Legislative Director

Legislative Director

Salary

$105,000.00 - $140,000.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Job Number

2026-07730

Department

Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Division

Policy Legislative Affairs

Opening Date

09/16/2026

Closing Date

10/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This recruitment will remain open until October 7, 2026. The agency reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening date on September 23, 2026. 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 Legislative Director position. This role is within the Policy and Legislative Affairs Division and is based out of our Capitol Campus Office.

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

Are you a strategic policy leader who thrives at the intersection of public service, legislation, and collaboration? The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is seeking a Legislative Director to help shape and advance policies that protect consumers, serve the public interest, and strengthen Washington's economy.

As a key member of the Policy and Legislative Affairs Division, the Legislative Director serves as a principal policy advisor to the Insurance Commissioner and executive leadership on legislative proposals and policy priorities affecting Washington's insurance system. Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Legislative Affairs, this highly visible role leads the development and execution of the Commissioner's legislative agenda and serves as a trusted liaison to legislators, legislative staff, the Governor's Office, state agencies, industry representatives, consumer advocates, and other stakeholders.

The Legislative Director brings together complex policy, legal, and legislative information to develop thoughtful recommendations and strategic approaches. From shaping legislative proposals and coordinating agency testimony to tracking bills through the legislative process and advising executive leadership on emerging policy issues, this position plays a central role in translating the agency's mission and priorities into meaningful legislative action.

Success in this role requires exceptional judgment, communication, relationship-building, negotiation, and strategic thinking. The Legislative Director must be comfortable navigating a fast-paced environment, building trust across diverse perspectives, managing competing priorities, and communicating complex issues clearly-all while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on issues that affect Washington consumers, businesses, and communities every day. If you are energized by public service, skilled at bringing people together, and ready to help shape the future of insurance policy in Washington, we invite you to apply.

This recruitment may be used to establish a qualified pool of candidates for Legislative Director vacancies in the next sixty days.

This is a Civil Service Exempt position. The annual salary range for this position is $105,000 - $140,000.

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 a principal legislative advisor to the Insurance Commissioner and executive leadership on legislative proposals, policy priorities, and strategic legislative matters affecting the agency and Washington's insurance environment.
• Lead the development and execution of the Commissioner's legislative agenda, working closely with executive leadership and the Policy and Legislative Affairs Division to identify priorities and advance strategic objectives.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with legislators, legislative staff, the Governor's Office, state agencies, industry representatives, consumer advocates, and other key interested parties.
• Develop and coordinate legislative proposals, including drafting or guiding legislative language, briefing materials, and supporting documentation, and cultivating legislative sponsorship.
• Coordinate the agency's legislative strategy and response, including tracking legislation, guiding bill analyses, developing agency positions, and advising leadership on emerging legislative issues.
• Coordinate legislative testimony and hearing preparation, including developing testimony, briefing executive leadership and subject matter experts, and testifying on behalf of the agency when appropriate.
• Analyze complex policy, legislative, and regulatory issues and provide clear, timely recommendations to the Commissioner, executive leadership, and agency programs.
• Guide legislative proposals and budget decision packages through the legislative process, tracking progress and providing regular updates and strategic advice to executive leadership.
• Serve as the Commissioner's direct legislative liaison, responding to high-priority information requests and constituent concerns from legislators, legislative staff, and the Governor's Office.
• Communicate legislative developments and policy priorities across the agency, providing timely status reports and guidance before, during, and after the legislative session.
• Represent the agency at interested parties' meetings, communicating agency positions and fostering constructive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Advise agency divisions and programs on legislative and policy matters, providing written, verbal, and electronic guidance to support consistent implementation of agency priorities.
• Supervise and develop the Legislative Coordinator, providing direction, coaching, performance management, and support for professional growth.
• Participate in national regulatory policy discussions, including active involvement with the NAIC Legislative Liaison Committee.
• Collaborate across the agency and with external partners to advance policies that support the OIC's mission to protect consumers, the public interest, and Washington's economy.

Contact Us: For inquiries about this position and its full duties, please contact us at Recruitment@oic.wa.gov and add the requisition number 2026-07730 and the job title to the subject line of your email.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Nine (9) years of full-time professional work experience* including:

• Knowledge and understanding of state legislative processes, including strategic evaluation of policy direction.

And/Or

• Serving as principal advisor to executive staff on policy and potential legislative activity experience.

And/Or

• Coordinating testimony of an agency or business at legislative hearings.

At least three (3) years of experience must include:

• Analyzing or preparing reports, issue papers, guidance, and other materials related to appropriation hearings, committee mark-ups, conference committee actions, legislative issues, and laws that may impact organizational programs.

Or

• Developing written legislative language and related material for legislative strategies, hearings, testimonies, program documentation, and briefing packages.

In addition to above experience:

• Three (3) years demonstrated experience supervising subordinates including planning/assigning/directing work, coaching and performance management.
• A degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science 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.

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

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with federal agencies, Washington Congressional delegation and staff, and Tribal affairs.
• Knowledge of the Washington insurance environment and Washington insurance laws, rules, or the insurance laws and rules of another state.
• Lobbying experience working for public or non-profit clients.
• Masters degree* in public policy or administration, political science, business administration, or related field.
• Juris doctorate degree*.

Ready to join us?

Learn more about the OIC by visiting our website. We encourage you to check out our video below and listen to what our employees have to say about working here!

Welcome to the OIC

Submit your application today and take the first step towards a rewarding career at the OIC!

Cover Letter: Required

Resume: Required

Supplemental 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.

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. Thats 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 01-07-2026

01

This position requires you to be onsite (in-person) at our Capitol Campus location two (2) days a week when the Legislature is not in session. During the legislative session, this position is expected to be onsite five (days) a week. Do you agree to this requirement if hired for the position?

• YES
• NO

02

In accordance with RCW 48.02.090(5), Office of Insurance Commissioner employees are prohibited from having any interest, directly or indirectly, in an insurance company other than as a policy-holder. This prohibition includes the receipt of renewal commissions and employees may not hold a valid insurance license. If you have any interest in an insurance company you must forfeit the license prior to the effective date of your appointment. If hired, do you agree to abide by this law?

• YES
• NO

03

As part of the pre-employment process, are you willing and able to undergo a criminal history background investigation? This would include a criminal records check.

• YES
• NO
• N/A - I am currently an OIC employee

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov