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Legislative Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AARP

Legislative Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$135K/yr

The Legislative Director for Housing, Transportation, and Broadband serves as AARP's federal lobbyist, leading advocacy efforts to advance policies that help people live where they choose, stay ...

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Mequon, WI · Hybrid

The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject ...

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Petersburg, VA · Hybrid

The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject ...

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Miami, FL · Hybrid

The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject ...

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Alexandria, VA · Hybrid

The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject ...

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Charleston, SC · Hybrid

The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject ...

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Columbus, OH · Hybrid

The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject ...

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject ...

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Bedford, IN · Hybrid

The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject ...

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Marblehead, MA · Hybrid

The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject ...

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Bellevue, WA · Hybrid

The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject ...

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

New York, NY · Hybrid

The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject ...

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject ...

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All JobsLegislative Director Jobs

Legislative Director information

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$48K

$124K

$184.5K

How much do legislative director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for legislative director in the United States is $123,955.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to become a legislative aide?

Becoming a legislative aide typically requires a bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, or related fields, along with strong communication and organizational skills. Entry-level positions often require internships or volunteer experience, and competition can be high, making relevant experience and networking important for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Legislative Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Legislative Director, you need in-depth knowledge of legislative processes, policy analysis, and government relations, typically supported by a degree in political science, law, or public policy. Familiarity with legislative tracking systems, constituent management tools, and strong research capabilities is essential. Exceptional leadership, strategic communication, and networking skills help manage teams and build effective relationships with stakeholders. These skills are crucial for advancing legislative priorities, advising policymakers, and ensuring successful advocacy within a dynamic political environment.

What are some common challenges Legislative Directors face when managing a legislative agenda?

Legislative Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing competing legislative priorities, responding quickly to fast-changing political landscapes, and coordinating input from multiple stakeholders including staff, constituents, and external advocacy groups. Effective time management and strong communication skills are essential, as the role requires tracking numerous bills and deadlines while ensuring the legislator's goals are met. Adaptability and strategic thinking help Legislative Directors stay ahead in a dynamic environment and successfully advance their office’s policy objectives.

What is the difference between Legislative Director vs Legislative Assistant?

AspectLegislative DirectorLegislative Assistant
ResponsibilitiesOversees legislative strategy, manages staff, and liaises with lawmakersResearches bills, prepares reports, and assists with legislative tasks
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in policy or governmentBachelor's degree, strong research and communication skills
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, high-pressure, leadership roleOffice-based, supportive, detail-oriented role
Industry UsagePolitical offices, advocacy groups, government agencies

The main difference is that a Legislative Director manages legislative strategies and staff, while a Legislative Assistant focuses on research and supporting legislative activities. The roles often work together, but the Director holds a leadership position with broader responsibilities.

What is the job of a legislative director?

A legislative director oversees the development and implementation of legislative strategies for an organization or government office. They analyze proposed laws, coordinate with lawmakers, and manage staff to influence policy outcomes, often requiring strong communication and policy analysis skills. The role involves monitoring legislation, advising leadership, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

What does a Legislative Director do?

A Legislative Director oversees the legislative strategy and policy priorities for a legislator, often in a congressional or state legislative office. They are responsible for analyzing legislation, advising the legislator on policy decisions, and coordinating with other staff and stakeholders to advance the lawmaker’s agenda. Legislative Directors draft bills, track policy developments, and ensure that their office is informed on key issues. They also supervise legislative staff and serve as a primary point of contact for policy matters.

How much does a legislative director make?

The average salary for a legislative director in Pennsylvania is approximately $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, organization size, and location. Legislative directors often have strong policy knowledge, political experience, and may work long hours during legislative sessions.

What Is a Legislative Director?

A legislative director works to create federal policy and resolve high-priority issues. They often work with an assistant and other agency staff to develop strategic plans to push legislative issues through to Congress. Daily duties include drafting legislation as well as attending conferences, press hearings, and meetings. Qualifications for a legislative director typically include experience working as a legislative assistant as well as advanced formal education.

