Salary: $7,241.00 - $10,317.00 Monthly
Location : Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: WMS 26-08
Department: Dept. of Labor & Industries
Division: Director's Office
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 7/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!
Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability
Note: this position falls under the Washington Management System 2 pay scheduling. The range is $71,004-$130,320 annually. The typical range for this specific position is $86,892-$123,804.
Shape the future of childcare policy in Washington State
Every day, families and childcare providers across Washington rely on a workforce that is stable, supported, and fairly compensated. The Child Care Workforce Standards Board was created to help make that possible - and this position sits at the center of the Board's work, inside the L&I Director's Office.
As the Senior Policy Advisor supporting the Child Care Workforce Standards Board, you'll provide direct executive management support to a 10-member statewide board, ensuring its work is grounded in sound policy, complies with its statutory obligations, and reflects the director's vision and the department's goals, values, and strategic direction.
In this role, you will work closely with the Deputy Policy Director, Policy Director, Legislative Director, and the L&I Director to provide policy support on agency-wide programs and initiatives, with a specific focus on the Child Care Workforce Standards Board. You will foster collaboration within the Board, with programs across the agency, and with partner state agencies like DCYF - coordinating meetings, conducting policy research, and proactively identifying impacted parties.
Your work won't just check boxes; you'll be part of a respected Government Affairs and Policy Division (GAPD) team that values technical excellence, sound judgment, and collaborative problem-solving.
This is a Washington Management Service (WMS) position (Band 2, individual contributor) and is not represented by a bargaining unit.
This position is eligible for telework and/or a flexible schedule with supervisor approval. Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required, particularly during legislative sessions
Duties
Duties
Some of what you will do:
- Establish and maintain professional relationships with each of the 10 Child Care Workforce Standards Board members to ensure equitable responsiveness to each member.
- Develop a charter for the Board and ensure the Board operates within that framework.
- Conduct policy, analytics, research, and legislative and management support for the Board.
- Provide updates to the director and agency leadership on Board policy issues affecting the agency, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
- Advise and coordinate with the Board and internal agency partners on the development, implementation, and evaluation of stakeholder engagement plans, programs, projects, and initiatives.
- Lead and manage all duties related to the Board, including coordinating with DCYF on an interagency agreement and data sharing, conducting policy research across other West Coast states, and developing meeting agendas and content.
- Conduct public hearings as needed for the Board.
- Advise the director on all Board recommendations, distinguishing those achievable within existing authority from those requiring legislative changes.
- Draft all required reports for the Board, accurately capturing discussions, decisions, and votes.
- Review and maintain working knowledge of legislative proposals that may impact the Board's work.
- Conduct policy research on topics including wage rates/compensation, relevant West Coast geographic/occupational data, CBAs, testimony, local minimum employment standards, recruitment/retention, training requirements, career paths, reimbursement practices, and safety requirements.
- Provide policy guidance and assistance across divisions, help identify and resolve sensitive issues, support agency rulemaking, serve as backup to other policy advisors, and support broader legislative efforts.
Travel to various field offices around the state for meetings is required, with occasional overnight travel. A personal vehicle may be required if state vehicles are unavailable.
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
- A master's degree in public administration or a related field, with experience in rule and/or public policy development and analysis, experience with the Legislature, and stakeholder engagement expertise.
OR
- A bachelor's degree involving major study in public or business administration, journalism, communications, writing, English, or a closely allied field, with additional qualifying experience substituting for education at a rate of one year of experience per one year of education.
- The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
- Knowledge of the agency's authorizing and political environment, multiple program statutes, and each program's legal process, as well as the agency's work functions and current controversies.
- Ability to solve complex problems that impact policy and politics, work with diverse and opposing stakeholders, communicate complex legal information in easily understood terms, analyze intended and unintended consequences of agency action or inaction, defend recommended positions, and present to internal and external stakeholders.
DESIRED:
- Knowledge of tools, materials, and methods used in the childcare industry; wage and hour laws; principles of legislative and rulemaking processes; compensation and benefits analysis and theory; principles of project/program management; principles of labor law; statistical methods; and principles of effective program performance management.
- Strong service orientation.
- Technology aptitude.
- Leadership and team orientation.
- Excellent verbal and writing skills.
- Ability to motivate and influence.
- Business process analysis skills.
- Superior organizational skills.
Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate your combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated using an intentional equity lens.
Supplemental Information
Things You Need To Know
State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee's career.
At L&I, your voice matters. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety, health, and security of Washington's workers and to supporting a stable, well-supported childcare workforce for Washington families.
Application Process
We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because selection is based on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to clearly identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the required and desired qualifications described in this announcement.
Please include the following documents with your application:
- A cover letter describing specific qualifications.
- A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
- A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Background Check Notice
This position requires a background check, including criminal history, as the incumbent may have direct access to sensitive and personal information. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.
Other Information
- This is a Washington Management Service (WMS) position and is not represented by a union.
- Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship for a visa now or in the future.
- L&I complies with federal I-9 employment eligibility verification requirements. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
- This announcement may be used to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.
Veterans Preference
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Please redact any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I's Jobs@lni.wa.gov.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
L&I employees come from all walks of life. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application or testing process, or who need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
For More Information
If you have questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact Steve Camerer at
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. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring 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 (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their 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. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
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.
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.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the