Governmental Affairs Office - Deputy Director, Government Affairs

American Bar Association•Chicago, IL

4d•$158,160 - $196,086

About The Position

The Deputy Director of Government Affairs assists the Senior Associate Executive Director in managing the day-to-day operations of the American Bar Association’s Governmental Affairs Office (GAO), including federal lobbying staff, the State Legislative Counsel, the Digital Advocacy and Grassroots team, a writer, and the Information Services Unit. The role monitors federal government activity and represents ABA interests in Washington, DC, devising strategies to implement ABA policies through legislative and other governmental action. It also consults with ABA officers and leaders about Governmental Affairs programs and shares information about ABA advocacy with bars, stakeholder organizations, and members of the legal profession. The Deputy Director manages, mentors, supervises, and trains GAO staff; oversees advocacy and educational engagement with federal legislators and agency officials; and manages resources, budgeting, strategic planning, and publications. As a subject matter expert, the role provides legislative and policy advice, conducts research, develops recommendations and advocacy materials, supports assigned standing committees, and communicates the ABA’s advocacy efforts. The position may act for the Director or, on specific matters, the Senior Associate Executive Director when they are absent. The position requires a doctoral degree (JD or PhD) and ten years of experience working with Congress or the Executive Branch on legislative, regulatory, or governmental policy. The work takes place in a typical office environment and requires some travel during the year. Flexible or hybrid arrangements may be available to residents of specified states, subject to residency requirements.

Requirements

Doctoral degree (JD or PhD).
Ten years of experience working with Congress or the Executive Branch of government in the public or private sphere on legislative, regulatory, or governmental policy.
Broad understanding of legal issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated analytical skills.
Ability to exercise sound judgment while managing people, budgets, and workloads.

Responsibilities

Assist the Senior Associate Executive Director with day-to-day management of the Governmental Affairs Office and its teams and units.
Manage, mentor, supervise, and train GAO staff.
Manage written and in-person advocacy and educational contacts with Members of Congress, agency officials, and their staffs on legislation, regulation, and governmental policy.
Manage GAO resources, including people, time, and funds; budgeting; strategic planning; and publications.
Provide legislative and policy advice and information to senior ABA officers and leaders, members, and entities on legal or public policy topics relevant to the legal profession.
Conduct research, host meetings, develop recommendations, draft advocacy products, review or draft media releases for policy compliance and strategic messaging, and publish advocacy updates and success stories.
Provide strategic planning, management, and operational support to assigned ABA standing committees, including budget and workload allocations.
Speak publicly or online at GAO-hosted and other ABA programs or events.
Act on behalf of the Director and, in specific matters, the Senior Associate Executive Director when those positions are absent.
Perform other related duties as required.