ASWSU Global Director of Legislative Affairs (DOLA) Job Description

Term, Commitment, and Compensation 

• Term: May 2026 – May 2027 (includes summer onboarding + spring transition)
• Average Weekly Hours: 12–18 hours/week
• Yearly Stipend: $11,000 (distributed in monthly installments over 12.5 months)
• Enrollment Requirement: 6 credits Fall + 6 credits Spring (summer enrollment not required)

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Role, Purpose, and Position Overview 

The ASWSUG Director of Legislative Affairs (DOLA) serves as the primary legislative advocate for Global Campus students at the local, state, and system-wide levels. This role leads student-focused legislative initiatives, builds relationships with elected officials, and collaborates with the WSU system to advance student priorities. The DOLA works closely with the President, Vice President, and Student Government Council (SGC) Legislative Affairs Committee to develop and implement an annual legislative agenda that reflects the needs of Global Campus students. Through structured training and institutional support, the DOLA develops the skills necessary to effectively represent students in legislative and policy conversations.

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Why Apply? / Role Development

• Receive formal legislative advocacy training prior to engaging in Olympia-based work
• Gain direct experience in public policy, lobbying ethics, and civic engagement
• Build professional relationships with elected officials and university leadership
• Develop public speaking, policy writing, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Participate in Coug Day at the Capitol and system-wide legislative strategy
• Strengthen career readiness for roles in public service, law, policy, or advocacy

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Role Expectations and Responsibilities

Legislative Advocacy & Representation

• Serves as the official legislative representative for ASWSUG students at the local, state, and system-wide levels
• Develops and submits a proposed annual legislative agenda to the President, Vice President, and Executive Board in accordance with Bylaw Article XVI
• Builds and maintains professional relationships with elected officials and government representatives
• Represents Global Campus student interests in alignment with WSU system-wide legislative priorities
• Collaborates with other WSU campus DOLAs to coordinate unified legislative messaging

Strategy & Policy Development

• Conducts research to identify emerging legislative issues impacting Global Campus students. Utilizes data collected by the Director of Assessment.
• Monitors legislative developments during session and communicates relevant updates to Executive leadership
• Aligns advocacy efforts with Student Government Council legislative initiatives

Coug Day & Civic Engagement Leadership

• Leads planning and recruitment efforts for Global Campus participation in Coug Day at the Capitol
• Coordinates Pathway to Coug Day preparation efforts to ensure students understand legislative priorities and expectations
• Collaborates with the SGC Legislative Affairs Committee in the organization and execution of Coug Day
• Conducts follow-up engagement after Coug Day to maintain legislative relationships and continue advocacy efforts

Compliance & Legislative Session Requirements

• Completes required pre-session legislative advocacy training prior to participation in Olympia-based activities
• If participating in lobbying during legislative session, complies with Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) requirements, including necessary registration and reporting
• Submits required monthly legislative updates during session to the President and Vice President

Executive Board Integration & Reporting

• Provides regular reports at weekly Executive Board meetings
• Meets monthly with the President and Vice President during coordinated 2:1’s. 
• Meets weekly with the President and Vice President during legislative session; maintains regular communication throughout the year
• Continues to meet minimum weekly hour expectations through the conclusion of the May term.
• Supplements legislative work outside of session with initiatives aligned to the portfolio, either proposed by the DOLA or assigned by the President

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Role Expectations and Responsibilities

Core Meetings:

• Weekly Executive Board meetings (minimum 80% attendance)
• Monthly 2:1’s with President and Vice President
• Attend monthly Student Affairs Senate meetings
• Legislative planning meetings with system-wide DOLAs
• Other committee or role specific meetings as designated. 

Additional Leadership Commitments:

• Coug Day at the Capitol in January or as designated by Legislative Committee (travel required)
• Pathway to Coug Day training sessions
• Administrative or advocacy-related meetings as scheduled
• Attend and help facilitate ASWSUG events (i.e., Townhalls and Listening Sessions)
• Participation in ASWSUG initiatives, including leading Cougs-Get LIT meetings as designated by the Vice President.
• Hiring Committee participation (as applicable)

Workload Reality:

• Average commitment of 12–18 hours per week
• Workload increases during legislative session and Coug Day planning
• Work responsibilities continue through May regardless of legislative calendar

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Travel and Professional Development

• ​​This role offers significant professional development in public policy, civic leadership, and institutional collaboration. Because of this, occasional fully funded travel within Washington State is required for governance meetings or leadership conferences for this position. 
• Travel required includes:
  • Coug Day at the Capitol in January
  • In-person SGC events throughout the academic year
  • Other events as necessary, such as ASWSUG Hybrid Townhalls

Prior to engaging in lobbying or legislative representation, the DOLA must complete formalized legislative and compliance training. This ensures students are fully prepared and supported before participating in advocacy efforts.*

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Professional Expectations

• Represent ASWSUG and WSU Global Campus professionally and respectfully
• Communicate reliably and follow through on commitments
• Maintain documentation that supports organizational continuity
• Contribute to a collaborative and supportive team culture
• Uphold ASWSUG bylaws, constitution, and Washington State University values

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Qualifications and Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements 

• Currently enrolled S&A fee‑paying Global Campus student
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 and good academic/disciplinary standing
• Enrolled in at least six (6) credits during Fall and Spring
• Summer enrollment not required; onboarding begins during summer
• Able to commit to the full May–May leadership term
• Able to work effectively in a fully virtual environment

Skills & Attributes 

• Interest in public policy, civic engagement, or legislative affairs
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfort, or willingness, to engage in professional conversations with elected officials
• Professional judgment and ethical responsibility
• Strong time management and self-direction

Preferred Qualifications 

• Prior involvement in student government or advocacy efforts
• Coursework or experience related to government, political science, public policy, or communications
• Experience organizing events or coordinating stakeholder engagement