Director of Advocacy and Public Policy

Full Job Description

The Director of Advocacy and Policy will serve as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys’ (NAELA) primary policy advocate, representing the association’s interests and advancing its priorities at both federal and state levels. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and works collaboratively with NAELA’s volunteer leaders and professional staff to develop and execute effective advocacy strategies, build relationships with policymakers, and manage policy initiatives.

NAELA is dedicated to advancing the profession of elder law and special needs law. With frequent engagement on national issues such as the creation of the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act, the expansion of Home- and Community-Based Waivers under Medicaid, and other critical aging and healthcare issues, NAELA is shaping a future where older adults and people with disabilities can receive holistic legal services that allow them to age with dignity and respect. Learn more about NAELA at www.naela.org.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, research, analyze, and respond to legislation, rules, and regulations affecting the elder law and special needs law profession.
• Represent NAELA before policymakers and in elder and special needs law-related coalitions.
• Draft position statements, testimony, and communications to policymakers, the media, and consumers.
• Provide primary staff support to Federal and State Advocacy Committees as well as the Litigation Committee.
• Manage legislative/regulatory tracking and grassroots activities.
• Coordinate with external policy consultants and lobbyists.
• Create and produce policy content for:
  • Association member e-newsletters
  • Issue alerts and press releases
  • Websites
  • Webinars
  • Conferences and Workshops
• Respond to member inquiries on elder and special needs policy issues.
• Support NAELA State Chapters in coordinating state policy issues.
• Serve as NAELA’s registered federal lobbyist.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to quickly understand, digest, and communicate complex policy concepts.
• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s or Advanced Degree preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent time management and logistics skills.
• Knowledge of government ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance regulations.
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience working in advocacy or public policy.
• Previous experience in elder and special needs law preferred.
• Proficiency in standard office software (Zoom, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong analytical, writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to attend in-person meetings and travel within the United States as needed.

Benefits Package

• Competitive salary range (based on experience and expertise).
• Comprehensive health coverage (Medical/Dental/Vision).
• 401(K) Plan with matching.
• Generous PTO and holiday time.
• Life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Hybrid work arrangement (two days per week in the office required).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 – $120,000.00 per year

Email [email protected] for more information on how to apply.