Policy Advisor

About the job

It's time to build a better future for Seattle, together! The Office of Councilmember Rob Saka is currently seeking a dynamic and dedicated professional to join our team as a Policy Advisor. This is a regular full-time, 100% in-person position. As a vital member of the legislative team, the Policy Advisor will be instrumental in providing strategic policy guidance, conducting in-depth research, and fostering effective communication with constituents regarding policy matters. This role requires a motivated individual with a Growth Mindset, passion for public service, and a commitment to addressing the diverse needs of Seattle's communities. It also requires excellent writing skills and strong attention to detail; the ability to prioritize and anticipate needs; discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters; and the organizational skills to proactively manage multiple complex projects with professionalism and level-headedness. Must be a resourceful, proactive, nimble, and curious team player and possess a high level of accountability. Experience in product/technical program management and project management is a HUGE plus!

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Councilmember.
• Collaborate with office team to develop and implement legislative strategy.
• Conduct comprehensive research, investigations, and surveys of available sources of information – including community expertise – on local issues and legislative matters to inform policy development.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and community organizations to gather diverse perspectives on policy proposals.
• Compile data; perform or assist in the organizing, analyzing and interpreting of data; summarize and present compiled data in report or table form.
• Ability to manage all aspects of policy development, from concept to law.
• Provide frontline support for management and execution of the end-to-end legislative process for assigned programs, projects, and topics, from policy ideation to signed law.
• Partner with Central Staff to formulate data-driven policy recommendations aligned with the Councilmember's priorities and community needs.
• Craft clear and compelling communication materials, including press releases, speeches, and social media content, to convey the Councilmember's positions and initiatives.
• Provide written talking points for Briefings and Full Council meetings on issues in assigned committees.
• Write memos, emails, and educational and publicity pieces on particular issues or for events.
• Serve as a point of contact for constituent inquiries, ensuring timely and effective responses to constituent inquiries and concerns via email, letter, telephone, text message, and other communication channels.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors or advanced degree in a relevant field.
• 5+ years experience in cross functional program management, especially in a strategy, planning and decision-making environment.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in policy development, legislative analysis, or a related field.
• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Strong understanding of local government operations and legislative processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure on multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities, and operating comfortably and independently within ambiguity.
• Dedication and commitment to earn trust every day.
• Nuanced understanding of Seattle's political landscape and community dynamics is a plus.

Office Culture: The Councilmember fundamentally believes that we need a strong culture founded in a growth mindset. It starts with a belief that EVERYONE can grow and develop; that potential is nurtured, not pre-determined; and that anyone can change their mindset. We need to be always learning and insatiably curious. We need to be willing to lean into uncertainty, take risks and move quickly when we make mistakes, recognizing failure happens along the way to mastery. We must listen attentively, speak candidly, and treat others respectfully. We must also never shy away from being vocally self-critical, even when doing so is awkward or embarrassing. And we need to be open to the ideas of others, recognizing that the success of others does not diminish our own. We have a continuous, ongoing responsibility to earn the trust of each other, our constituents, our internal and external stakeholders - each and every day!

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the general scope of the Policy Advisor position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties, or responsibilities associated with the role.