Deputy Director For Governmental Affairs, Exempt

Description

Duties

Responsibilities:
This position works with the Director of Governmental and External Affairs to advise the Commissioner and Executive Management on major policy, governmental (all levels) and constituent relations issues. The position represents the agency and the Commissioner with the legislature, federal, local and regional government and represents the Commissioner's legislative agenda and priorities with other elected officials, state and local agencies, collaborators, and the public.

This position helps to direct development and implementation of DNR's legislative program including: development, introduction, and passage of agency request legislation; development and adoption of budgetary requests; management of agency bill analysis that may affect the agency; establishing agency positions on bills; tracking, coordinating, reviewing, and transmitting reports to the legislature; communications with the legislature and other elected officials; implementation of stakeholder processes and legislative workgroups established by the legislature or to inform the legislature; and assists with inter-agency communications between the Legislative Team and agency programs and regional staff.

This position also tracks all federal, local and regional actions that impact DNR and the work of the Commissioner and serves as a liaison to elected officials and agency staff. The position works closely with DNR agency staff on federal, local and regional issues and maintains positive relationships with elected officials at all levels. This position supervises the Legislative Manager and Legislative Coordinator and leads the Legislative Team in the Director of Governmental and External Affairs' absence.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in natural resources, political science, or a related field;
  OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• A working knowledge of natural resources issues, environmental policy and the legislature, politics, state government, and legislative timelines and protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organization, and time-management capabilities.
• The ability to gain an in-depth familiarity with the organizational structure of the Department of Natural Resources and a broad understanding of its programs.
• Ability to work as part of a team to develop and achieve department and project goals.
• A strong work ethic and commitment to public service.
• Strong problem solving skills, creative thinking ability, and vision.
• Innovative mindset and approach.
• Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts; receive and convey ideas, thoughts and information.
• Demonstrated ability to write for targeted audiences effectively and to communicate persuasively at all levels of the organization and externally.
• Flexibility to handle high-pressure situations and challenging deadlines with professionalism.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Typical office setting. This position mainly works at the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, but will also require frequent trips to the Legislative campus in Olympia.
• Occasional in-state travel required.

• Project management skills are preferred, but not required.
• Experience working for an elected official is preferred, but not required.

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.