Legislative Assistant

Cover letter and resume required for consideration.

Job Purpose:

The Legislative Assistant will take on a variety of special projects unique to the GSI Public Policy Department, working collaboratively with the Director of Public Policy to advance the GSI Legislative Agenda through direct advocacy and advocacy support during the Washington state legislative session. Accordingly, this temporary position will end with the Washington State Legislative Session on or about April 21.

The assistant will receive free travel, accommodation, and admission to attend the GSI Olympia Fly-In during the dates of February 11-13, 2025.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Conduct legislative research and summarize issues in short policy memos
• Track local, state, and federal legislation
• Observe and report on committee hearings and other legislative meetings
• Correspond with legislators, lobbyists, and Spokane community leaders via phone, email, and in-person meetings
• Draft letters, briefs, blogs, talking points, press releases, and newsletters
• Assist with daily office tasks and at GSI morning or evening events
• GSI reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Knowledge, Skills, & Experience Required:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education/Experience: Completed or enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree-seeking program in political science, business, communications, journalism, marketing, public administration, or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Excellent writing abilities (clear, professional, error-free writing)
• Analytical and research skills, especially in prioritizing and concisely summarizing complex information
• Strong interpersonal skills and desire to engage with a broad, bipartisan network
• Professional work ethic and independent time management skills
• Flexibility and positive attitude about working in a fast-paced environment
• Mature judgment and commitment to following all legislative ethics laws
• Interest in learning about public policy and the legislative process
• Prior political experience or political science background is not necessary; a future interest in working in politics and policy is preferred
• Experience managing and supporting volunteers
• Computer Skills: Technology savvy and proficient using Microsoft Office suite and various internet applications.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Exposed to typical office environment conditions and noise levels. May be required to travel to local, regional, and national events, meetings or training by car and air travel. Regularly scheduled to work 20 hours per week; maybe required to work more than 20 hours per week to meet deadlines, finish assignments, or attend events and meetings.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel or crouch.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Cover letter and resume required for consideration.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary, Internship

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Application Question(s):

• Completed or enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree-seeking program in political science, business, communications, journalism, marketing, public administration, or related field?

Work Location: In person