Director, Advocacy

Illinois Credit Union League; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Credit Union League, Inc. in Naperville, IL seeks a Director of Advocacy to drive state and federal public-policy priorities for Illinois credit unions.

Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer & Senior VP, Advocacy, you will coordinate legislative efforts, strengthen regulatory outreach, and connect member credit unions with policymakers and coalition partners. You will shape legislative initiatives, track activity, prepare advocacy materials, support meetings with officials, and ensure

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Illinois government relations/advocacy/public affairs/political campaigns or similar.
• Strong writing, speaking, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Shape and advance state legislative initiatives; track and interpret legislative/regulatory activity.
• Prepare advocacy materials, reports, and member communications.
• Represent ICUL in hearings and stakeholder settings; build relationships with lawmakers, regulators, and partners.
• Coordinate meetings between credit union leaders and elected officials; support grassroots outreach and advocacy events.
• Assist political engagement and fundraising-related activities; ensure compliance with Illinois lobbying requirements.

Skills

Writing skills

Speaking skills

Relationship-building

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Your Mission

As Director, Advocacy, you'll help drive Illinois Credit Union League's state and federal public-policy priorities for Illinois credit unions. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer & Senior Vice President, Advocacy, you'll help coordinate legislative and political advocacy efforts, strengthen regulatory outreach, and act as a key connector among member credit unions, policymakers, and coalition partners.

Key responsibilities include shaping and advancing state legislative initiatives; tracking and interpreting legislative/regulatory activity; preparing advocacy materials, reports, and member communications; supporting meetings between credit union leaders and elected officials; representing ICUL in hearings and stakeholder settings; building durable relationships with lawmakers, regulators, and partners; supporting grassroots engagement and advocacy events; assisting political engagement and fundraising-related activities; and ensuring compliance with Illinois lobbying requirements.

Required qualifications/skills:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., political science, public policy, communications, business, law)
• 5+ years in Illinois government relations/advocacy/public affairs/political campaigns or similar
• Strong writing, speaking, and relationship-building skills; ability to juggle multiple priorities

Daily Advocacy Pulse

You start the day by checking the latest headlines, bill movement, and regulatory chatter-then jump into quick, focused huddles to lock in priorities. From there, it's a fast rhythm of calls and emails with member leaders and partners, turning complicated updates into simple, confident direction. Later, you sharpen talking points and materials so they're ready to hit at exactly the right moment, while keeping a close eye on calendars and shifting deadlines. Before signing off, you take stock of what advanced today, line up tomorrow's outreach, and stay on standby for the sudden turns that make advocacy electric.

Benefits That Back You

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Competitive Salary
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Discounts