Legislative Director

City of Alexandria, VA; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plans

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Holidays

Transit benefits

On-site gyms

Professional development

Job summary

The Legislative Director for City of Alexandria, VA serves as the primary advocate and liaison with the Virginia General Assembly, Governor’s administration, and federal policymakers to advance the City’s legislative and budget priorities.

The role requires overseeing the legislative team, tracking policy developments, and ensuring compliance with lobbying rules while coordinating with City leadership and departments.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree; five years in government at federal, state, or local level.
• Experience with the Virginia General Assembly and Virginia’s state legislative process.
• Master’s degree or law degree preferred; experience across multiple government levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, presentation, and execution of the City’s legislative agenda at state and federal levels.
• Monitor and analyze state legislation, budget proposals, and policy developments impacting the City.
• Build and maintain relationships with General Assembly members, Governor’s staff, and federal counterparts.
• Provide timely updates and strategic recommendations to City leadership.
• Manage federal lobbying program and coordinate advocacy for funding opportunities.
• Track legislation and prepare concise reports for City Council, City Manager, and department heads.
• Ensure compliance with lobbying disclosure requirements and reporting obligations.
• This role requires relocation to Richmond during sessions and frequent travel between Alexandria and Richmond.

Skills

Legislative process

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or J.D.

Job description

Legislative Director

Overview:

The Legislative Director serves as the primary advocate and liaison for the City of Alexandria with the Virginia General Assembly, the Governor’s administration, and federal policymakers. This position is responsible for advancing the City’s legislative agenda at the state and federal levels, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, and fostering collaborative relationships to support Alexandria’s policy and budgetary goals.

About the City Manager's Office:

The Alexandria City Manager is appointed by the City Council to be the chief administrative officer of the City. The City Manager's administrative staff serves as a liaison with City departments and with other governmental entities receiving funding from the City, but not reporting to the City Manager, and generally administers the City government. If you are curious for a broader view, click the City of Alexandria to learn more about our great City. This position reports to a Deputy City Manager within the City Manager’s Office.

Key Responsibilities

• State Legislative Advocacy
  • Lead the development, presentation, and execution of the City’s legislative agenda during General Assembly sessions.
  • Monitor and analyze state legislation, budget proposals, and policy developments that impact the City.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with members of the General Assembly, the Governor’s administration, and legislative staff.
  • Provide timely updates and strategic recommendations to City leadership regarding legislative activities and their implications.
• Federal Legislative Advocacy
  • Manage the City’s federal lobbying program to ensure alignment with the City’s priorities and effective advocacy efforts.
  • Develop and advance the City’s federal legislative package, focusing on policy and budget priorities.
  • Build and maintain relationships with the City’s congressional delegation and their staff to advocate for Alexandria’s federal interests.
  • Monitor federal legislation, regulatory changes, and appropriations opportunities that could affect the City.
  • Coordinate advocacy efforts for federal funding and grant opportunities in partnership with City departments and external stakeholders.
• Policy and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborate with City departments to identify and align legislative priorities with operational needs.
  • Represent the City’s interests in meetings, hearings, and discussions with state and federal stakeholders.
  • Foster partnerships with other local governments, municipal associations, and regional organizations to support shared legislative goals.
• Legislative Tracking and Reporting
  • Track and manage all state and federal legislation relevant to the City, identifying risks and opportunities.
  • Prepare clear, concise reports and briefings for City Council, the City Manager, and department heads on legislative matters.
• Budget Advocacy
  • Advocate for state and federal funding to support the City’s projects and initiatives.
  • Engage with state and federal budget committees and agencies to advance Alexandria’s financial interests.
• Public Communication and Outreach
  • Communicate the City’s legislative efforts and successes to residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.
  • Draft public statements, testimony, and correspondence on behalf of City leadership.
• Administrative Oversight
  • Manage the legislative team and consultants, ensuring effective coordination and resource allocation.
  • Ensure compliance with lobbying disclosure requirements and reporting obligations.
  • This role requires a deep understanding of legislative processes at both the state and federal levels, exceptional political acumen, and the ability to prioritize key responsibilities to maximize the City’s success in achieving its policy and budgetary objectives.

Minimum:

Four-Year College Degree; at least five years of experience in government at the Federal, State, or local level; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have significant experience in the legislative process, experience working with the Virginia General Assembly and navigating Virginia’s state legislative process, and some knowledge of or experience in the Federal legislative process. Significant experience with written and verbal presentations.

Master’s Degree or law degree and will have experience in multiple levels/areas of government (i.e., local/state/federal; executive and legislative). Additional experience in State and Federal budget development desired. Virginia State legislative experience is highly desirable for this position.

Experience working with the Virginia General Assembly and navigating Virginia’s state legislative process.

The work of this position requires the temporary relocation to Richmond, Virginia when the Virginia General Assembly is in session, as well as weekly trips back and forth between Alexandria and Richmond when the General Assembly is in session, as well as frequent trips to Richmond during the balance of the year to attend legislative committee and other meetings. The City funds the cost of the temporary relocations, as well as travel and other expenses. The primary work location for this position is the City of Alexandria.

Legislative Director Brochure

Pease note that the work location for this role is: 421 King St., 2nd Floor. Alexandria, VA. 22314

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to a criminal background check.

CITY BENEFITS

• Retirement
  • City of Alexandria Supplemental Retirement Plan
  • Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
  • Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan
• Medical, Dental, Vision– City covers 75-80%
• Administrative Leave– 13 days per year
• Holidays– 13 paid holidays
• Sick leave– 12 days per year
• Bereavement Leave– 3 days per occurrence
• Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development– $3200 per fiscal year
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)– City paid; Additional buy-up option available
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)– Medical and Dependent Care available
• Transit Benefits– Up to $270 per month for employees who utilize public transit
• Access to our on-site gyms near City Hall (equipment includes treadmills, weights, Peloton bikes, elliptical etc.)
• Jet Dental – an onsite dental service twice per year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee wellness and development programs
• Other City discounts through partnerships