Legislative Policy Associate Job Phoenix area,Arizona USA,Government

Policy Associate Or Legislative Counsel

The Institute for Justice, the national law firm for liberty, is excited to announce an opportunity to join our Legislative team. IJ is the country's leading public-interest law firm in the areas of economic liberty, free speech, private property rights, and educational choice. We're committed to shaping a freer society, and this role is pivotal in our pursuit of justice, protection of individual liberties, and the defense of constitutional rights.

The position will promote individual liberties in state legislatures, primarily by advancing legislation that protects the right to earn a living free from unreasonable governmental interference and that protects property rights. This position is open to candidates at multiple experience levels. Title, responsibilities, and salary will be commensurate with experience. Candidates with significant legislative advocacy experience and a J.D. may be considered for the title of Legislative Counsel, with compensation commensurate with their experience and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities:

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 strengths and weaknesses of bills
- Meeting with key stakeholders
Developing and executing legislative strategies with IJ's Director of Legislation and Legislative Counsel, including:
- Identifying, securing, and managing direct relationships with bill sponsors
- Identifying and organizing grassroots advocates
- Forming coalitions with members of politically diverse organizations
- Planning and executing media events to build support for legislation
- Monitoring bills and ensuring text remains consistent with IJ's strategies
- Lobbying and assisting grassroots advocates in meeting with state legislators
- Organizing testifiers for committee hearings
- Drafting written testimony and testifying at committee hearings
- Building and managing IJ campaign web pages using government affairs software

Required Qualifications Include:

Bachelor's degree
Minimum 1 year of professional work experience
Knowledge of and passion for IJ's pillars, with a demonstrated ability to build and deepen expertise in those areas.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate persuasively – both orally and in writing – with legislators, policy makers, activists, colleagues, coalition members, and media
Ability to analyze bills and statutes in collaboration with IJ attorneys
Top-tier organizational skills, including executing detailed plans for lobbying with people from diverse backgrounds and external members of coalitions
Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and competing demands on short deadlines
Perseverance, optimism, and the ability to collaborate effectively with IJ attorneys
Ability to work across the political spectrum and demonstrate exceptional professionalism in both appearance and demeanor
Ability to support and advance sophisticated legislative efforts

Preferred Qualifications Include:

Background in political science, lobbying, or political communication
One year of experience working in a state legislature or in state government affairs
Law degree or Master's in Public Policy
Experience using government affairs software, such as Quorum or Fiscal Note
Experience supporting and managing grassroots campaigns
Public speaking experience
Experience testifying at legislative committee hearings
Experience developing and building relationships

Additional Requirements:

Frequent travel to state capitols
Some weekend work and weekend travel during state legislative sessions (January to May)
Representation of IJ at 3-4 conferences during the summer and fall months

Benefits:

Hybrid work schedule, requiring three days in-office each week; four fully remote weeks a year
Flexible work hours with our core business hours of 10am and 4pm
Smart casual dress code; casual Fridays
Health, Dental, and Vision insurance (IJ covers 100% of individual premiums)
Free Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life insurance plans
HSA employer contributions
401(k) with employer matches
Generous PTO including a…