Job Description

Job DescriptionPosition: Director Public Policy and Government RelationsReports to: WTIA CEOFLSA Classification: Exempt/RemoteGeneral Classification: Salaried, Full TimeSalary Range: $115,000-$150,000 DOE/DOQThe Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) seeks a seasoned and strategic Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs to lead its advocacy and policy initiatives across Washington State and on behalf of Washington States tech sector at the federal level.This role is central to WTIAs mission to foster a robust, equitable, and innovation-driven technology ecosystem. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in legislative strategy, coalition building, and regulatory engagement, with a strong understanding of the political, economic, and social dynamics shaping the tech sector in Washington.The Director coordinates the WTIA public policy research and related programming, helping drive outcomes that foster an equity centered technology sector in a thriving community. This role synthesizes input from member companies, legislative staff, legislators, and WTIA leadership to recommend policy positions. This role manages the Policy Steering Committee, staffs the Policy Leadership Team and related initiatives. This position works in close collaboration with other WTIA staff focused on community engagement, technology policy in other states, and technology policy at the federal level.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Policy and Government Relations Leadership Develop and execute WTIAs comprehensive public policy agenda, ensuring alignment with organizational strategic priorities and the evolving needs of Washingtons tech industry. Provide expert analysis on legislative, regulatory, and political developments at the state, local, and federal levels, with a focus on critical issues such as data privacy, AI governance, workforce development, broadband access, and digital equity. Cultivate and maintain trusted, bipartisan relationships with federal, state, and local policymakers, legislative staff, agency representatives, and other external stakeholders. Serve as WTIAs primary representative and spokesperson to elected officials, agency leaders, regulatory bodies, and in public forums, legislative testimony, media interviews, and speaking engagements as a thought leader on tech policy.Advocacy & Coalition Building Lead or participate in multi-sector coalitions and working groups to advance shared policy goals, building alliances with community organizations, labor, academia, and industry partners for inclusive and sustainable policy outcomes. Develop and execute a strategic communications plan for policy advocacy, leveraging WTIA blog posts, social media, PR, and Policy Speaker Series events. Coordinate the development and execution of the political campaign giving plan.Member Engagement & Thought Leadership Engage WTIA members to identify policy priorities, mobilize collective action, and support the Policy Steering Committee and Policy Leadership Team. Convene policy briefings, roundtables, and advocacy days to elevate member voices and strengthen civic engagement. Conduct research, synthesize data, and draft detailed legislative and budget summaries, policy positions, advocacy letters, committee testimony, and lead the development of industry reports, white papers, surveys, and polls. Represent WTIA in public forums, media interviews, and speaking engagements as a thought leader on tech policy.Internal Collaboration & Organizational Impact Advise WTIA leadership on policy risks and opportunities, tracking and analyzing relevant local, state, and federal policies and legislation impacting the technology sector. Collaborate across all WTIA programs (e.g., workforce, startup support) to ensure policy alignment, integration, and maximum impact. Manage external consultants, lobbyists, and legal advisors as needed, and identify opportunities to support grant writing related to policy initiatives.Qualifications: 5-8+ years of experience in public policy, government affairs, or legislative advocacy, ideally within the tech sector, a trade association, or government. Experience with Washington States political and regulatory landscape, with a proven track record of influencing policy outcomes. Exceptional strategic thinking, political judgment, and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to build coalitions and navigate complex stakeholder environments. Experience briefing executives and boards on policy matters. Bachelors degree required; advanced degree in law, public policy, or a related field preferred.Preferred Attributes: Familiarity with current and emerging technology policy issues (e.g., AI, cybersecurity, platform regulation) generally and specifically in Washington State Experience working with or within a membership-based organization. Commitment to equity, economic inclusion, and responsible innovation.While this position may be remote from Olympia, travel to meetings and events is required. Every position requires certain physical capabilities. WTIA seeks to make reasonable accommodations that enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties when possible.The preceding job description is not intended to describe in detail the multitude of tasks that may be assigned, but rather to provide a general overview of the expectations and responsibilities of this position. As business demands change, so may the functions of this position. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
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Washington Technology Industry Association

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