Legislative Director

League of Arizona Cities and Towns; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

League of Arizona Cities and Towns invites applications for an experienced Legislative Director to lead the League’s legislative advocacy program, guiding strategy and coordinating city lobbyists and staff.

The role emphasizes building coalitions, advancing municipal positions before the state legislature, and mentoring a Legislative Assistant/Associate as a key priority for succession and organizational strength.

Qualifications

• Degree in political science/public administration or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in local government, lobbying, or related government work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the League’s legislative advocacy and government relations activities.
• Develop legislative strategies and coordinate advocacy with city Intergovernmental Relations staff.
• Advocate municipal policy positions before the state legislature and agencies.
• Provide policy research, analysis and monitoring; draft amendments and policy positions.
• Oversee production of weekly Legislative Bulletin and New Laws Report.
• Supervise staff in the Legislative Division and manage day-to-day operations.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Legislative advocacy

Coalition building

Stakeholder management

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in political science/public administration/related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Experienced legislative leader sought to lead the legislative program of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, the association representing Arizona's incorporated cities and towns. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced legislative professional seeking both strategic leadership and team-building responsibilities. In addition to directing the League's legislative advocacy efforts, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to recruit, mentor, and develop a Legislative Assistant/Associate, a position that is currently vacant.

The Legislative Director coordinates the collective efforts of League staff and city lobbyists by facilitating the development of consensus positions and ensuring effective follow-through on legislative priorities. The position requires detailed knowledge of the legislative process, wellestablished relationships with Arizona legislators, the ability to develop successful legislative strategies and tactics, a proven ability to build relationships and coalitions, exceptional communication skills, a commitment to the League's mission, and the ability to manage multiple issues simultaneously.

Candidates must possess a degree in a relevant field and at least five years of experience in the legislative process. Municipal experience is preferred. Salary range: $150,000–$200,000, depending on qualifications and experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

BASIC FUNCTIONS

Under supervision of the Executive Director, the Legislative Director leads the League’s legislative advocacy and government relations activities in support of the League’s mission and adopted policy priorities. Develops legislative strategies and coordinates advocacy efforts that advance the interest of Arizona’s cities and towns while preserving local decision‑making authority. Advocates municipal positions and policies before legislative committees and members, state administrative agencies and other organizations. Provides support for similar advocacy on federal issues. Coordinates legislative activities with Executive Director and city Intergovernmental Relations staff. Researches, analyzes, and writes about legislation and regulations and their impact upon municipalities; makes presentations to the League Executive Committee; provides miscellaneous informational services.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as the League’s lead legislative advocate, recommending and implementing the League’s adopted policy positions on various legislative bills and regulatory issues. Leads the development of advocacy strategies.
• Advocates the League’s municipal policy positions before the state legislature, state agencies and other groups by providing testimony, building relationships, facilitating discussions, and advocating for municipal policy positions.
• Coordinates League advocacy activities with city Intergovernmental Relations staff and implements the League’s legislative work plan.
• Provides policy support through research, analysis and monitoring, drafting amendments, and recommending policy positions.
• Oversees production of weekly Legislative Bulletin, special notices and updates, and New Laws Report.
• Answers inquiries on various legislative and technical municipal topics.
• Makes reports to the League’s Executive Committee as assigned regarding current legislative topics.
• Participates as League spokesperson and resource person at conferences, workshops and other forums involving municipal officials and other persons.
• Monitors federal legislative and administrative proposals.
• Supervises staff in the Legislative Division through hiring, firing, and related oversight.
• Performs such other responsibilities as may be assigned from time-to-time by the Executive Director.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration or related field; master’s degree preferred. Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in local government, lobbying/political advocacy or other government related experience