Compliance Specialist/Political Law

Ballard Spahr LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Ballard Spahr LLP is seeking a Compliance Specialist to provide comprehensive legal and compliance support for nonprofit organizations and PACs. Reporting to the Government Affairs & Compliance Manager, you will manage day-to-day operations, prepare filings, maintain records, and ensure regulatory obligations and deadlines are met.

The role offers hybrid work with three days per week in the Washington D.C. or Philadelphia office.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a legal, compliance, accounting, regulatory, public records, government affairs, or related field.
• Experience managing high-volume, deadline-driven workflows involving multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge of compliance processes, documentation management, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Previous experience supporting nonprofit organizations and/or PACs is preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with NetDocuments and Adobe Acrobat preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day compliance operations for nonprofit and PAC clients.
• Prepare, review, and coordinate disclosure filings, reports, and submissions for attorney and client review.
• Monitor statutory and regulatory timelines, identify potential compliance risks, and elevate issues as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of nonprofit and PAC activities, including contributions, disbursements, filings, and supporting documentation.
• Support compliance reviews, audits, investigations, and regulatory responses through records gathering, reporting, and documentation management.
• Collaborate with attorneys, clients, and internal teams to provide updates, track action items, and ensure efficient program operations.
• Assist with process improvement initiatives designed to strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and improve transparency and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrate familiarity with, and willingness to learn, QuickBooks and other bookkeeping software platforms, as well as PAC and lobbying reporting CRM’s.

Skills

Client service focus

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Collaboration

Adaptability

Tools

Microsoft Office

NetDocuments

Adobe Acrobat

Bookkeeping software

Job description

Department: Litigation

About Us

Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States.

The Compliance Specialist provides comprehensive legal and compliance support for a portfolio of nonprofit organizations and Political Action Committees (PACs). Working under the direction of the Government Affairs & Compliance Manager, this role is responsible for managing day-to-day compliance operations, preparing and filing disclosure reports, coordinating intake and investigations support, maintaining records, and ensuring clients meet regulatory obligations and critical deadlines. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with attorneys, clients, government agencies, and internal stakeholders in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This hybrid position offers a work schedule of 3 days per week in the Washington D.C or Philadelphia office.

Why Join Us

• Innovative Work Environment: Become part of a forward-thinking firm that enjoys substantial support and visibility from the firm’s executive leadership.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth.
• Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds.
• Impactful Contributions: Play a key role in supporting nonprofit and political compliance programs that help clients navigate complex regulatory requirements and achieve their goals.

Your Role

As a Compliance Specialist within our Government Affairs & Compliance Team, you will:

• Manage the day-to-day compliance operations for nonprofit and PAC clients, serving as the primary point of contact for communications, inquiries, and regulatory matters.
• Prepare, review, and coordinate disclosure filings, reports, and submissions for attorney and client review while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and deadlines.
• Monitor statutory and regulatory timelines, identify potential compliance risks, and elevate issues as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of nonprofit and PAC activities, including contributions, disbursements, filings, and supporting documentation.
• Support compliance reviews, audits, investigations, and regulatory responses through records gathering, reporting, and documentation management.
• Collaborate with attorneys, clients, and internal teams to provide updates, track action items, and ensure efficient program operations.
• Assist with process improvement initiatives designed to strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and improve transparency and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrate familiarity with, and willingness to learn, QuickBooks and other bookkeeping software platforms, as well as PAC and lobbying reporting CRM’s.

What We're Looking For

• Client Service Focus: Demonstrated ability to anticipate client needs and provide exceptional service to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex processes and requirements clearly.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional organizational skills with a commitment to accuracy and quality in all work products.
• Problem Solving: Sound judgment, analytical thinking, and the ability to manage sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, build relationships, and support shared goals.
• Adaptability: Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a legal, compliance, accounting, regulatory, public records, government affairs, or related field.
• Experience managing high-volume, deadline-driven workflows involving multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge of compliance processes, documentation management, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Previous experience supporting nonprofit organizations and/or Political Action Committees (PACs) is preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with bookkeeping software preferred.
• Experience with document management systems such as NetDocuments and Adobe Acrobat preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive information professionally.

The targeted salary range for this position is from $115,000 - $125,000, which reflects the firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including experience, qualifications, and location.

Ballard Spahr offers an excellent benefits package. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Careers section of the firm’s website.

At Ballard Spahr, we believe that our skills, perspectives, and backgrounds drive innovation and excellence, while our unique culture fosters collaboration and success. Our culture of thriving together forms the cornerstone of how we deliver exceptional service and position our firm for a strong future.

We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Ballard Spahr is an equal opportunity employer. We offer equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, genetic information, ancestry, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.

The firm is not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.

Ballard Spahr LLP, an AmLaw 100 law firm with more than 750 lawyers in 19 U.S. offices, serves clients across industry sectors in litigation, transactions, and regulatory compliance. We partner with clients—from startups to Fortune 500 companies, governments, and nonprofit organizations—to deliver the strategic counsel, powerful advocacy, and dynamic thinking that helps them overcome challenges, protect what’s important, and position for future success. The firm combines a comprehensive scope of practice with strong regional market knowledge. And we are nationally recognized in the development and use of innovative technology to drive efficiency, transparency, and results. Please visit www.ballardspahr.com.