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Senior Strategic Advisor, Exempt


Job Location:

Thurston County, WA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 143196 - 166992
Posted: 27 June 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 24 September 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description



Senior Strategic Advisor Exempt
Recruitment #
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: $11933.00 - $13916.00 Monthly
To allow for growth and salary progression the full salary range is: $11933.00 - $14650.00 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 aSenior Strategic Advisor.

The Senior Strategic Advisor holds a multidimensional role within the Commissioners 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 Generals 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 Commissioners Office to ensure strategic priorities are advanced and serves as a resource to advance the Commissioners priorities including by offering strategic advice on complex policy development and drafting Commissioners Orders. The Advisor also liaises with external partners to resolve complex issues consistent with the Commissioners 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.
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 Commissioners Orders.
  • Provide ethics guidance and/or training to the Executive Leadership Team.
  • Prepare the agencys legal response to emergency and crisis situations.
  • Developing and leading the agencys legal strategy to promote and protect the agencys 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 Commissioners 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 Generals Office and other outside counsel
  • Interface with AAGs and other outside counsel; serve as the primary point of contact with the Attorney Generals 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.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications such as education volunteer work life skills and experience. It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

  • Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
  • 5 years of experience practicing law.
  • Demonstrated experience in a similar position in federal state or regional government.
  • Demonstrated experience providing legal and strategic policy advice to executive leaders on a wide range of legal and policy issues.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret issues and present legal opinions and/or policy advice via briefing memos presentations or meetings.
  • Knowledge of the principles and procedures of legal research as well as legal documentation procedures and requirements.
  • Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions.
  • Knowledge of the range of applicable laws and regulations that impact agency policy and operations.
Required Competencies:
  • DNR Core Competencies:
    • Personal Accountability
    • Value Others
    • Compassionate Communication
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment to Excellence
  • Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity equity inclusion and environmental justice practices.
  • Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws regulations and public records retention and follow requests.
  • Strong research and analytical skills and the ability to take complex ideas and communicate them effectively both internally and externally.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to track inform and coordinate the work of attorneys and legal professionals.
  • Ability to foster a cooperative work environment and work in partnership with colleagues.
  • Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts receive and convey ideas thoughts and information.
  • Ability to manage multiple short-term and long-term projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to work as part of a team as well as coordinate facilitate and manage the work of ad hoc teams formed from cross-agency resources.
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • This position will work in an indoor office setting. Duty station is the NRB. Telework is available upon approval.
  • Some travel including overnight travel may be required.
Desired Qualifications:
These qualifications are not required. However it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.
  • Experience working for or with elected officials.
  • Previous experience working in the natural resource environmental or similar fields.
At DNR we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Dont let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications please email us at.
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 .


Questions Please contact Diana Phibbs at / or email us at.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call or email
. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through theWashington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-.

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 Washingtons lands and communities through diversity equity and inclusion.
Our Vision Our actions ensure a future where Washingtons lands waters and communities thrive.
Our Mission Manage sustain and protect the health and productivity of Washingtons 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 states 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 Womens Employee Resource Group Veterans Employee Resource Group etc.)
  • Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups:Visithere 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 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.

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 or 1- or email
.

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Required Experience:

Senior IC