Legislative Director

Overview

The Legislative Director serves as the primary advocate and liaison for the City of Alexandria with the Virginia General Assembly, the Governor’s administration, and federal policymakers. This position is responsible for advancing the City’s legislative agenda at the state and federal levels, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, and fostering collaborative relationships to support Alexandria’s policy and budgetary goals.

The Legislative Director serves as the primary advocate and liaison for the City of Alexandria with the Virginia General Assembly, the Governor’s administration, and federal policymakers. This position is responsible for advancing the City’s legislative agenda at the state and federal levels, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, and fostering collaborative relationships to support Alexandria’s policy and budgetary goals.

The Alexandria City Manager is appointed by the City Council to be the chief administrative officer of the City. The City Manager's administrative staff serves as a liaison with City departments and with other governmental entities receiving funding from the City, but not reporting to the City Manager, and generally administers the City government. If you are curious for a broader view, click the City of Alexandria to learn more about our great City.

This position reports to a Deputy City Manager within the City Manager’s Office.

• State Legislative Advocacy
  • Lead the development, presentation, and execution of the City’s legislative agenda during General Assembly sessions.
  • Monitor and analyze state legislation, budget proposals, and policy developments that impact the City.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with members of the General Assembly, the Governor’s administration, and legislative staff.
  • Provide timely updates and strategic recommendations to City leadership regarding legislative activities and their implications.
• Federal Legislative Advocacy
  • Manage the City’s federal lobbying program to ensure alignment with the City’s priorities and effective advocacy efforts.
  • Develop and advance the City’s federal legislative package, focusing on policy and budget priorities.
  • Build and maintain relationships with the City’s congressional delegation and their staff to advocate for Alexandria’s federal interests.
  • Monitor federal legislation, regulatory changes, and appropriations opportunities that could affect the City.
  • Coordinate advocacy efforts for federal funding and grant opportunities in partnership with City departments and external stakeholders.
• Policy and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborate with City departments to identify and align legislative priorities with operational needs.
  • Represent the City’s interests in meetings, hearings, and discussions with state and federal stakeholders.
  • Foster partnerships with other local governments, municipal associations, and regional organizations to support shared legislative goals.
• Legislative Tracking and Reporting
  • Track and manage all state and federal legislation relevant to the City, identifying risks and opportunities.
  • Prepare clear, concise reports and briefings for City Council, the City Manager, and department heads on legislative matters.
• Budget Advocacy
  • Advocate for state and federal funding to support the City’s projects and initiatives.
  • Engage with state and federal budget committees and agencies to advance Alexandria’s financial interests.
• Public Communication and Outreach
  • Communicate the City’s legislative efforts and successes to residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.
  • Draft public statements, testimony, and correspondence on behalf of City leadership.
• Administrative Oversight
  • Manage the legislative team and consultants, ensuring effective coordination and resource allocation.
  • Ensure compliance with lobbying disclosure requirements and reporting obligations.
  • This role requires a deep understanding of legislative processes at both the state and federal levels, exceptional political acumen, and the ability to prioritize key responsibilities to maximize the City’s success in achieving its policy and budgetary objectives.