How much does a legislative director in the US House make?

A legislative director in the US House typically earns between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, district size, and the office's budget. They often have strong policy knowledge, political experience, and may receive additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
More about Legislative Director jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Legislative jobs? The most popular types of Legislative jobs are:
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What states have the most Legislative Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Legislative Director jobs include:
Legislative Director jobs near you
Legislative Director

Legislative Director

AARP

Washington, DC • On-site

$135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

AARP rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

111th of 687 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Overview
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.
AARP's Community, State and National Affairs (CSN) Group includes Government Relations, Programs, Volunteer Engagement, Community Outreach and Advocacy at the federal, state and local levels. It delivers on AARP's social mission by educating and engaging people 50-plus and their families, strengthening communities, and championing issues that help give people financial and health security.
The Legislative Director for Housing, Transportation, and Broadband serves as AARP's federal lobbyist, leading advocacy efforts to advance policies that help people live where they choose, stay connected to their communities, and thrive as they age. In this role, you will develop and execute federal legislative and regulatory strategies across housing affordability and accessibility, transportation access and safety, and broadband access and adoption. You will own and manage a portfolio, build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, and drive policy outcomes that reflect the needs of older Americans. This position plays a critical role in connecting federal advocacy with AARP's extensive state and local work by partnering closely with AARP state offices and policy teams to translate community priorities into federal strategies that reflect what's actually happening on the ground.
Responsibilities
  • Serves as a point of contact on a specific portfolio of issues.
  • Interacts with federal and state elected officials and staff members in a lobbyist capacity.
  • Researches and identifies public policy issues of interest to the organization and prepares summaries and reports on the facts and issues.
  • Analyzes federal and state legislative and regulatory proposals, communicates regularly with state office staff regarding the organization's policy goals, and contributes to internal and external advocacy materials.
  • Builds strong relationships with members of Congress, federal or state officials, internal and external stakeholders, professional associations, and coalitions to achieve the organization's public policy agenda.
  • Identifies and recommends opportunities to advance the organization's priorities.
  • Works closely with colleagues in States, Campaigns, Policy Development, Programs, Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, and other departments to drive robust and proactive advocacy on their portfolio of issues for Americans 50 and older.
  • Serves as a spokesperson with press and with legislative and non-legislative audiences on a specific portfolio of issues as they relate to older adults to position the organization as a credible source of information on legislative and regulatory issues. Identifies, supervises and works with outside consultants and issue experts to advance the organization's advocacy agenda.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • 8+ years of progressively responsible federal legislative, agency, or lobbying experience, such as direct lobbying before Members of Congress and congressional staff, serving in a federal agency role, or working in a congressional office as a Legislative Assistant, Legislative Director, committee staff, or in a comparable role.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the connection between federal, state, and local advocacy, with experience translating community-level priorities into effective federal advocacy strategies.
  • Strong understanding of how Congress operates, including legislative strategy, committee processes, timing considerations, and political dynamics.
  • Federal legislative experience, with the ability to adapt quickly across a range of policy areas, respond effectively to shifting priorities and emerging issues, and a passion for learning new issues.
  • Experience analyzing federal legislation and regulations; drafting and presenting policy materials such as issue briefs, comment letters, testimony, and formal statements; and translating policy analysis into actionable advocacy strategies.
  • Proven ability to work in a non-partisan and inclusive manner, building trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders and facilitating collaboration on complex or sensitive issues.

Preferred:
  • Experience supporting or advancing federal legislation related to housing or transportation and the interest in learning broadband and other issues as needed.

Additional Requirements
  • Regular and reliable job attendance.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships.
  • Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions.
  • In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise.

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
Hybrid Work Environment
AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.
Compensation and Benefits
AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition and tuition reimbursement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

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