Governmental Affairs Office - Deputy Director, Government Affairs

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security.  The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI.  Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). 
 

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job 

• Assists the Sr. Associate Executive Director in managing day-to-day operations of the ABA Governmental Affairs Office (GAO), including the federal lobbying staff, State Legislative Counsel, the Digital Advocacy and Grassroots team, writer, and the Information Services Unit. Monitors federal government activities and represents the ABA interests in Washington, DC.  Devises strategies for implementing ABA policies through legislative and other governmental action. Consults with ABA officers and other leaders on Governmental Affairs programs and provides information about ABA advocacy efforts to other bars, related stakeholder organizations, and members of the legal profession.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities 

• Manages, mentors/supervises, and trains the GAO staff.
• Manages written and in-person advocacy and education contacts with federal Members of Congress, agency officials, and their staffs on legislation, regulatory, and governmental policies.
• Responsible for GAO resource management (people, time, and funds), budgeting, strategic planning, and publication efforts.
• Serves as a subject matter expert providing legislative and policy advice and information to senior ABA officers and leaders, members, and entities on substantive areas of law or public policy of interest to the legal profession.  Conducts research, hosts meetings, develops recommendations, drafts advocacy products, reviews/drafts media releases for ABA policy compliance and strategic messaging, and publishes regular advocacy updates and success stories. Help tell the ABA’s advocacy story.
• Provides strategic planning, management, and operational support to assigned ABA standing committees, including budget and workload allocations.
• Speaks publicly or online at GAO-hosted and other ABA programs or events.
• Acts on behalf of the Director, and in specific matters, the Sr. Associate Executive Director, when those positions are absent.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Requires a Doctoral Degree (JD, PhD).
• 10 years’ experience working with Congress or the Executive Branch of government in the public or private sphere on legislative, regulatory, or governmental policy.
• Requires a broad understanding of legal issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice; excellent oral and written communication skills; demonstrated analytical skills; and ability to exercise sound judgment while managing people, budgets, and workloads.

Physical Requirements 

• Typical office work environment. 

Extent of Travel Required in the Job 

• Some travel during the year.