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Legislative Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Legislative Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

The Senior Legislative Analyst will support the Office of the Under Secretary of War for ... direct communication, and hard work. Our core capabilities include: * Strategic Planning * Cost ...

Legislative Counsel

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100 - $110/hr

Researching legislation with IJ's Director of Legislation and Legislative Counsel, including: * Researching the need for legislation * Identifying bill supporters and opponents, as well as the ...

Congressional Directed Actions (CDAs): * Enter CDAs into the Correspondence And Task Management ... Must have 3+ years of experience within the last 7 years supporting a legislative affairs office or ...

We are seeking an experienced Legislative Affairs Specialist to provide expert analysis, tracking ... Congressional Directed Actions (CDAs): * Enter CDAs into the Correspondence And Task Management ...

We are seeking an experienced Legislative Affairs Specialist to provide expert analysis, tracking ... Congressional Directed Actions (CDAs): * Enter CDAs into the Correspondence And Task Management ...

Congressional Directed Actions (CDAs): * Enter CDAs into the Correspondence And Task Management ... Must have 3+ years of experience within the last 7 years supporting a legislative affairs office or ...

We are seeking an experienced Legislative Affairs Specialist to provide expert analysis, tracking ... Congressional Directed Actions (CDAs): * Enter CDAs into the Correspondence And Task Management ...

Showing results 21-40

Legislative Director information

See Virginia salary details

$47.6K

$122.9K

$182.9K

How much do legislative director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for legislative director in Virginia is $122,892.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,100.00 and $135,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

How much do legislative directors make?

Legislative directors in Washington, D.C. typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, organization size, and sector. Senior legislative directors or those working for high-profile agencies may earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

What are the most commonly searched types of Legislative jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Legislative jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Legislative Director jobs in Virginia?

For Legislative Director jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Legislative Director jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Legislative Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Legislative Director job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 77% In-person, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,892 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Senior Legislative Analyst

MDW Associates

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

MDW Associates is currently seeking a Senior Legislative Analyst to work with our government client in Arlington, VA. The Senior Legislative Analyst will support the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)), which plays a critical role within the Department of War (DoW).

This role is hybrid and is on-site two to three days per week.

The Senior Legislative Analyst may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for legislative correspondence and legislative task coordination, providing deep subject matter expertise with the federal legislative process, war policy, and statutory frameworks governing DoW operations.
  • Manage the flow of information, assigning action items to appropriate personnel and proactively tracking progress against established timelines and performance metrics.
  • Task management, status reporting, and keeping leadership consistently apprised of ongoing legislative activities, potential challenges, and mitigation strategies.
  • Develop legislative proposals; reviewing draft and final legislation (National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA), appropriations bills, and other stand-alone legislation); assigning, coordinating, and completing congressional reporting requirements; developing legislative informal views; reviewing hearing testimony; and supporting in-person and virtual congressional engagement by coordinating advance policy questions and responses to questions for the record.
  • Develop Hearing Ready books for A&S leaders to testify on the Hill on various pricing, contracting, and acquisition topics, and gather information needed to prepare for testimony.
  • Support responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, media engagement, and speaking engagements.
  • Perform research and data analysis to draft responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) for both internal and external stakeholders.

Required Experience/Skills:

  • At least 7 years of practical experience, including at least 3 years of recent stafflevel service at the Component level or higher, with demonstrated expertise in legislative affairs or policy analysis, leadership in managing legislative portfolios or supervising analysts, specialization in defense policy areas, experience preparing testimony and briefing materials or representing organizations in legislative sessions, and proven ability to collaborate across agencies and sectors.
  • Capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple concurrent tasks with urgent deadlines, interfacing with other congressional analysts throughout the DoW, and other internal and external stakeholders.
  • Products must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to synthesize complex legislative language, quickly determining DoW equities (areas of DoW responsibility or impact).

Preferred Experience/Skills:

  • Certification in Acquisition Program Management Practitioner (or Legacy Level III) or Contracting Professional (or Legacy Level III) is highly desirable.

Education Requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree required but an Advanced Degree is preferred.

Security Requirements:

  • Candidates for this position must have an Active Secret Security Clearance.

Company Description

Incorporated in 2012, MDW is a small business headquartered in McLean, VA with offices in Huntsville, AL. We provide Federal government clients with consulting, management services, advisory and assistance services, decision support, strategic planning, process planning and improvement, task execution and metrics analysis. Our mission is to make our clients more successful by providing honest assessments, exceptional analysis, prudent advice, direct communication, and hard work.

Our core capabilities include:

  • Strategic Planning
  • Cost Estimating
  • Budget Programming and Justification
  • Budget Execution
  • Acquisition Management
  • Financial Systems Support & Integration

MDW Associates, LLC ("MDW") is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, marital status, covered veteran status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy or any other unlawful basis unrelated to the ability to do the job. MDW seeks to employ talented, ethical, and entrepreneurial-minded persons. Our applicants and employees are protected from discrimination as required by Federal law.

Additional Information

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits and compensation package for our employees, including but not limited to:

  • Health
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Group Life Insurance/Long Term Disability/Short Term Disability
  • Retirement/401(k)
  • Flexible Leave Policy

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.