Director of Government Affairs

Director of Government Affairs

The Nevada Justice Association seeks a team member to help direct and support a successful and vibrant civil justice advocacy effort. This position will work with NJA’s Executive Director and will be integral in the success of NJA’s legislative direction, strategies, and goals.  This position is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, but will require relocating to Carson City for the duration of the Legislative Session (with weekend trips home).

THE ORGANIZATION

The Nevada Justice Association represents over 1,000 trial attorney members throughout the state of Nevada. NJA advocates for the preservation of the civil justice system, the protection of the rights of consumers and the educational and professional development of its members. NJA also maintains an affiliated political action committee that works closely with NJA’s volunteer legislative committee. The organization as a whole works to ensure members hold wrongdoers accountable and achieve justice for their clients in the courtroom, even against powerful interests. 

NJA offers: 

Membership: Top attorneys in Nevada join NJA’s prestigious Legislative Leaders Circle program to protect their practice and the rights of their clients and all the citizens of the state. Their financial support is critical in supporting NJA’s advocacy efforts.

Advocacy: NJA’s paid lobbyists and volunteer legislative committee members work year-round to educate and inform political leaders, legislators, and the judiciary and actively support bills and legislative candidates to protect the civil justice system. 

Education: NJA provides numerous valuable educational opportunities to its members. Educational offerings include seminars in various specialty fields of plaintiff’s law, continuing legal education (“CLE”) programs, targeted publications, as well as an annual convention for members.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

 ·      Work in conjunction with NJA Executive Director and volunteer Legislative Committees to further legislative advocacy efforts year-round, but especially during the Nevada Legislative Sessions.

·      Serves as staff lobbyist and associated responsibilities with developing and passing legislation.

·      Coordinates with NJA contract lobbyists to manage legislation tracking, and to work with legislators at all stages of legislative progress.

·      Prepare for and help coordinate regular legislative committee meetings and conduct regular follow up with volunteer NJA legislative leadership on progress toward advocacy goals.

·      Coordinate, with the input of NJA volunteer leadership, the testimony of NJA members and their clients at legislative hearings, and attend as appropriate.

·      Manage the submission of position papers on legislative priorities, to include writing and research as appropriate.

·      Coordinate NJA volunteer attendance at political fundraisers, and attending those fundraisers on behalf of NJA.

·      Spearhead NJA fundraising efforts with its members for its political action committee.

·      Support membership involvement and grassroots mobilization efforts in support of legislative priorities, including organizing annual lobby day, and preparing regular communications to NJA membership.

·      Participate and engage with industry allies and organizations to advance NJA legislative priorities.

·      Manage communications, social media and front-facing association programs and objectives, and supporting other NJA events and initiatives.

REQUIRED/DESIRED EXPERIENCE

·      Knowledge and experience of Nevada’s legislative process required

·      Knowledge and understanding of substantive legal issues facing tort lawyers desired

·      Experience lobbying and/or working in electoral politics in Nevada desired

·      Experience working with lawyers desired

·      Fundraising experience desired

·      Strong people skills and written communications skills

·      Attention to detail, organization and strong follow through and self-direction on assignments

·      Ability to manage major projects and events under time sensitive deadlines

·      Desire to work on a close-knit team with well-tenured staff and volunteers; an ideal candidate has a commitment to NJA’s mission and takes pride in their work

·      Some evenings and meetings outside normal work hours

·     Some travel around the state/nation as needed

PAY AND BENEFITS

At NJA, we value and reward our team's dedication and hard work. We provide a competitive base salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience. As an employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company contribution, flexible and generous paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

HOW TO APPLY

·      We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled

·      To apply: please email cover letter and resume to vcoolbaugh@nevadajustice.org subject line: Legislative Director

This position is open to all qualified applicants. NJA values diversity, equity and inclusion and we are committed to integrating these core values more deeply into all elements of our daily work. NJA is an equal opportunity employer and highly encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.