Job Details
Rules and Policy Analyst
2026-01-17 State of Washington all cities,AK
Description:
What you need to bring
Required Qualifications:
Supplemental Information
What we offer:
At OFM, we foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.
Please visit our for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here's a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that OFM offers:
Your application will not be considered complete and sent to the hiring teams for review unless you attach all of the following:
Questions:
OFM's Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at
The Office of Financial Management 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 disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.
This position is exempt from civil service rules.
For more information, please see
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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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
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
In one to two paragraphs, please describe your related human resources experience that includes independently interpreting and providing consultation and guidance to managers, supervisors, and employees regarding applicable state and federal rules or laws, employer policies, collective bargaining agreements, and best human resources practices.If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
02
Please select all that apply. I have the following experience, knowledge, skills and/or abilities:
03
In one to two paragraphs, please describe your experiences selected from the question above.If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
04
The application process requires that you attach a cover letter detailing how you meet the qualifications of this position and a resume. Please check your attachments and click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation.
Required Question
Salary: $79,320.00 - $101,004.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-09135
Department: Office of Financial Management
Division: State Human Resources
Opening Date: 01/14/2026
Closing Date: 1/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Please note: The starting salary offer will be determinedbased on the successful candidates' qualifications within the starting salary range of $79,320 - $101,004 annually. Please note that there is career salary growth beyond this starting range for the successful candidate.
Hybrid: Our physical office is in Olympia, WA. We offer flexible work schedules and locations. This is a hybrid position where most of the work allows for telework. However, you will need to travel to in-person activities, meetings, and events as needed for business purposes.
Why work for OFM
The (OFM) serves as the backbone ofWashington state government. Our mission is to make our state a better place by connecting people, budgets, policies, data, and systems for state agencies and the Legislature. Our team includes budget advisors, researchers, and other experts, all dedicated public servants working towards an equitable future for every Washingtonian.
If you want to play a key role in enhancing how state government serves its citizens, you've found the right place. Join us in making a meaningful difference for every Washingtonian!
The job opportunity
As a Rules and Policy Analyst, you'll build strong, trusted relationships with leaders across state agencies and higher education institutions and help them navigate complex civil service rules. You'll work closely with executives and managers to understand their challenges, research issues that don't always have clear answers, and recommend smart, practical solutions.
A significant part of the job involves analyzing enterprise-wide civil service rules (Title 357 Washington Administrative Code WAC), policies, and guidelines to determine when changes are necessary, and helping to shape thoughtful updates that impact employees statewide. You'll often be asked to tackle unique or unprecedented situations, which means looking into statutes, policies, and historical background information and thinking creatively when precedent is limited or unclear. If you enjoy problem-solving, working at an enterprise systems level, and helping organizations move forward through careful analysis and collaboration, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful, statewide impact.
Duties
What you'll work on
- Developing and revising civil service rules (Title 357 WAC) for statewide implementation by identifying and analyzing business needs into rulemaking across agencies and institutions.
- Facilitating monthly rule meetings and presenting rule proposals; participating in rule review meetings and preparing rule items for publication.
- Providing expert analysis, interpretation, and policy guidance on Title 357 WAC in response to inquiries.
- Analyzing and providing complex comparative research of RCWs, WACs, past precedents, legal interpretations, Washington State Executive Orders, State HR Directives, and collective bargaining agreements that involve unique, complex/highly complex scenarios and conflicting perspectives to inform rulemaking and policy recommendations.
- Analyzing proposed legislation for impact that may affect programs, civil service systems, state employees, civil service rules, and other governmental procedures. Providing written bill analysis and recommendations on proposed legislation.
- Preparing issue briefing papers to inform executive decision-making by conducting comprehensive analysis, assessing enterprise-wide implications, and providing strategic analysis (risk-based) and policy recommendations.
- Conducting policy impact assessments and quality reviews of HR policies, procedures, processes, and training developed by other state employers to ensure alignment with legal standards and enterprise direction.
- Informing and advising stakeholders regarding rule development and workforce initiatives.
- Maintaining rulemaking files as required under the Administrative Procedure Act.
What you need to bring
Required Qualifications:
- Professional human resources experience that includes independently interpreting and providing consultation and guidance to managers, supervisors, and employees regarding applicable state and federal rules or laws, employer policies, collective bargaining agreements, and best human resources practices.
- The ability to take action to learn and grow: Curious about self and others, takes responsibility for knowing own strengths and weaknesses, and uses learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others: Flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people we work with and serve.
- Six years of professional human resource experience.
- A bachelor's degree with an emphasis in business, human resources, social or organizational behavioral sciences, or related field.
- Knowledge and application of state agency or higher education human resource policy development; Washington Administrative Code, Revised Code of Washington, Collective Bargaining Agreements, and the state of Washington personnel systems.
- Experience analyzing the impacts of new legislation and knowledge of the legislative process.
- Knowledge and experience in labor and employee relations.
- Ability to provide advice and consultation based on knowledge and understanding of rules, policies, laws, and guidelines.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks/projects and adjust to shifting priorities.
Supplemental Information
What we offer:
At OFM, we foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.
Please visit our for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here's a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that OFM offers:
- An environment of
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year
- State retirement programs
Your application will not be considered complete and sent to the hiring teams for review unless you attach all of the following:
- Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position
- Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
- References: at least three professional references and their current contact information.
Questions:
OFM's Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at
The Office of Financial Management 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 disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.
This position is exempt from civil service rules.
For more information, please see
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. That's 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 (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 (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 , 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
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
In one to two paragraphs, please describe your related human resources experience that includes independently interpreting and providing consultation and guidance to managers, supervisors, and employees regarding applicable state and federal rules or laws, employer policies, collective bargaining agreements, and best human resources practices.If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
02
Please select all that apply. I have the following experience, knowledge, skills and/or abilities:
- Experience at a Washington state agency
- Experience at a Washington state higher education institution
- State agency policy development.
- Knowledge of Washington Administrative Code, Revised Code of Washington, Collective Bargaining Agreements, and state of Washington personnel systems.
- Experience analyzing the impacts of new legislation and knowledge of the legislative process.
- Knowledge and experience in labor and employee relations.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks/projects and adjust to shifting priorities.
- None of these apply.
03
In one to two paragraphs, please describe your experiences selected from the question above.If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
04
The application process requires that you attach a cover letter detailing how you meet the qualifications of this position and a resume. Please check your attachments and click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation.
- Yes, I have attached a cover letter and a resume.
- No, I have not attached a cover letter and a resume.
Required Question