and legislative committees.

AND

Intermediate level in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel

Academic Degree Equivalency Chart

Degree	Years of Relevant Experience Equivalency
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/Admiration, 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.

Other Information

• 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 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
• 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.

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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 07-21-2025