JOB
Senior Strategic Advisor, Exempt
Recruitment #2026-6-7981
Full-time, Exempt 5, Non-represented position
Location: Olympia, WA
Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $11,933.00 - $13,916.00 Monthly
To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $11,933.00 - $14,650.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 7/2/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Executive Management Division for a
Senior Strategic Advisor.
The Senior Strategic Advisor holds a multidimensional role within the Commissioner’s Office and sits on the Executive Leadership Team. The Senior Strategic Advisor will help develop and review agency policy and initiatives, draft and review legislation, assist AAGs and agency staff in researching and interpreting laws, rules, and regulations, and offer strategic guidance on a host of items that require legal analysis or risk assessment. The Senior Strategic Advisor works closely with the Attorney General’s Office and liaises on litigation issues on behalf of the agency. The Senior Strategic Advisor provides advice and facilitates training on ethics, conflicts of interest, public meetings, public records production, and lobbying restrictions to ensure compliance across the agency and its component groups.
The Senior Strategic Advisor works with the other teams in the Commissioner’s Office to ensure strategic priorities are advanced and serves as a resource to advance the Commissioner’s priorities, including by offering strategic advice on complex policy development and drafting Commissioner’s Orders. The Advisor also liaises with external partners to resolve complex issues consistent with the Commissioner’s priorities and values.
The Senior Strategic Advisor may draft and/or review legislation and works closely with the Office of Governmental and External Affairs to promote and maintain productive relationships with elected officials and other external partners. The Senior Strategic Advisor draws upon legal and legislative process experience to inform both legislative and legal decisions within the agency, reviewing legal matters for potential legislative impacts and likewise reviewing legislation for potential legal impacts. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Responsibilities:
Strategic Legal Advisor to the Commissioner and senior leaders-
Provide and communicate accurate and thoughtful legal advice to the Commissioner and senior leaders through briefing memos, meetings, and presentations.
-
Research pertinent legal issues; monitor/interpret relevant state, federal, and local laws and regulations.
-
Coordinate, prepare, and review the Commissioner’s Orders.
-
Provide ethics guidance and/or training to the Executive Leadership Team.
-
Prepare the agency’s legal response to emergency and crisis situations.
-
Developing and leading the agency's legal strategy to promote and protect the agency’s interests.
-
Overseeing the delivery of legal services and resources to accomplish agency goals, strategies, and priorities.
-
Maintaining proper agency interactions with the relevant local, state, and federal governmental bodies, legislatures, and the community at large.
-
Advising the Commissioner of Public Lands, Chief of Staff, and other senior agency executives and officers on a variety of issues.
-
Providing counsel regarding legal issues that arise in the day-to-day operation of the agency.
Strategic Policy Advisor-
Research, analyze, and brief senior leadership on complex policy issues that require a strategic 360-degree perspective.
-
Review draft legislation to identify/resolve legal issues and ensure consistency with the Commissioner’s priorities.
-
Partner with other team members on policy development and addressing related legal issues.
-
Review and draft policies and procedures.
-
Participating in the formulation of general management policy as a member of the executive management team.
-
Developing and leading internal agency compliance programs.
Liaison to the Attorney General’s Office and other outside counsel-
Interface with AAGs and other outside counsel; serve as the primary point of contact with the Attorney General’s Office.
-
Oversee agency litigation and settlement negotiations, provide direction to AAGs and other outside counsel on legal strategy.
-
Review and approve all state agency requests for AAG opinions.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact [email protected].
-
Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
-
Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
-
Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
-
An example of a work product: Such as a comprehensive legal memorandum or policy analysis, that demonstrates your skills in providing advice on a complex issue.
-
Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts. If you have questions regarding attaching this document, please contact [email protected]. If you do not attach this document, your application will not move forward in the application process.
-
Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
-
References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, including a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
-
Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
-
Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email [email protected] with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.
Questions? Please contact Diana Phibbs at
[email protected] /360-915-3317 or email us at
[email protected].
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email
[email protected]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:-
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.
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:-
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 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.
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Veterans wishing to claim Veterans’ preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email
[email protected].
Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress
