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Legislative Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

State of Iowa

Capitol Tour Guide

Des Moines, IA

$18.03/hr

Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to the Director, Legislative Services Agency, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa 50319, online at The Legislative Services Agency is an equal opportunity ...

Sagency

Finance Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

City Clerk Duties (Statutory, Legislative, & Records Functions) Serves as the official record ... Director search. Sagency consultants will review and evaluate all interested parties to help the ...

Sagency

Finance Director

Urbandale, IA

City Clerk Duties (Statutory, Legislative, & Records Functions) Serves as the official record ... Director search. Sagencyconsultants will review and evaluate all interested parties to help the ...

Sagency

Finance Director

Pleasant Hill, IA

City Clerk Duties (Statutory, Legislative, & Records Functions) Serves as the official record ... Director search. Sagencyconsultants will review and evaluate all interested parties to help the ...

Trinity Health

Regional Laboratory Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

As a Regional Laboratory Director at MercyOne, you will: * Be responsible for planning ... Knowledge of laboratory legislative and regulatory requirements * Proven leadership skills in ...

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All JobsLegislative JobsLegislative Director JobsLegislative Director Jobs in Iowa

Legislative Director information

See Iowa salary details

$45.1K

$116.4K

$173.3K

How much do legislative director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for legislative director in Iowa is $116,427.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,600.00 and $128,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

More about Legislative Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Legislative jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Legislative jobs in Iowa are:
Legislative Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legislative Director job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,427 per year, or $56 per hour.
Director, Legislative Affairs

Director, Legislative Affairs

Ryan, LLC

Cedar Rapids, IA • Hybrid

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Why Ryan?

  • Hybrid Work Options

  • Award-Winning Culture

  • Generous Personal Time Off (PTO) Benefits

  • 14-Weeks of 100% Paid Leave for New Parents (Adoption Included)

  • Monthly Gym Membership Reimbursement OR Gym Equipment Reimbursement

  • Benefits Eligibility Effective Day One

  • 401K with Employer Match

  • Tuition Reimbursement After One Year of Service

  • Fertility Assistance Program

  • Four-Week Company-Paid Sabbatical Eligibility After Five Years of Service

For this role, we will consider candidates anywhere in the U.S.
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 matter experts to develop the firm's state legislative agendas, and coordinating with external lobbyists and third-party groups. They will work to identify, improve, and drive efficiencies and fairness in the tax administration process.
This is a high-profile role offering significant room for career growth. Qualified candidates will have strong experience in tax policy, communications, and government affairs. Property Tax policy experience is required, and multi-state property tax experience is strongly preferred.
We will consider individuals who are ready for a promotion and currently at the Manager or Senior Manager level.
If this is you or someone you know, we would like to speak with you. Please submit your resume or contact us directly if you want to learn more.
Contact: Rebecca.Turton@Ryan.com or Andra.Kayem@ryan.com
Come be a part of the excitement at Ryan. We are a Great Place to Work!
Summary
The Legislative Affairs Director assists the Principal and the Advocacy Services Practice with directing, implementing, managing, coordinating, overseeing, and supervising multistate legislative efforts of the Firm, or the Firm's clients as needed. This includes, without limitation, drafting, reviewing, and tracking proposed state legislation that we support and oppose. They are the lead with internal subject matter experts developing the Firm's state legislative agendas and working through hearings, testimony, amendments, and all other legislative functions. The Director coordinates with external lobbyists, third party groups and other policy influencers and may be required to register as a lobbyist and give testimony.
The Legislative Affairs Director also assists the Practice Leader with drafting, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures pertaining to the Advocacy Services Practice. They will lead communications both internally and externally as needed.

Duties and responsibilities:

People:

  • Leads development of legislative agendas for assigned states.
  • Coordinates with subject matter experts from Practices on content, amendments, and passage of legislation.
  • Coordinates testimony and may be called upon to testify.
  • Leads coordination with external groups and lobbyists in support of legislative efforts.
  • Provides legislative expertise to other departments where needed and may be asked to give written, PowerPoint and formal public presentations.
  • Supports Principals with political insights and tracking and policy campaign management.

Client:

  • Assists with and manages client-related state legislative efforts.
  • Develops client workplans and schedules associated project deliverables.
  • Prepares and conducts client presentations.
  • Reviews and reconciles client data and identifies tax issues to research.
  • Responds to client inquiries and requests from state agencies.
  • Researches and provides legislative insights, threats, opportunities and trends.

Value:

  • Plans and directs various aspects of the Firm's Legislative Affairs Practice.
  • Supports coordination of the Firm's multistate legislative agenda.
  • Assists in managing the Firm's relationship with its outside counsel and lobby groups.
  • Tracks and monitors tax legislation in various states.
  • Drafts and reviews proposed state tax legislation including amendments.
  • Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for the Firm.
  • Prepares and reviews state lobby reports as needed.
  • Maintains comprehensive database of public policy initiatives and facilitates status update meetings.
  • Performs research and advises on state tax legislative matters.
  • Writes communications documents some of which are: white papers, testimony, update documents (internal and external), persuasive one pagers, and more.
  • Manages complex state and local tax projects.
  • Negotiates tax resolutions with state agencies.
  • Negotiates tax issues, ideas and policies with elected officials, agencies, thought leaders and their staff members.
  • Assists with other projects as needed.

Education and Experience: Juris Doctor Degree ("JD") from an accredited law school and at least seven years related experience in a similar environment. Understanding of State and Local Tax policies and statutes. Experience in tax policy, communications and government affairs. Specifically, property tax policy experience is required. Multi-state property tax experience is strongly preferred.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual must have intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Internet navigation and research.

Certificates and Licenses: Valid driver's license required. License to practice law within the United States required. Membership to the American Bar Association preferred. May be required to register as a lobbyist.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job directly supervises employees in the Legislative Affairs Practice and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Firm's policies and applicable laws.

Work Environment:

  • Standard indoor working environment.
  • Occasional long periods of sitting while working at computer.
  • Position requires regular interaction with coworkers, clients and elected and appointed government officials in person, via e-mail and telephone.
  • Requires some evening and weekend hours.
  • Independent travel requirement: 30 to 50%

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran

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