Equity & Social Justice Strategic Advisor, House Democratic Caucus



Equity & Social Justice Strategic Advisor, House Democratic Caucus

Salary

$5,905.00 - $13,335.00 Monthly

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Job Number

2022-16567

Department

House of Representatives

Opening Date

11/18/2022

Closing Date

Continuous

Description

Washington State House of Representatives
Exempt Recruitment Announcement

Equity & Social Justice Strategic Advisor, House Democratic Caucus (HDC)

 

OPENS:             November 18, 2022

CLOSES:           Open Until Filled (first review will begin close of business December 8, 2022)

REPORTS TO:  Chief of Staff, House Democratic Caucus

LOCATION:      Thurston County -- Olympia, Washington

SALARY:           Policy Analyst II: $70,860-$124,992 annually

                          Senior Policy Analyst:  $90,684-$160,020 annually

(Specific salary will depend on successful candidate’s experience and qualifications) 


About the House of Representatives:

The House of Representatives (House) comprises half of the Washington State Legislature and is made up of 98 members elected to serve two-year terms, representing 49 legislative districts.  The House employs approximately 240 full-time year-round staff and 100 temporary session staff and interns.  Staff workgroups include, nonpartisan staff, Democratic Caucus staff and Republican Caucus staff. The Legislature meets annually on the second Monday in January in the Capitol Building in Olympia.  Regular legislative sessions take place January through March in even-numbered years and January through April in odd-numbered years.  Special legislative sessions occur as needed.  

 

Our workplace is on the beautiful Capitol Campus in Olympia. The 486-acre campus includes the Legislative Building and other historic structures, as well as popular parks and trails with views of Capitol Lake, Budd Inlet, and the Olympic Mountains.  

 

The House of Representatives holds themselves to the Legislative Code of Conduct which expects the following:

  • We conduct ourselves with self-awareness, self-respect, and professionalism;
  • We treat others with respect, dignity, and civility, regardless of status or position; and
  • We refrain from engaging in hostile, intimidating, offensive, or unlawful activities or behaviors that may amount to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or bullying.

 

About The House Democratic Caucus: 

The Washington State House Democratic Caucus (HDC) consists exclusively of the Democratic members of the Washington State House of Representatives. Our caucus staff team is comprised of administrative, policy and communications professionals supporting HDC members in their legislative activities. Policy analysts provide analysis, research and legislative strategy advising in their respective policy areas to all House Democrats. Communications specialists help members of the HDC communicate with their district, the media, interested parties and the general public about policies considered and passed by the Legislature. Legislative assistants staff member offices and support legislators in successfully fulfilling their duties through scheduling and administration, office management, research, casework, and constituent correspondence. HDC caucus staff share a passion for public service, a commitment to addressing inequities in partnership with community, and for improving the way Washington delivers services to its residents.

 

Honoring equity, diversity, and inclusion means that we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment.  Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, and attributes, can our staff achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the House of Representatives.

Duties

Position Profile: 

The Equity & Social Justice Strategic Advisor will provide support and advice to the staff and members of the House Democratic Caucus aimed at meeting our mission of becoming an anti-racist and inclusive workplace. In this role, you will provide strategic advisement and technical assistance to the Democratic elected officials of the House of Representatives and the staff workgroups within the HDC, with the aim of transforming the HDC’s practices, policies, and culture to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through coaching, training, technical assistance, and facilitation, this position will help members and staff at all levels of the HDC to apply a racial equity framework to strategic planning.
 
The HDC Equity & Social Justice Strategic Advisor will be a member of the House Democratic Caucus Senior Staff.  

 

How You’ll Be Expected to Contribute:

  • Participate and lead a caucus wide effort to complete a racial equity strategic plan and monitor the implementation of the plan for both short term and long-term goals. 
  • Develop and help implement new policies, systems, and enhanced inclusion practices through leadership roles within the caucus. 
  • Develop a core team within the HDC that is responsible for representing the HDC both externally and internally, provide leadership, coaching and technical assistance to members and staff workgroups to develop goals and implement equity strategies. 
  • Provide support to the elected leadership roles of the caucus to implement racial equity strategies and policies. 
  • Facilitate trainings, workshops and more for the staff workgroups of the caucus.
  • Participate in DEI work across the Legislature and align the work with other state-wide initiatives, including participating in the Pro Equity-Anti Racist Initiative. This could include the following: completing a baseline equity impact review of the caucus; monitoring and tracking efforts around equity on the PEAR initiative; and developing materials for moving the work forward in a strategic plan that leverages the work being done in other state initiatives.

Your Effectiveness in This Role Will Depend on Your Ability To:  

  • Model racial equity in relationships with co-workers, colleagues, community, and others. 
  • Respect people’s lived experience and reflect a deep understanding of race, social justice and equity in your interactions and work. 
  • Build collaborative and productive relationships with community members, institutions, and organizations, including experience working closely with communities of color, immigrant and refugee communities, and other historically marginalized communities.
  • Communicate at all levels effectively and tactfully.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to anti-racist work, racial equity, and social justice in your professional practice, volunteer work, and/or lived experience. 
  • Be deeply curious, self-aware, and manage conflict and difficult situations. 
  • Think critically, apply racial analysis skills, and understand how change happens in institutional systems and settings.

Qualifications

The Successful Candidate Will Meet These Qualifications:

  • A minimum of eight years demonstrating: 
    1. Experience strategically leading equity and social justice efforts at the organizational level, including the development of operational and strategic work plans.
    2. Organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage several projects successfully while also managing day-to-day priorities. 
    3. Expertise in critical thinking and analysis of complex issues with the ability to communicate them to general audiences in a way that is easily understood.
    4. Experience advancing systems change and dismantling systems of oppression. 
    5. Experience working and facilitating collaboration across multiple groups. 
    6. Team management with the ability to influence, build relationships with others, motivate, and lead. 
  • Understanding of racial equity and social justice principles, institutional racism, and demonstrated ability to apply knowledge to institutional work.
  • Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills. 

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in social work, public administration, psychology, or another field with demonstrable applicability.
  • Experience applying a results-based leadership or results-based accountability framework. 
  • Experience engaging in difficult conversations and/or leading training on topics that related to diversity, inclusion, racism and/or inequity.
  • Familiarity with the Legislature, including experience interacting with elected officials and the public and/or experience working within local, county or state government. 
Note:  Diverse backgrounds in education and experience could be successful in this role and will be considered. Candidates with any combination of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the work will be considered.

Supplemental Information

Conditions of Employment/Working Conditions:

This position requires an onsite/in-person presence in Olympia during session and must be able to frequently work more than 40 hours per week including evenings, weekends, and holidays during legislative sessions. Interim schedules allow for more flexibility.  *This position is currently approved for in-state telework with an expectation to have an onsite-in-person presence when requested.

 

Benefits:

Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave; paid state holidays; health, life, and other optional insurance; retirement; social security; and military leave.  

 

How to Apply:

Intrigued?  If so, please submit the below items combined in one document

(1) a letter of interest specifically addressing how you meet the qualifications; 

(2) a current resume describing in detail your experience and education; and 

(3) a minimum of three professional references with contact information (e.g., address, e-mail address, and telephone).

 

Send application materials and direct any questions to:    househr@leg.wa.gov 

Remember the first review of applicants will begin close of business December 8, 2022.

 

The Washington State Legislature is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran, or military status, or religion. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including those listed above and those with other diverse life experiences. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact House ADA Coordinator Kyle Overmiller at kyle.overmiller@leg.wa.gov or 360-786-7271, or TTD 1-800-635-9993. 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.

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

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
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