Emmett Till Policy Analyst, Policy Unit, WA State Office of the Attorney General

Description

Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
Position and Salary

The Washington State Office of the Attorney General is recruiting for a permanent full time Emmett Till Policy Analyst in the Policy Unit. This position may be located in Seattle or Olympia, Washington, and is not union-represented.

Exempt Salary Range: $77,000 - $82,224.
The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The following stipends may apply based on position requirements:

• Incumbents assigned to our Seattle office location receive an additional 5% King County Location Pay stipend.
• Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.

About the AGO Policy Division

Do you want to represent a progressive and compassionate team working on projects that directly impact your community? If your answer is yes, the AGO Policy Division might be the right place for you.

The AGO Policy Division is a dynamic and groundbreaking group working in two specific areas: 1) researching and improving laws and regulations, and 2) managing high-profile policy programs.

Researching & Improving Laws and Regulations
The Legislature often tasks the AGO Policy Division with solving compelling problems through intense research, stakeholder engagement, and persuasive written reports. The work of the Policy Division has a direct and meaningful impact on communities and the people of Washington State. Example legislative topics assigned to the Policy Division include: police use of force, environmental justice, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP), hate crimes, immigrant and refugee issues, sexual assault, and data privacy.

High-Profile Policy Programs
The Policy Division focuses on high-profile policy programs that address prominent and important community issues. The division is responsible for executing youth and veteran hotlines through its Office of Military and Veteran Legal Assistance (OMVLA) and HearMeWA programs.

About the Emmett Till Policy Analyst Position
Operating with a high degree of independence, this position will enhance the capacity of state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecution agencies in their investigation and prosecution of unsolved indigenous civil rights cold case murders as well as collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecution agencies.

In 2023, the AGO was awarded a grant from the Department of Justice (https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-wins-largest-ever-federal-emmett-till-grant-indigenous-cold-case). This work will take place over three years in conjunction with the MMIWP and Boarding Schools policy work already underway in the Policy Division.

This position reports to the Tribal Policy Manager and will work closely with the Emmett Till Senior Policy Analyst to develop research and written products. This position will organize, facilitate and work with a small advisory committee of experts and will have regular communications with tribes. This position will work specifically with tribes and tribal archives to research historical records related to indigenous cold cases. This position will also work with the MMIWP and Boarding Schools policy teams.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a thoughtful and collaborative colleague. They will excel in cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with local tribal communities, facilitating solutions, navigating challenging conversations using kindness and generosity, using an inclusive mindset in taking a variety of issues into account, and adaptable to different approaches in the ever changing business landscape.

Typical successful backgrounds for this position include:

• Former or current attorneys
• Researchers
• Policy analysts
• Social workers
• Trauma counselors
• Mediators
• Tribal liaisons
• Bureau of Indian Affairs work experience

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, law, political science, criminal justice, government, economics, or related field.

OR

• Five or more years of relevant work experience.

Skills & Abilities

The most competitive applicants will possess the following qualifications:

• Tribal policy experience
• Archival research experience
• Trauma-informed approaches to community engagement
• Racial equity analysis experience
• Experience developing and executing community engagement plans for historically excluded communities

Conditions of Employment

A background check consisting of employment history, professional references and educational verification (e.g., degree, license, or official transcript) may be conducted. Prior to any offer, the applicant selected will be required to submit to and pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol, Criminal Records Division. The incumbent will submit to additional background checks as a condition of employment every five (5) years thereafter.

About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General

Join an agency whose work impacts the lives of every resident of Washington State.

The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) touches the lives of every resident in this state. We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor. The AGO is comprised of nearly 700 attorneys and 800 professional staff, all working together to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities. This includes:

• Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
• Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
• Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes)
• And much more!

Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and trial courts in all cases that involve the state’s interest. If you want to make a difference, we may be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about the AGO here.

Commitment to Diversity

Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds- and fostering the inclusion of differences between people. Appreciating, valuing, and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in an inclusive, respectful environment.

One recent measure of the AGO's commitment to diversity can be found in its nomination for Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network's "Outstanding Agency Award" in 2019. Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2021 Zo8 Washington Wellness Award.

Excellent benefits

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance. Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more.

With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer flexible schedules and telework options for most positions, a Wellness Program, the Employee Assistance Program, and numerous affinity groups to foster community and connection.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position;
• A current resume detailing experience and education.

READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:

• Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
• You may not reapply to this posting for 30 days.
• The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the “work experience” and “education” sections of your application in www.careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
• A resume will not substitute for completing the “work experience” section of the application.
• All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

Honoring diversity, equity, and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO.

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact Judith Vandergeest @ (360) 586-7691 or Judith.Vandergeest@atg.wa.gov.