EXEMPT RECRUITMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
JOB TITLE: Legislative Assistant to Senator Marcus Riccelli
SALARY: $4,962 - $8,598 monthly depending on qualifications
LOCATION: Olympia, Washington and Spokane, Washington
REPORTS TO: Senator Riccelli and his Executive Legislative Assistant
CLOSES: June 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.
SENATE PROFILE
The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Legislature meets annually in the Capitol Building in Olympia beginning on the second Monday in January. 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. Permanent staff work year-round supporting the Senate and its legislative members. The Senate strives to cultivate an inclusive working environment that supports diversity through equitable policies and practices.
MEMBER PROFILE
Senator Marcus Riccelli represents Washington State’s 3rd Legislative District in Spokane. He is the Majority Floor Leader and serves on the Ways & Means Committee, Health & Long-Term Care Committee, State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee, and the Rules Committee. He served 12 years in the House before being elected to the Senate in 2024.
More information here: https://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/riccelli/biography/
POSITION PROFILE
Senator Riccelli is seeking a Spokane-based legislative assistant who is willing and able to temporarily relocate to Olympia for the legislative session. The successful candidate is a highly motivated self-starter that will help our team provide the highest quality service, representation, and leadership for the people of Spokane.
This is a full-time year-round position that is exempt from civil service laws. This position is represented by a union.
POSITION DUTIES (may include, but are not limited to):
- Manage the daily operations of Senator Riccelli’s office.
- Attend in-district meetings both with the Senator and on the Senator’s behalf when the legislature is not in session.
- Serve as a liaison between the Senator and both internal and external parties (legislators, staff, lobbyists, agencies, local/federal governments, tribal nations, and constituents).
- Field questions from the public regarding legislation, the Senator’s stance on issues, and other legislative-related questions.
- Collaborate with caucus communications staff on drafting talking points, press releases, mailings,and planning town halls and district-specific media strategies.
- Draft and/or review responses to legislative correspondence; exercise independent judgement to determine the appropriate course of action.
- Assist constituents with casework and in their interactions with state agencies.
- Meet with constituents, lobbyists, and other parties on behalf of the Senator.
- Organize in-person and virtual legislative events.
- Monitor district-specific issues and concerns.
- Assist the Executive legislative Assistant in maintaining the Senator’s legislative calendar throughout the year; prioritizing meeting requests, preparing briefing and background materials for meetings, and arranging travel details.
- Oversee the Senator’s legislative office budget, including making equipment purchases and submitting travel and reimbursement requests.
- In consultation with the Senator and Executive LA, recruit candidates for session staff positions.
- Train and supervise session staff to ensure compliance with office procedures and Senate rules.
- Delegate tasks associated with the Senator’s legislative priorities and goals to the session staff.
- Oversee progression of bills and amendments through the legislative process.
- Manage, submit, and track the Senator’s budget requests throughout the budget process.
- Facilitate and coordinate communication between the Senator and stakeholders in the creation, development, and progression of legislation.
- Collaborate with partisan caucus policy staff and non-partisan committee services staff to implement the Senator’s policy goals.
- Maintain and preserve records of the legislative office according to the retention schedules.
- Conduct records searches for responsive public records as needed.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Familiarity with the 3rd Legislative District (Spokane)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful and professional manner
- Ability to maintain productive working relationships with Senators, staff, lobbyists/ advocates, and constituents
- Well-developed organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to understand and competently operate legislative computer systems and video conferencing software.
- Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the legislative process, including the committee and leadership structure, in the Washington State Legislature
- Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the public records law and the legislative records retention schedule
- Ability to exercise professional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality
- Have a passion for the legislative process, good government, and public service
- The desire to exceed expectations and to run the most efficient and responsive legislative office possible, always keeping a customer service mindset
- The courage to question conventional wisdom and challenge the status quo when appropriate
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree AND one year of related work experience OR an equivalent combination of experience and education.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- This position works in-person in Olympia during the legislative session. Relocation compensation is available for permanent staff who live more than 50 miles from Olympia.
- When the Legislature is not in session, in-state remote work is supported, but the LA should be based in Spokane as they are expected to be available to attend in-person meetings at the district office and around the Spokane region. The expectation is that the LA will work from the district office a minimum of two days a week during the interim.
- Long and irregular hours are required during the legislative session, including evening and weekend work. When the Legislature is not in session, flexible schedule options are available.
Benefits
SALARY RANGE
RCW 49.58.110 requires employers to provide a full salary range in job postings. The salary for this position is based on relevant experience and qualifications. The salary range for this position is $4,962 - $8,598 monthly. A hiring salary will be less than the top of any range, however.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The Senate offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; vacation, sick, military, bereavement, and civil leave; twelve paid holidays per year; a state retirement plan; deferred compensation; healthcare flexible spending account; dependent care assistance; infant at work policy, optional credit unions; paid subscription to DeleteMe; and tuition reimbursement.
Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Senate Human Resource Office at [email protected].
The Washington State Senate is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, physical, sensory, or mental disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability.
