Legislative Affairs Associate

State Bar of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State Bar of Wisconsin is hiring a strategic and experienced Legislative Affairs Associate. The successful candidate will be a detail-oriented, relationship builder and strategic communicator who can represent the State Bar with confidence and professionalism to advance our mission and priorities with elected officials, government agencies, policymakers, and community partners. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in government relations, lobbying, public policy, or legislative affairs and understands how to effectively navigate government processes and build bipartisan, long-term relationships. You should be comfortable working independently, navigating complex political and organizational environments, and translating complicated policy issues into clear, compelling messages. We value someone who is trustworthy, thoughtful, responsive, and solutions-focused—a person who earns the confidence of colleagues and external partners and consistently follows through. The State Bar of Wisconsin is a professional association, created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for all attorneys who hold a Wisconsin law license. With more than 25,000 members, the State Bar exists to serve its members and the public by promoting the law and access to justice. We aid the courts in improving the administration of justice, provide continuing legal education and other services for our members, support the education of law students, and educate the public about the legal system.

Requirements

4-year degree in political science, journalism, law, communications, public relations, economics or combination of course work and relevant experience
Substantive knowledge of the State of Wisconsin legislative process.
2-3+ years experience as a policy analyst, lobbyist, public policy, advocacy, and/or government affairs representative, preferably with issue management experience.
Ability to work effectively with people across political perspectives in bipartisan environment.
Proven ability to build and maintain positive, productive relationships with elected officials, government staff, and diverse stakeholders.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and follow through on commitments.
High level of integrity and trustworthiness, with the ability to handle sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
Comfortable making public presentations
Proficient in MSOffice programs

Responsibilities

Develop and execute advocacy strategies to advance the State Bar’s legislative and public policy priorities.
Monitor legislative and policy developments; analyze trends, opportunities, and potential impacts on the State Bar, its members, the legal profession, and the public interest.
Represent the State Bar as a registered lobbyist and build strong, productive relationships with lawmakers, legislative staff, coalitions, and other key stakeholders.
Advise the Public Affairs/Government Relations team, Board, and lobbying practice sections on legislative strategies, opportunities, and challenges.
Track legislative activities and maintain records to ensure compliance with Wisconsin ethics laws and support required reporting.
Serve as liaison to assigned association committees, coordinating activities and supporting objectives consistent with the association’s strategic plan.
Collaborate with external coalitions to identify shared legislative priorities and opportunities for coordinated advocacy.
Draft concise, persuasive legislative communications, including policy memos and testimony, and contribute content to communications highlighting advocacy efforts.

Benefits

Autonomy, flexibility, and a stable work environment with limited travel and work/life balance.
Downtown office space with parking included.
Meaningful work supporting a respected, mission-driven organization that acts with integrity, promotes justice, and works toward a fair and just legal system.
The opportunity to work a hybrid schedule with the minimum requirement to be in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and as needed for the role.
Paid vacation, starting at 3 weeks per year
2 weeks of paid sick time per year
Excellent and low-cost health and dental insurance
Fully paid life and long-term disability insurance
10 paid holidays plus 2 personal days
Volunteer time off, plus paid time off to volunteer at election polls
2 weeks paid parental leave
Hybrid work schedules and flexibility
8% 401(k) contribution!!
The State Bar is also a “qualified employer” for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.