Deputy Legislative Director

Introduction

With historically strong job creation and record high employment in Wisconsin, delivering workforce training and removing barriers to employment has never been more important. Under the direction of the Legislative Director, the Department of Workforce Development's Deputy Legislative Director is critical to these efforts, serving as the primary contact for state legislators, legislative staff, tribal governments, stakeholders, internal staff, and the public for inquiries about the Department of Workforce Development's programs, policies, and services. Apply now to join our team of dedicated professionals supporting efforts to meet Wisconsin's workforce needs, and advocate for the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers!

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills. Apply now to find out why there's so much to love about working for Wisconsin .

It is anticipated that this position will work a blend of remote and in-office work at our downtown Madison location ( 201 E. Washington Ave. ). Remote work will typically be available 1-2 days a week; specific days may vary depending on business needs. The position involves some statewide and national travel.

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies (permanent, project or Limited Term).

Position Summary

What you'll do:

• In consultation with subject matter experts in the agency, coordinate and respond to legislative and constituent inquiries regarding DWD programs, policies, and services.
• Support and staff stakeholder council and committee meetings.
• On behalf of the agency and under the direction of the Legislative Director, develop and maintain effective working relationships among external stakeholders and legislative offices.
• Track and draft required reports for the Governor or the legislature in consultation with agency subject matter experts.
• Serve as agency tribal liaison, leading efforts to further strengthen tribal relationships and support workforce development efforts among tribal communities.
• Provide analysis, planning, policy and program development, and evaluation for issues under review by the Secretary's Office.
• Track and analyze proposed state and federal legislative proposals and state budget provisions.
• Work closely with legal counsel on tracking changes to administrative rules.
• Develop and assist with outreach strategies to support and convey DWD policy initiatives and program changes affecting the public, DWD, consumers, and constituents.
• Under the direction of the Legislative Director, support members of the senior leadership team in the agency with policy related matters.

What we offer:

• An inclusive environment where you will be valued for who you are.
• A highly dedicated team working to make a difference for Wisconsin's workforce.
• Opportunities to connect with a variety of decision makers and make a positive impact.
• Work/life balance with scheduling options, partial remote work, and boundaries that allow you to spend personal time as you see fit.
• Great location close to restaurants, shopping, entertainment, bus line, e-bike rentals, farmer's market, and two lakes within walking distance.

To learn more, please review the position description .

Salary Information

Starting pay is between $80,000 and $92,206 per year, depending on qualifications, plus an exemplary benefits package :

• Generous paid time off , including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.
• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (starting at $39/month for single and $97/month for family coverage).
• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).
• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.

Public service is rewarding! This position may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness .

Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see an estimate of the total value of our competitive benefits package!

The classification title for this position is Agency Liaison (schedule 81, range 03). A 12-month probationary period will be required. This position is not represented in a collective bargaining unit and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees.

Job Details

Remote work: Employees with approved remote and hybrid-remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin. High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. Remote work options are subject to change.

Criminal histories: We also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DWD to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. For positions with access to sensitive federal tax information, FBI fingerprinting may also be required.

Eligibility to work in United States: Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. DWD does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant completing the I-9 upon hire.

Qualifications

Qualifications marked with an asterisk (*) below will be evaluated in the first step of the selection process. Additional qualifications may be evaluated in subsequent steps.

You need to have the following experience:

• *Working as an advocate or liaison to a program or organization (e.g. facilitating communications, establishing an outreach plan , fostering stakeholder/constituent relationships, establishing partnership plans/procedures, working on collaborative initiatives, managing conflicts, or similar).
• *Communicating verbally and in writing with stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and needs (e.g. responding in writing or by phone/virtually to concerns, developing reports, writing policies, drafting talking points, or similar).
• *Providing direct assistance or contributing to a response regarding an issue or inquiry, and then recommending action and/or referring the appropriate subject matter expert.
• Ability to build successful working relationships with individuals and organizations with diverse perspectives, goals, and backgrounds.

Any examples of the following experience would be nice to have:

• *Working or communicating with executive leaders and/or executive offices, such as: state or federal legislators and/or legislative offices, the Governor's office, other executive leadership (e.g., mayor or county executive), and/or campaigns for those offices.
• *Researching and analyzing programs, policies, and/or laws then developing recommendations for improvements.
• *Using technology related to ticketing systems, webform inquiry systems, etc. (e.g., Zendesk, SharePoint, related advanced features of Outlook, or similar).
• *Working with DWD programs.

How To Apply

Note: If you are viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs (search 15257) to complete your application.

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a letter of qualifications as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job. Please review this additional guidance on developing your resume and letter of qualifications (including a template) as you prepare to apply.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general Wisc.Jobs user information and technical assistance.

• Technical issues: if you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please email the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov or call (608) 267-1012 (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm).
• Position questions: if you have questions about the position or this recruitment (e.g. projected start date, skills needed, etc.), please email Lisa at LKBJobs@dwd.wisconsin.gov or call (608) 266-9310.

Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to update your materials.

What happens next? A panel will review your application materials to determine your eligibility for further consideration in the selection process. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, which is typically a virtual interview.

DWD values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer . Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. Email the HR contact listed in this announcement for information on how to apply under this provision. Current state employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment.

Deadline to Apply

Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central standard time) on Monday, September 2 nd , 2024.