Assistant Director of External Affairs



Job Details

Assistant Director of External Affairs
Employer

State of Washington

Salary

$65,000.00 - $75,000.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Exempt

Job Number

WSAC 07-2018

Department

Washington Student Achievement Council

division

Executive Director

Opening Date

04/13/2018

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NA

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Description verified and added as part of bug verification and testing as mentioned in description i


Recruitment and screening of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.  However, to ensure full consideration, return completed materials by 5 p.m. on May 1, 2018.

Agency Profile
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. The Council has three main functions:

  • Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.
  • Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
  • Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.
 
Our Values
Meaningful, mission-focused work * Commitment to ongoing learning and improvement * Encouragement, support and trust * Creativity and competency * Joyful work * Humor, enthusiasm, and energy * Respect for individuals' uniqueness, gifts, talents and ideas * Fidelity to our shared vision and integrity * Can-do and will-do attitudes * High-quality work.
 
Please see the WSAC website http://www.wsac.wa.gov/  for more information about the Council's roles and responsibilities.
 
 
About External Affairs
The External Affairs program is responsible for a wide variety of activities designed to support the Council's advocacy for a strong statewide system of education, and to cultivate and broaden our connection with regions, cities and nonprofits who have a stake in educational attainment. Specific responsibilities include communication with Council members, policy makers, opinion leaders, business leaders and education partners.  External Affairs staff work closely with the Communications, Research, Policy, and Student Financial Assistance divisions to advance Council priorities with multiple audiences.
 
About the Position
The Assistant Director of External Affairs is a newly created position and the successful candidate will help shape this role. The Assistant Director is a member of the External Affairs team, and works collaboratively with the Director, senior staff and with Council members, to:  coordinate the agency's legislative and external relations program; help develop and implement legislative strategies; and participate in the development of communications and issue management strategies.  The assistant director also works with other governmental and nonprofit entities to broaden the reach of WSAC Research and Policy divisions, and to build relationships with partners that can help us improve educational attainment in Washington.  The Assistant Director participates in internal agency work teams and external work groups as needed to fulfill WSAC's major program and policy development responsibilities.  This position reports to the Director of External Affairs.
 

Responsibilities

Major Responsibilities

  • Along with the Director of External Affairs, the AD will help develop and execute legislative strategies on behalf of the Council, and the state's student financial aid and college savings programs.
  • Monitor and analyze policy and other developments in the Legislature, the Governor's office, and other entities to keep the Executive Director and Council members well informed.  Provide weekly updates to members of the Council during the legislative session, and at other times as appropriate.
  • Collaborate with other divisions within WSAC to analyze policy and build coalitions to support WSAC priorities.
  • Attend and initiate meetings with local governments, regional groups, stakeholders and others, as appropriate, to build new partnerships across the state. 
  • Represent the agency in meetings and communication with legislators and staff, and representatives of the Governor, education agencies, institutions, and stakeholders.
  • Work with the Director to coordinate agency testimony on pending legislation, and presentations to legislative and other groups regarding Council reports, recommendations and specific program initiatives
  • Coordinate with the Director to assist Council members with testimony before legislative committees, and assist members as needed during confirmation process.
  • Report on legislation and other governmental and external relations activities during regular Council meetings.
  • Act as agency liaison for inquiries from legislators and representatives of other external agencies, including higher education institutions and other education providers.
  • Represent the Council in other activities as directed by the Director.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field
  • Extensive familiarity and/ or work experience with Washington State Government.
  • Strong abilities to analyze policy issues, summarize complex information and reports, and communicate with policy makers.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, and Outlook
  • Developing skill level with Microsoft Power Point
  • Self-directed work style and demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills necessary to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Supplemental Information

Application Procedures
To apply for this position you MUST find this job posting and complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov.  Attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

  1. Letter of Application.  A letter of application that addresses how you meet the required education and experience of the Assistant Director of External Affairs.  Applications with generic cover letters will be considered nonresponsive and may eliminate the application from further consideration.
  2. Resume.  A chronological resume including your education and professional experience.
  3. References. A list of names, titles and current telephone numbers of three (3) employment references.
  4. Supplemental questions.
  5. Authorization to Release Information form. This form can be found on our website at: http://www.wsac.wa.gov/employment
 
Please Note: Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Questions?
For questions about this recruitment contact Alisha Rollins at Alishar@wsac.wa.gov or you may call 360-753-7857.

The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce. We will provide assistance in the recruitment, application and selection process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance. Please call (360)753-7802 as early as possible regarding any assistance you may require.
 

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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 and that your priority is making sure 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. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and 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.
 
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.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
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.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
How did you learn about this employment opportunity?
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • WSAC website
  • Friend or Acquaintance
  • Other
02
If you selected "other" in question 1, where did you learn about this employment opportunity?
03
Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in a field relevant to this position?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Describe your working experience in state government or on issues related to state government. Include in your answer the number of years you've had this experience. If none, enter N/A.
05
Describe your experience analyzing policy issues and summarizing complex information and reports. This ability can be gained through work experience and/ or college coursework. If no experience, enter N/A.
06
Describe your experience presenting complex information to lay audiences. If no experience, enter N/A.
07
Which one of the following best describes your level of knowledge and skill with Microsoft Word?
  • Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn.)
  • Developing (Developing knowledge and skills through completion of training or through at least 6 months of experience applying this knowledge in the workplace.)
  • Proficient/Skilled (Have successfully and regularly applied this knowledge in the workplace. This is recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills. Generally this is achieved through 1-3 years of experience applying this knowledge to the workplace.)
  • Expert (Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills. Generally this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience applying this knowledge to the workplace.)
08
Which one of the following best describes your level of knowledge and skill with Microsoft Power Point?
  • Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn.)
  • Developing (Developing knowledge and skills through completion of training or through at least 6 months of experience applying this knowledge in the workplace.)
  • Proficient/Skilled (Have successfully and regularly applied this knowledge in the workplace. This is recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills. Generally this is achieved through 1-3 years of experience applying this knowledge to the workplace.)
  • Expert (Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills. Generally this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience applying this knowledge to the workplace.)
09
Which one of the following best describes your level of knowledge and skill with Microsoft Outlook?
  • Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn.)
  • Developing (Developing knowledge and skills through completion of training or through at least 6 months of experience applying this knowledge in the workplace.)
  • Proficient/Skilled (Have successfully and regularly applied this knowledge in the workplace. This is recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills. Generally this is achieved through 1-3 years of experience applying this knowledge to the workplace.)
  • Expert (Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills. Generally this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience applying this knowledge to the workplace.)

* Required Question

Employer
State of Washington
Department
Washington Student Achievement Council
Address
PO Box 43430

Olympia, Washington, 98504-3430
Website
www.wsac.wa.gov

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