Job Description

Posting number: 2026-01364

Department: Legislative Department

Job classification: Legislative Assistant

Posting type: Open

Categories: Professional

Summary

The Legislative Department has an exciting opportunity for a Legislative Assistant – Policy Director in the Office of Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), Chair of the Public Safety Committee. If you are passionate about public policy, enjoy working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and want to make a meaningful impact for Seattle residents, this role offers an opportunity to strengthen your skills and advance your career in public service.

As Legislative Assistant – Policy Director, you will help develop and support Councilmember Kettle’s policy agenda by identifying emerging issues, conducting research and analysis, recommending policies and a course of action, aiding in public dissemination of information, and providing input on decisions. You will serve as an advisor to the Councilmember on issues of policy, politics, communication, and community needs. Specific policy areas of emphasis will depend on expertise, experience, and personal interest, but may include public safety, transportation, parks, governance, and municipal utilities. Particular emphasis may be given to public safety experience, given Councilmember Kettle’s role as the Chair of the Public Safety Committee. This position represents and promotes the interests of the Councilmember through collaboration with and listening to community organizations, stakeholders, and Seattle residents, and in collaboration with City and other governmental employees.

You will join a dedicated office of three staff members who work collaboratively in a fast-evolving environment where teamwork, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are valued. This at-will position reports to the Chief of Staff and serves at the discretion of the Councilmember.

You will be successful in this role if you have:

• Are excited to dive into new challenges and opportunities with confidence, energy, urgency, and optimism.
• Have knowledge or experience of policy development and have solid research skills with the ability to decipher and present complex data/information.
• Believe building trust and strong working relationships are the foundations to lasting community engagement and change.
• Enjoy speaking with community members and can adapt communications to a variety of audiences and community-specific needs.
• Are soundly organized, thrive in the political environment, and are excited about taking on political tasks.
• Understand what it means to use a racial equity lens in the analysis of policies and are motivated to work towards ending institutional/systemic racism.

Examples of duties

• Clerk the Public Safety Committee, including preparing agendas and minutes, managing in-person and hybrid meetings, ensuring timely publication of presentation materials and memos, and tracking public notice requirements.
• Coordinate and staff legislative committees, including coordinating the schedule and agenda content for the Public Safety Committee.
• Plan and manage multiple projects, including streamlining permitting processes, Design Review reform, outdoor dining streets, the upcoming major update of the Seattle Comprehensive Plan, and land use legislation including the tree ordinance.
• Lead policy work in policy portfolios including, but not limited to, Transportation, Seattle City Light, Seattle Public Utilities, Parks, Finance, and Governance.
• Research, investigate, and survey available sources of information related to a variety of complex policy issues, including public safety, human services, transportation, municipal utilities, and the overlaps that exist between public safety and public health.
• Collect a variety of information from existing records and contacts with local, regional, state, and federal jurisdiction staff.
• Compile data; perform or assist in the organizing, analyzing and interpreting of data; summarize and present compiled data in report or table form.
• Respond to inquiries from constituents, stakeholders, and City of Seattle Councilmembers and staff.
• Stay informed about policy issues and legislation before the City Council, and emerging issues in District 7 or throughout the City.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and work well with the general public, stakeholders, and agency staff.
• Develop outreach and engagement strategies on policy issue areas.
• Prepares speeches, talking points, press releases, and issue briefings on policy areas.
• Assist with constituent services including screening and responding to Councilmember's paper and electronic mail, answering telephone calls.
• Be available to support team in times of high need, including while other team members are on leave or during particularly busy periods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, law, or other relevant field. Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.
• At least three years of experience in policy, legal, economic, or organizational research; community organizing; or public relations through work or educational experience.
• Policy background and expertise in public safety or other City policy areas, which are directly relevant to Seattle (District 7 specific issues, Housing, Transportation, Health Services).

You may be even more prepared for this role if you have:

• Have a master’s degree in public administration, political science, or other relevant field; or experience demonstrating educational equivalency.
• Demonstrate commitment to public service, appreciation for vigorous discussion, and willingness to work hard to accomplish meaningful goals.
• Demonstrate ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.

The successful candidate will also have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Strong research and analytical skills, and the ability to decipher complex issues.
• Effective written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to connect with community members and community organizations.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Have the attitude and competencies to align with the Councilmember's priorities and strategic vision.
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and accomplish objectives with minimal supervision or oversight.
• Commitment to work toward achieving gender equity and anti-racist policies.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook or similar scheduling tools.

Supplemental information

Total Compensation and Benefits

This position is classified as a Legislative Assistant and is exempt from the Seattle Civil Service System. The full salary range for this classification is $22.48 - $76.53 hourly. The starting salary range for this individual role has been identified as $100,000 - $120,000 annually ($47.89 - $57.47 hourly).

Additionally, the City offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

Work Environment

This position will be onsite at Seattle City Hall (600 Fourth Ave. 2nd Floor, Seattle, WA).

Why Work at the City?

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

How To Apply:

1. Complete a NEOGOV online application and supplemental questionnaire.
2. Attach a PDF of your cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
3. Attach a PDF of your resume.

Applications received without the requested materials will not be considered.

If you have any questions, please contact the Legislative Department HR Team at LEG_Careers@seattle.gov.