Director, Advocacy

Illinois Credit Union League, Inc.; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

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

You will coordinate advocacy efforts, strengthen regulatory outreach, and connect member credit unions with policymakers and coalition partners. Responsibilities include shaping legislative initiatives, tracking activity, creating advocacy materials, and representing ICUL at hearings while building strong relationships and supporting grassroots efforts and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, communications, business or law.
• At least 5+ years in Illinois government relations, advocacy or public affairs.
• Strong writing, speaking and relationship-building skills; able to juggle priorities.

Responsibilities

• Shape and advance state legislative initiatives and track regulatory activity.
• Prepare advocacy materials, reports and member communications.
• Support meetings between credit union leaders and elected officials.
• Represent ICUL in hearings and stakeholder settings; build durable relationships.
• Support grassroots advocacy and fundraising-related activities; ensure lobbying compliance.

Skills

Relationship-building

Writing

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

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; and Employee Discounts.