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Legislative Director Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Director of Legal Strategy

Madison, WI · On-site

$130 - $150/hr

Legislative advocacy and non-advocacy legal counsel remains outside the Legal Department. The Director of Legal Strategy reports directly to the President & CEO and serves on the senior leadership ...

New

DHHS Director

Black River Falls, WI · On-site

$105K - $121K/yr

Director/Admin - DHHS Opening Date: 07/29/2026 Closing Date: Continuous The Director of Health and ... legislative, regulatory, and policy matters • Develops Board agendas, resolutions, reports ...

Cooperation with the Site Manager and the EHS&S Group on the safety of people, systems, and the environment as per company or legislative requirements. * Conducting project assessments, capturing ...

The Director Enterprise Readiness is accountable for ensuring Medica's strategic and ... Ensure solutions and readiness activities comply with Medica policies, regulatory, and legislative ...

Showing results 21-40

Legislative Director information

See Wisconsin salary details

$48.4K

$125.1K

$186.2K

How much do legislative director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for legislative director in Wisconsin is $125,115.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,000.00 and $138,300.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Legislative jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Legislative jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Legislative Director jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Legislative Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Legislative Director job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,115 per year, or $60.2 per hour.

Director of Legal Strategy

NACBA

Madison, WI • On-site

$130 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Clean Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization with offices in Madison and Milwaukee and a mission to combat climate change and pollution in our air, water and land. We are seeking a motivated Director of Legal Strategy.

The Director of Legal Strategy leads Clean Wisconsin’s Legal Department, serves as the organization’s senior legal strategist and counsels the President & CEO on legal strategy decisions made on behalf of the organization. The position is responsible for developing and implementing legal strategy, directing litigation and administrative proceedings, supervising staff attorneys, providing strategic legal counsel to organizational leadership, and providing legal support to important organizational initiatives such as Clean Wisconsin’s Environmental Health Initiative.

In this role, the Director of Legal Strategy identifies opportunities where legal action can advance Clean Wisconsin’s priorities. Legislative advocacy and non-advocacy legal counsel remains outside the Legal Department. The Director of Legal Strategy reports directly to the President & CEO and serves on the senior leadership team, while also working closely with the Vice President and Board of Directors.

Clean Wisconsin is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our work and in our hiring practices. We value a team with different perspectives, educational backgrounds, and life experiences, and we prioritize diversity within our team. If you are not sure whether you might be qualified for this position but you think you have something special to contribute, we encourage you to apply. Please also see our statement on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement the organization’s long-term legal strategy.
  • Establish work plans for the Legal Department based on the priorities of the organization.
  • Supervise, mentor, recruit, and evaluate legal staff, interns, and fellows.
  • Build the long-term strength and reputation of the Legal Department.
  • Identify emerging legal risks and opportunities.
  • Advise the President & CEO on litigation.
  • Oversee litigation in state and federal courts.
  • Direct administrative proceedings before state and federal agencies.
  • Prepare briefs, motions, petitions, comments, testimony, and appellate filings.
  • Manage outside counsel, experts, and litigation budgets as appropriate.
  • Collaborate with grants manager, program and communications department on applications funding for general operating support.
  • Collaborate with the grants manager on grant applications to support the legal department.
  • Oversee provision of legal support to communities facing local environmental health risks through Clean Wisconsin’s Environmental Health Initiative.
  • Oversee legal research to support program departments.
  • Collaborate with program staff to ensure initiatives are supported by sound legal analysis.
  • Maintain relationships with law firms, universities, and partner organizations.
  • Represent Clean Wisconsin in legal forums and professional associations.
  • Help communicate the impact of the Legal Department to institutional funders and major donors when appropriate.
Required Skills and Traits
  • Excellent strategic judgment.
  • Outstanding oral and written communication.
  • Ability to manage complex litigation.
  • Collaborative leadership style.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Highly organized.
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Discretion and sound judgment.
  • Commitment to accuracy.
  • Flexibility and creativity.
  • Sense of humor.
  • Commitment to Clean Wisconsin’s mission.
  • Commitment to help create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
Working Conditions
  • This position is based in our Madison, WI office. We offer a hybrid environment with periodic travel throughout Wisconsin, occasional evening meetings,and court or administrative appearances.
Required Education

Required: J.D.; Wisconsin Bar admission or eligibility; 10+ years of litigation experience; demonstrated experience leading an organization, program or initiative (including fundraising responsibilities); exceptional legal research, writing, and analytical skills.

Preferred: Environmental, administrative, energy, public utility, natural resources, or appellate practice.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range for the position is $130,000-$150,000, commensurate with skills and experience. Benefits package includes health and dental insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with a 6% employer match, life and disability insurance, commuter benefits, a flexible hybrid work environment, paid time off and holidays.

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