Senior Director of Government Affairs

The American Association for Justice (AAJ) works to preserve the constitutional right to trial by jury and to make sure people have a fair chance to seek justice when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of others—even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations.

AAJ is seeking a Senior Director of Government Affairs for its Public Affairs department. The Senior Director of Government Affairs must be committed to preserving and expanding individuals’ access to the civil justice system to vindicate the rights and remedies granted to them under the law.

The Senior Director of Government Affairs is responsible for developing policy analysis on issues related to the civil tort system pending before Congress and the Executive Branch. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic vision and the ability to implement a comprehensive legislative strategy to achieve desired outcomes by working with Members of Congress and their staff, as well as federal agencies.

The model candidate will be able to manage and inspire a team of advocacy professionals and demonstrate proficiency in policy analysis, bill and amendment drafting, complex legislative negotiations, and possess strong communication skills. Additionally, the perfect candidate will have a track record of managing a wide array of diverse issue areas and strong multi-tasking skills.

Essential Duties Include (but not limited to):

• Lobbying Congress, the Executive Branch, and Administrative Agencies.
• Briefing association leadership on key congressional issues.
• Preparing written communications to the Hill.
• Regular outreach to AAJ membership to determine substantive policy positions.
• Organizing policy briefings for congressional staff.
• Keeping up to date regarding news affecting congress and federal agencies.
• Providing timely feedback to AAJ advocacy and communications teams concerning their performance of job duties.
• Attend political events and fundraisers.
• Working with allied groups.
• Developing relationships with new allies.

Qualifications:

• JD degree and Bar membership.
• Must have a combined minimum of 10 or more years working on Capitol Hill, a government relations team at a trade association, law firm, or lobbying firm. Capitol Hill experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate relationships with lawmakers and government officials.
• Outstanding leadership and collaboration skills.
• Ability to build strong partnerships with cross-functional teams at all levels across the organization and agency partners to facilitate team success.
• The ability to travel to two conventions and various events during the work week.

Salary Range: $239,000- $260,000

Benefits and Perks for Working with AAJ:

• Hybrid work schedule, onsite Tuesday through Thursday and 100% remote work for the month of August (for most employees)
• Comprehensive health insurance which includes, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, flexible spending account (FSA), and 401K with an employer match
• Generous paid leave (e.g., vacation, sick, personal, parental), 11 federal holidays, and paid time off between Christmas and New Years
• Subsidized metro transit and/or parking benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Company social events
• Office conveniently located ½ block from Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station in downtown Washington, DC

AAJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No phone calls please!