Julie Watts
Olympia,WA
Summary
Experienced with state and federal policies, policy analysis and development, and strategic advice. Utilizes critical thinking and effective communication to influence policy outcomes. Track record of collaborative efforts and adaptability in dynamic environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Policy Advisor
WA State Dept. of Children, Youth and Families
02.2020 - Current
- Provides expert advice to the Secretary of DCYF and the Director of Public Affairs on policy analysis and development concerning child welfare and prevention services.
- Oversees the child welfare and prevention services bill analysis, develops agency request legislation, supports budget analysis and provides policy advice to agency leadership.
- Oversees the system of development and approval of legislatively mandated reports to Governor's office and the state legislature.
Government Affairs Liaison
Washington State Budget & Policy Center
09.2019 - 09.2020
- Lead staff responsible for developing the Center's legislative agenda and legislative strategy
- Oversaw Legislative Affairs on the Center's lead legislative priorities including Capital Gains Tax, the Working Families Tax Credit and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
- Represented the organization with community alliances including the Washington Anti-Poverty Advocates Group, the Early Learning Action Alliance and others.
Deputy Director
Washington State Budget & Policy Center
09.2016 - 09.2019
- Oversight and development of outreach, engagement and external relations on state taxes, budget and spending policy, especially as concerns low and moderate come families.
- Oversight and management of research, data and policy projects and deliverables.
- Research, data analysis, policy development, legislative advocacy, communications, lobbying and fundraising.
Instructor
University of Washington School of Social Work Seattle WA
01.2011 - 08.2016
- Taught a foundation level course for Master’s Degree students covering Organizational, Community and Policy Practice.
- Course content and materials focus on strategies for public policy change.
- Topics include power and oppression, principles of social change, the policy making process, community organizing, lobbying, media communications, grassroots mobilization etc.
Communications Associate
Puget Sound SAGE
12.2011 - 03.2013
- Developed and served as the managing editor for Sound Progress, a progressive news blog on public policy and research for a Puget Sound Region where all people thrive.
- Wrote and edited blog posts, public policy fact sheets, research reports, press releases and online content.
- Coordinated and executed the release of Sage reports including, press releases, pitches and working with reporters on news stories.
Community Ministries
Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ
10.2006 - 08.2008
- Engaged and mobilized members of 1000+ families’ church community to participate in the wider community to promote social and ecological justice.
- Coordinated the Community Service and Social Action Board to distribute over $200,000 in grants to local community organizations.
- Led faith formation and educational activities in the area of social justice and mission.
Legislative Campaigns Coordinator
Statewide Poverty Action Network
08.2003 - 07.2006
- Lead director of legislative campaigns for a statewide alliance engaging and mobilizing people to take action on the root causes of poverty
- Worked with a diverse board to develop a legislative agenda and led lobbying efforts in Olympia on protecting social services, asset building, consumer protections and welfare.
- Organized and mobilized stakeholders and allies to weigh in with lawmakers on the organizations legislative agenda. Developed annual legislative agenda, policy positions, public statements, testimony, fact sheets and other materials.
Public Policy Associate
Washington Association of Churches
07.2002 - 07.2003
- Policy director and lead organizer for legislative campaigns for a statewide ecumenical association representing 1200 churches statewide.
- Lobbied the state legislature and federal lawmakers from Washington on poverty, hunger, access to health care, welfare, environmental issues and tax fairness.
- Organized and mobilized religious leaders and bishops, clergy and church members to weigh in with lawmakers on our legislative agenda.
- Developed annual legislative agenda, policy positions, public statements, testimony, fact sheets and other materials.
- Organized legislative briefings in Spokane, Greater Seattle, Yakima, Tacoma and Bellingham.
- Wrote grants to support the organizations public policy work.
Education
Master of Social Work -
University of Washington
Seattle1999
Skills
- Budget and policy analysis
- Government and public affairs
- Federal & state legislation
- Public speaking & education
- Media, communications and writing
- Fundraising and development
Boards and Affiliations
- Statewide Poverty Action Network: (2018-2021) Member of the board of a statewide anti-poverty organization advancing policy solutions for low income people in Washington state.
- Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative: (2017-2021) Formerly the Board President for a survivor-led, Native American-led organization working to end human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation through training, intervention, advocacy and support.
- Governor Inslee’s Poverty Reduction Work Group: (2018-2020) Convened by Governor Inslee, the work group was tasked with developing a strategic plan to reduce poverty, improve communities and make needed progress related to housing, health integration, employment and education.
Timeline
Senior Policy Advisor
WA State Dept. of Children, Youth and Families
02.2020 - Current
Government Affairs Liaison
Washington State Budget & Policy Center
09.2019 - 09.2020
Deputy Director
Washington State Budget & Policy Center
09.2016 - 09.2019
Communications Associate
Puget Sound SAGE
12.2011 - 03.2013
Instructor
University of Washington School of Social Work Seattle WA
01.2011 - 08.2016
Community Ministries
Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ
10.2006 - 08.2008
Legislative Campaigns Coordinator
Statewide Poverty Action Network
08.2003 - 07.2006
Public Policy Associate
Washington Association of Churches
07.2002 - 07.2003
Master of Social Work -
University of Washington
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