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State of Washington

Senior Climate Policy Advisor

State of Washington, Olympia, Washington, United States, 98502

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This recruitment will remain open until November 15, 2025. The agency reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time after the initial screening date on October 22, 2025. It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Make a Difference: Protect Consumers & Join Our Dynamic Team!

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) seeks a qualified individual for the

Senior Climate Policy Advisor

position. This role is within the

Policy and Legislative Affairs Division

and is based out of our

Capitol Campus

Office in Olympia.

We are an employer of choice! Here’s why:

Meaningful work : Ensure a healthy insurance market & protect Washington consumers.

Impactful career : Make a daily difference in the lives of countless Washingtonians.

Small agency, big opportunities : Gain a holistic understanding of our mission and build strong relationships with colleagues.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion:

OIC is committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures, and attributes.

About the Position The

Senior Climate Policy Advisor

is a strategic and high‑impact role serving as the Commissioner’s primary advisor on all matters related to climate change and its intersection with the insurance marketplace in Washington State. Positioned within the

Policy and Legislative Affairs Division

and reporting directly to the

Deputy Commissioner , this role is central to advancing the agency’s climate agenda and shaping the future of climate policy in insurance regulation.

As the agency’s lead climate expert, you will drive the development and implementation of innovative strategies that align with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s (OIC) mission to protect consumers, the public interest, and the state’s economy through fair and effective oversight. From crafting forward‑thinking policy recommendations to representing the Commissioner in high‑level meetings, task forces, and legislative hearings, this position requires both subject matter expertise and strategic acumen.

You will engage with stakeholders across local, national, and international platforms—including government agencies, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and public‑private partnerships—to build collaborations that address the growing risks and opportunities associated with climate change. Your work will shape regulations, influence legislation, and support the development of data‑driven, consumer‑focused solutions.

This is a unique opportunity to lead in one of the most critical policy arenas of our time—climate resilience in the insurance industry—while contributing meaningfully to public service and regulatory innovation in Washington State.

This recruitment may be used to establish a qualified pool of candidates for Senior Climate Policy Advisor vacancies in the next sixty days.

This is a

Civil Service Exempt,

full‑time position. The annual salary range for this position is $110,000 – $135,000.

Benefits & Perks

Comprehensive benefits package: Health, dental, vision, retirement, paid leave (vacation, sick, etc.) and much more!

Supportive work environment: We value diversity, professional growth, and collaborative atmosphere.

Wellness programs: Invest in your well‑being with on‑site resources and initiatives.

Work‑life balance: Flexible schedules with telework opportunities.

Public service fulfillment: Contribute to a cause that matters and feel the satisfaction of serving the public good.

Training & Development: Continuously learn and grow with tuition reimbursement, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and other programs.

Free parking (Tumwater) & Public transportation pass (Thurston County): Save on commuting costs.

And more! Explore our website for additional benefits: https://www.insurance.wa.gov

Duties of the Position

Serve as the Commissioner’s

primary advisor on climate policy

and climate‑related insurance issues.

Provide strategic support to the Commissioner, including preparing

briefings, speeches, and presentations .

Represent the agency

at conferences, legislative hearings, and national/international working groups (e.g., UNEP, SIF, NAIC, IAIS).

Act as the main point of contact for

legislators, consumer groups, and stakeholders

on climate issues.

Lead development of

climate strategies and initiatives

aligned with the Commissioner’s policy goals.

Coordinate Washington insurers’ participation in the

NAIC Climate Risk Disclosure Survey

and report findings.

Support rulemaking and cross‑divisional projects with

climate subject matter expertise .

Monitor and analyze climate‑related legislation and regulations; provide executive recommendations.

Collaborate with federal, state, and international partners

on emerging climate and insurance policies.

Deliver

public testimony, draft legislation , and represent the agency in key climate discussions.

Stay current on climate and insurance trends; contribute to

agency strategic planning .

To read more about this position and view all duties, click here to request a position description.

Required Qualifications Six (6) or more years of professional experience in a business, government, or legislative setting doing climate related public policy research, analysis, or development.

AND

One (1) year experience researching and providing information to testify before governing boards and legislative committees.

AND

Intermediate level in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Academic Degree Equivalency Chart

Associate’s Degree – 2 years of experience

Bachelor’s Degree – 4 years of experience

Master’s Degree – 5 years of experience

*A degree in Public Policy/Administration, Political Science, Energy, Environment, Climate Policy, Government, Law, Insurance Management or related field from an accredited institution whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation, or a foreign equivalent may be substituted for relevant experience. Proof of degree may be required prior to employment. If a degree was awarded outside of the United States, candidates must provide a credential evaluation report.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Effective Public Speaking and Communication of Complex Concepts

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.

Two or more years of professional experience drafting legislation and/or rules.

Master's degree or other advanced degrees in law, political science, public/business administration, energy, climate, or environmental policy, or other relevant field.

Two or more years of professional experience reviewing and interpreting legislation, rules, policies, technical papers, or legal documentation.

Broad experience with insurance products, claims, marketing, and regulations.

Working experience with federal and state regulatory requirements related to insurance.

Active member of a State Bar Association.

Working experience with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Advanced or above software skills in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Maturity and confidence in dealing with elected public officials, other state and federal agencies and industry representatives, senior and high‑ranking members of government, non‑government, national/international organizations, and the public.

Demonstrated experience with current international, national, and state climate issues.

Knowledge and understanding of the organizational and political climate to make decisions and take actions that satisfy diverse interests and contribute effectively to organizational goals.

Equal Opportunity The Office of Insurance Commissioner is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained 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 recruitment@oic.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.

Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact us at recruitment@oic.wa.gov.

Technical difficulties completing your application? Please call toll‑free at (855) 524‑5627.

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