Senior Strategic Advisor, Exempt
Salary
$143,196.00 - $166,992.00 Annually
Location
Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type
Exempt
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2026-6-7981-05265
Department
Dept. of Natural Resources
Opening Date
06/25/2026
Closing Date
7/16/2026 12:00 AM Pacific
Description
Senior Strategic Advisor, Exempt
Recruitment #2026-6-7981
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: $11,933.00 - $13,916.00 Monthly
To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $11,933.00 - $14,650.00 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 a Senior Strategic Advisor.
The Senior Strategic Advisor holds a multidimensional role within the Commissioner's 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 General's 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 Commissioner's Office to ensure strategic priorities are advanced and serves as a resource to advance the Commissioner's priorities, including by offering strategic advice on complex policy development and drafting Commissioner's Orders. The Advisor also liaises with external partners to resolve complex issues consistent with the Commissioner's 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
Strategic Policy Advisor
Liaison to the Attorney General's Office and other outside counsel
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.
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:
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.
At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don't let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us atDNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
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 DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
Questions? Please contact Diana Phibbs at diana.phibbs@dnr.wa.gov /360-915-3317 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
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 Washington's lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision - Our actions ensure a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission - Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:
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 www.uscis.gov.
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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
Check us out on: DNR's website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress
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. Thats 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 holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Please describe what interests you about the Department of Natural Resources.
02
Please describe what a work environment based on diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging means to you.
03
Have you attached an example of a work product, such as a comprehensive legal memorandum or policy analysis, that demonstrates your skills in providing advice on a complex issue? This is a required attachment. If you do not attach this document, your application will not move forward in the application process.
04
Do you have a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school?
05
Have you attached a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts? This is a required attachment. If you do not attach this document, your application will not move forward in the application process.
06
Do you have at least five (5) years of experience practicing law?
07
Do you have demonstrated experience in a similar position in federal, state, or regional government?
08
Do you have demonstrated experience providing legal and strategic policy advice to executive leaders on a wide range of legal and policy issues?
09
Do you have experience working for, or with, elected officials?
10
Do you have experience working in the natural resource, environmental, or similar fields?
11
Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.) to work legally for our agency in the United States?
12
Where did you originally hear about this job posting?
13
If you answered "other" to the previous question, please specify where you originally learned of this employment opportunity in the space below.
Required Question
Employer State of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov