VP of Government Affairs

Scion Executive Search is excited to partner with a nationally recognized and highly influential nonprofit legal advocacy organization in the search for an accomplished Senior Counsel, Vice President of Government Affairs . This exceptional executive leadership opportunity offers the chance to shape public policy, influence legislation at the highest levels, and advance constitutional freedoms and civil liberties on a national stage.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, influential leader with a passion for advocacy, a strong legal background, and the ability to build meaningful relationships with key government and legislative stakeholders. This is a full‑time, hybrid position based in Scottsdale, AZ , with travel of up to 30%.

Reporting to the Chief Legal Counsel, the Senior Counsel, Vice President of Government Affairs will provide executive leadership for the organization’s U.S. government affairs function. This leader will shape and execute federal and state legislative strategies, guide engagement with policymakers and executive‑branch officials, and oversee a team responsible for public policy, strategic relationships, and government relations. The ideal candidate is a seasoned attorney and government affairs executive with a record of advancing complex legislative priorities, cultivating influential relationships, and leading high‑performing legal and policy professionals.

• Lead and implement a comprehensive federal and state government affairs strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Provide executive oversight to senior leaders responsible for public policy, strategic relations, and government relations, including Government Relations Directors.
• Direct legislative advocacy and lobbying activities involving Congress, state legislatures, and executive‑branch stakeholders.
• Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with elected officials, government leaders, coalition partners, and policy organizations.
• Guide the preparation of proposed legislation, legislative testimony, policy analyses, position papers, and strategic briefings.
• Represent the organization in legislative hearings, policy discussions, and other external forums, including providing testimony as appropriate.
• Partner across legal, communications, and development functions to align advocacy priorities, messaging, and organizational initiatives.
• Establish team priorities, performance measures, and resource plans; mentor attorneys and government affairs professionals.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and an active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in federal or state legislative or executive‑branch environments, including at least four years of federal legislative experience.
• Demonstrated success managing attorneys and leading multidisciplinary government affairs or public policy teams.
• Sophisticated understanding of legislative processes, government relations, advocacy strategy, and public policy development.
• Exceptional executive communication, relationship‑building, strategic judgment, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work onsite in Scottsdale, Arizona, and travel up to 30% as business needs require.

• Base salary range of $250,000–$300,000
• Employer‑paid medical and dental insurance
• Medical and dependent care reimbursement programs
• Disability, long‑term care, and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match
• Paid time off and 12 paid holidays annually

Scion is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin,…