Legislative Manager

Position: Legislative Manager

Status: Full-Time

Classification: Manager II

Salary Range: $80,000-$95,000

Location: Washington, DC  Preferred (hybrid schedule) or Northeast Considered 

Reports to: Legislative Director

Position
The Legislative Manager is a senior manager role at Issue One that leads and shapes the organization’s legislative strategy. This position will serve as a key representative for the organization on Capitol Hill, spearheading federal advocacy efforts to protect and advance American democracy. The Manager will collaborate closely with coalition partners, internal teams, and senior leadership to develop and advance bipartisan policy solutions that promote a stronger democracy. Core focus areas for the role are likely to include reforms that promote a healthier digital information ecosystem and efforts to defend the Constitution. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead long-term goals and strategies for Issue One’s legislative agenda, in coordination with the Legislative Director. 
• Lead the Legislative Team — including executing key projects, running meetings, and overseeing the team — when the Legislative Director is unavailable.
• Serves as the primary point of contact with Congressional offices.
• Independently represent Issue One in high-level meetings with senior Congressional staff, elected officials, and coalition leadership.
• Provide policy analysis, legislative drafting, and strategic insight to shape and support advocacy campaigns.
• Track and respond to federal legislative and regulatory developments.
• Support and coordinate with the Policy, Advocacy, and Communications teams as needed, contributing to grassroots and grasstops efforts.
• Maintain strong relationships with bipartisan Congressional allies and external coalitions.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide professional development opportunities for legislative interns or junior staff.

Job-Related Experience 

• At least five years of experience in legislative affairs, government relations, or public policy settings; Hill experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading bipartisan advocacy campaigns.

Job-Related Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities 

• Proven legislative and advocacy expertise is required. Experience working with technology policy, disinformation issues, or platform accountability is a plus, but not required.
• Broader expertise in democracy reform will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of the federal legislative process, policy development, and coalition advocacy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills tailored for both policy and public audiences.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• High emotional intelligence and proven leadership skills.
• Ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure, meeting multiple deadlines.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Work Coordination and Supervision

This position reports directly to the Legislative Director. The Legislative Manager may be responsible for supervising interns and, as the role matures, could take on the management of one to two junior staff members. This role requires initiative, independence, and a collaborative spirit to support and grow the legislative function across Issue One’s democracy reform priorities.

Location

This full-time role is based in or around Washington, DC, or the Northeast. This job requires occasional travel throughout the United States,  including travel to DC multiple times a month if not local. The Director must also work on-site in our DC office twice weekly (Tuesday and Wednesday) if they reside in the DMV area.

Benefits

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance. 

• All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan with 100% of the premium paid by Issue One. In addition, the organization covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff. 
• Staff receives more than 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures. 
• Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for internet and commuting and promotes a hybrid work environment that allows for working from home but establishes regular in-person office opportunities twice a week.
• Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. In addition, all staff are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization hosts several opportunities for fun and fellowship. 

Physical Demands 

• Most work is done in an office-like environment, completing projects at a desk for extended periods and working with a computer. 
• The employee may sometimes have to lift, push, and/or carry items above ten (10) pounds. 
• The Director may need to move and/or stand for extended periods, especially when on Capitol Hill. 
• Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

• March 31-April 9: The position is posted, and resumes are collected 
• April 10-11: Resumes are screened and top candidates are identified for interviews.
• April 14-18: First-round panel interviews take place.
• April 21-25: Second-round panel interviews with finalists take place.
• April 28: Preferred candidate named and the role offered (contingent on a background check and verification of all educational credentials). 
• May 15: New candidate begins (flexible start date) 

Special Note: While our organizations will do their best to follow the above timeline, there are instances where the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. The organizations will do their best to update all selected candidates on any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after April 11, there’s no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate each individual's unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to complete our self-identification questionnaire voluntarily. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring everyone has equal success opportunities.

Due to the volume of applications, we will, unfortunately, be unable to acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls, please. 

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Issue One is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

Salary : $80,000 - $95,000