Associate Director, State Legislative Affairs

Position Summary:

Are you a state policy and legislative expert with strong communication and advocacy skills? If so, Democracy Forward Foundation (“Democracy Forward”) is hiring an AssociateDirector, State Legislative Affairs to provide strategic leadership to advance pro-democracy and progressive policies and ideals though state government affairs efforts. The Associate Director is accountable for strengthening and scaling state advocacy infrastructure by providing strategic leadership, policy expertise, and hands-on technical support. The role serves as the staff expert and primary liaison between Democracy Forward and elected officials and partners in state executive and legislative branch positions providing policy expertise and technical assistance.

This position requires the ability to operate with a high degree of professionalism and autonomy, independently executing priorities, exercising judgment, building and maintaining strong relationships, analyzing bills and regulations, and collaborating effectively with staff and stakeholders across diverse political environments.

This position is full-time. Democracy Forward’s office is located in Washington, DC. Remote candidates within the United States will also be considered. If a candidate is outside of the DC area, travel to DC is expected 1-2 times per quarter. This role also requires travel up to 50% of the time to support regional business needs, with most trips lasting 1-2 nights.

The Associate Director, State Legislative Affairs will report to the Policy Director, and will collaborate closely with the Policy and Public Affairs team, as well as the entire organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Below are the key areas of responsibility for this role. The specifics of each responsibility may vary based on the needs of the organization and department.

• Lead the cultivation and maintenance of strategic relationships with state policymakers.
• Serve as the senior staff lead and primary point of contact for state policymakers.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership to state policymakers to align and advance Democracy Forward Foundation’s advocacy priorities.
• Monitor and analyze state legislative and regulatory activity; independently assess political landscapes and provide proactive, strategic guidance to state leaders.
• Lead the drafting and development of bills, regulations, testimony, fact sheets, and advocacy materials.
• Represent Democracy Forward as a leader at legislative hearings, stakeholder meetings, and regulatory proceedings, including providing expert testimony as needed.
• Collaborate with Democracy Forward Foundation’s Office of Regulatory Affairs and Strategic Initiatives to strategically elevate and amplify state advocacy initiatives and policy wins/losses.
• Deliver high-level briefings and presentations to Democracy Forward Foundation leadership, staff, and external partners on state government affairs issues.
• Travel to represent Democracy Forward Foundation at state-level events, meetings, and legislative days.

Qualifications:

We recognize that strong candidates may not meet 100% of the qualifications listed. If you believe you can contribute meaningfully to our team, we encourage you to apply.

• Bachelor’s degree required. 
• J.D. preferred.
• 7-10+ years of experience in state government relations, public policy, or related field.
• Experience designing and executing advocacy strategies.
• Direct state advocacy or legislative experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously, manage complex portfolios, and deliver results with minimal oversight in a fast-paced advocacy environment.
• Proven collaborative, solution-oriented leadership approach when working with staff and external stakeholders.
• Experience leading and managing staff, consultants, and outside contractors/vendors with accountability for outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
• Established experience and strong professional connections with state legislatures and/or advocacy communities preferred.
• In-depth understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• This role requires travel up to 50% of the time to support regional business needs, with most trips lasting 1-2 nights. Willingness to accommodate non-standard hours will be needed.
• This role may involve sitting for extended periods and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $145,000 plus excellent benefits. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Democracy Forward Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly encourage people of color; LGBTQIA+ people; women; people with disabilities; and veterans to apply. Please note that all lawyer positions require a law degree and active membership in the bar of a state or the District of Columbia. 

Not sure you meet all of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement.  If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to mission-based legal and policy work, returning to work after a gap in employment, or simply looking to transition or take the next step in your career path, we welcome the opportunity to have you on our radar.  Please include in your cover letter the nature of your interest in legal and policy work promoting democracy and progress and what you hope to bring to our team and the role for which you are applying. 

Democracy Forward is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the hiring process, please direct your inquiries to recruiting@democracyforward.org or 833-391-4732.