Director of State Legislative Affairs

Description
Department: Public Policy

Position: Director of State Legislative Affairs

Reporting To: Vice President, Public Policy

Compensation: $90,000–$110,000/year

About RAINN
RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and a leading voice in reshaping how our country understands, prevents, and responds to sexual violence. Through a holistic focus on Prevention, Justice, and Healing, RAINN combines survivor support, education, research, and policy advocacy to change minds, change laws, and change lives, working every day to build safer communities and a more just future for survivors and those at risk.

Role Summary
The Director of State Legislative Affairs will support and advance RAINN’s state-level policy research, government relations, and advocacy portfolio to align with the organization’s Prevention–Justice–Healing framework. This role will help drive coordinated policy efforts across multiple states, strengthen legislative relationships, and support national advocacy goals. Travel will be required to support state legislative and policy initiatives as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Vice President for Public Policy, the director will:

Legislative Advocacy & Policy Strategy
Lobby for state legislative policy and advocacy efforts in support of RAINN’s mission and strategic priorities.

Evaluate and develop state campaign initiatives that align with RAINN’s policy goals and legislative agenda.

Build and execute comprehensive state campaign plans across multiple states simultaneously.

Support federal policy efforts as needed to ensure alignment across state and national advocacy strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
Develop and maintain strong state legislative partnerships and relationships with key officials, state agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.

Develop and sustain state-level coalitions as needed to support advocacy goals and legislative initiatives.

Maintain an accurate and up-to-date database of key contacts for the Policy Department.

Manage and coordinate external contract lobbyists and policy consultants across multiple states, setting strategic direction, aligning deliverables with RAINN’s legislative priorities, and ensuring consistency with RAINN’s Prevention–Justice–Healing framework.

Policy Analysis, Research & Issue Monitoring
Provide regular weekly updates on both reactive and proactive state legislative efforts to keep internal teams informed and aligned.

Prepare and deliver clear summaries and strategic recommendations on pending legislation and policy proposals.

Prepare meeting materials and conduct policy research, including support for media inquiries from RAINN’s communications team.

Develop legislative scorecards and state mapping tools to support strategic planning and execution of state campaign efforts.

Maintain legislative tracking and organizational systems to monitor active and emerging policy activity across 30+ states, ensuring timely updates, accurate documentation, and clear visibility for leadership and internal stakeholders.

Project & Campaign Management
Build and manage coordinated state campaign plans across multiple states nationwide to advance RAINN’s legislative priorities.

Coordinate with the Policy Coordinator to develop and deliver consistent weekly legislative updates.

Manage and execute multiple overlapping initiatives simultaneously while maintaining timelines, priorities, and quality.

Operational Compliance & Administrative Management
Help supervise and maintain state registration and lobbyist disclosure forms to ensure accuracy and ongoing compliance.

Support adherence to all state advocacy and lobbying regulations and requirements.

Maintain complete and up-to-date state compliance documentation in accordance with applicable laws and organizational policies.

Adaptability & Cross-Functional Support
Support federal policy initiatives as needed to advance RAINN’s national advocacy priorities and ensure alignment across state and federal efforts.

Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the Public Policy team’s objectives and RAINN’s mission.

Position Specifications/Requirements
Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s or advanced degree (Master’s), or a combination of education and equivalent work experience.

Experience: Minimum 7 years of state legislative work at a statehouse or non-governmental organization with a robust state-level advocacy program.

Expertise: Solid knowledge of and familiarity with policy issues affecting sexual violence.

Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms).

Soft Skills: Exceptional analytical, research, organizational, and time-management skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and spoken).

Teamwork: Ability to perform with minimal supervision while functioning well in a cooperative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience on political campaigns.

Experience with and skill in statistical analysis.

Physical & Location Requirements
Travel: Must be willing and able to travel approximately 10% to support state legislative and policy initiatives.

Location: Candidates must be based in the DC metropolitan area for on-site support at headquarters as needed.

Home Office: Must have a dependable high-speed internet connection sufficient to support all job-related tasks.

Background Check: Must complete a criminal background check administered by RAINN.

Benefits
RAINN offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Life insurance and employee assistance programs.

403(b) retirement savings plan.

Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays (including a bonus week).

Free access to the building’s fitness center.

Equal Opportunity Employer
RAINN will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, individual identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. RAINN encourages all qualified candidates to apply. EOE/M/F/D/V

Additional Details
Travel Required: Yes (10%).

Behaviors Required: Team Player, Dedicated, Detail-Oriented.

Motivations Required: Goal Completion, Ability to Make an Impact.

Learn more here