Senior Director, Legislative Affairs, Institute for Legal Reform (ILR)

U.S. Chamber of Commerce•Washington, DC

33d•$143,614 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

If you are passionate about the ability of American business to improve lives, solve problems, and strengthen society, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the place for you. As the world’s largest business organization, we believe in building a future that gives everyone the opportunity to pursue a better tomorrow. We make it our job today–and every day–to build the strongest relationships possible among the American people, business leaders, and elected officials in Washington, D.C., state capitals, and countries around the globe. For them and the businesses we represent, the U.S. Chamber is a trusted advocate and partner. We are driven by the pursuit of innovation and partnership and hold ourselves to the highest standards. Our commitment to our members is matched only by our commitment to our employees. As part of our team, we will support your long-term career development while delivering relevant learning opportunities. We will empower you to lead, develop deep expertise, and find new approaches to solving the toughest challenges. The ideal candidate will lead advocacy efforts across a portfolio of states to advance legal reforms that support free enterprise. This includes direct engagement with state legislatures, state attorney generals, civil justice reform groups, and chambers of commerce. The focus is on reshaping legal systems and public perception through assertive advocacy, coalition building, grassroots mobilization, and strategic public education targeting policymakers and opinion leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 6 years or more of experience in government relations or policy, preferably with a focus on state-level advocacy.
Ability to deliver measurable policy wins by effectively navigating state legislative and executive branches.
Ability to drive membership growth by cultivating strong relationships, recruiting new members, delivering value that strengthens retention, and building long-term engagement.
Experience engaging confidently with senior executives, member companies, and public officials to build trust, influence outcomes, and advance organizational priorities.
Able to adapt messaging in real time by reading the room and adjusting tone and strategy to maximize influence and engagement.
Demonstrated success in building coalitions at all levels and managing stakeholder relationships.
Ability to apply strategic foresight to manage competing priorities, anticipate stakeholder needs, and align actions with ILR’s goals.
Curious and adaptable in dynamic political and policy environments.
Able to foster a collaborative culture with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset that drives team success, enhances organizational impact, and mentors junior team members.
Willingness to travel domestically and work in the office a minimum of two days per week.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor (JD) and active bar licensure preferred.

Responsibilities

Champion Institute for Legal Reform’s (ILR) legal reform agenda by managing state-level legislative strategies and issue portfolios.
Build and strengthen relationships with state lawmakers, legislative staff, state attorney generals, and business advocacy groups, including chambers of commerce.
Directly lobby or oversee external lobbyists and partners to advance ILR-supported legislation.
Draft and refine legislative language and amendments in collaboration with state-level allies.
Create high-impact presentations, memos, and advocacy materials that influence decision-makers and advance strategic objectives.
Prepare and deliver testimony—or support others in doing so—before state legislative committees.
Manage ILR’s network of state civil justice allies and consultants to ensure alignment and impact.
Represent and speak on behalf of ILR at national and regional conferences, coalition meetings, state chambers, RAGA, and ILR-hosted events.
Provide strategic counsel and lead update calls with ILR consultants, Chamber Federation members, and allied organizations.
Produce concise legal memoranda and legislative summaries for internal and external stakeholders.
Organize events to educate and activate state-level partners and allies.
Promote ILR’s federal initiatives through state and local coalitions.
Participate in strategic planning and contribute to resource allocation and budget decisions.