State Government Relations Manager

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Legal Action of Wisconsin seeks an experienced Government Relations Manager to cultivate relationships with state legislators, congressional staff, and executive-branch officials to secure funding for civil legal aid. The role emphasizes year-round strategy, compliance with lobbying rules, and maintaining visibility in Wisconsin’s policymaking circles.

The Manager will coordinate with leadership to educate on federal funding stewardship and collaborate across departments to demonstrate impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or at least 10 years of experience in a Legislative Relations Manager or equivalent position.
• Significant experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, governmental service, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships in Wisconsin’s Madison-based legislative, government-relations, and policymaking community.
• Ability to establish and sustain productive relationships with elected officials, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work in person and travel throughout Wisconsin for policymaker meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy to secure, maintain, and expand state investment in civil legal aid.
• Develop and implement a year-round government-relations strategy.
• Build relationships with legislators, staff, and policymakers.
• Maintain a visible presence at the State Capitol and Madison-based government-relations community.
• Ensure policymakers understand Legal Action’s impact and value.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Oral communication

Persuasive communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Legal Action of Wisconsin seeks an experienced Government Relations Manager to cultivate relationships with state legislators, congressional staff, and executive-branch officials to secure funding for civil legal aid. The role emphasizes year-round strategy, compliance with lobbying rules, and maintaining visibility in Wisconsin’s policymaking circles.

The Manager will coordinate with leadership to educate on federal funding stewardship and collaborate across departments to demonstrate impact