Director, Legislative Affairs

Why Ryan?

Ryan offers an award‑winning culture, flexible hybrid work options, generous personal time off (PTO), 14‑weeks of 100% paid leave for new parents (adoption included), monthly gym membership reimbursement or equipment reimbursement, eligibility for 401(k) with employer match, tuition reimbursement after one year of service, fertility assistance, and a four‑week company‑paid sabbatical after five years of service.

The Legislative Affairs Director assists the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts, including drafting and tracking legislation, developing the firm’s state legislative agendas with internal experts, coordinating with external lobbyists, and identifying, improving, and driving efficiencies and fairness in the tax administration process.

• Lead development of legislative agendas for assigned states.
• Coordinate with subject matter experts from Practices on content, amendments, and passage of legislation.
• Coordinate testimony and stand as a testify when required.
• Lead coordination with external groups and lobbyists to support legislative efforts.
• Provide legislative expertise to other departments and deliver written, PowerPoint, or formal public presentations.
• Support Principals with political insights, tracking, and policy campaign management.
• Assist with and manage client‑related state legislative efforts; develop work plans, schedules, and deliverables.
• Prepare and conduct client presentations.
• Review and reconcile client data; identify tax issues for research.
• Respond to client inquiries and requests from state agencies.
• Research and provide legislative insights, threats, opportunities, and trends.
• Plan and direct aspects of the Firm’s Legislative Affairs Practice.
• Support coordination of multistate legislative agenda.
• Assist in managing relationships with outside counsel and lobby groups.
• Track and monitor tax legislation in various states.
• Draft and review proposed state tax legislation and amendments.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for the Firm.
• Prepare and review state lobby reports as needed.
• Maintain comprehensive database of public policy initiatives and facilitate status update meetings.
• Perform research and advise on state tax legislative matters.
• Write communications documents (white papers, testimony, update documents, persuasive one‑pagers).
• Manage complex state and local tax projects.
• Negotiate tax resolutions and policy issues with state agencies and elected officials.
• Assist with other projects as needed.

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• At least seven years of related experience in a similar environment.
• Strong experience in tax policy, communications, and government affairs.
• Property tax policy experience required; multi‑state property tax experience strongly preferred.
• Understanding of State and Local Tax policies and statutes.
• Experience managing client‑related legislative efforts and preparing presentations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and internet research.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• License to practice law within the United States required.
• Holding or membership in the American Bar Association preferred.
• May be required to register as a lobbyist.

This role directly supervises employees in the Legislative Affairs Practice and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Firm’s policies and applicable laws.

Standard indoor office environment. Occasional long periods of sitting. Requires regular interactions with coworkers, clients, and government officials via in‑person meetings, e‑mail, and telephone. May involve evening and weekend hours. Independent travel required: 30‑50%.

Ryan, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting employment discrimination. The Firm’s policy is to make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability, military status, status as a disabled or other protected veteran, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Ryan’s policy is to make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.