Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs

The Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs leads the development and execution of strategies to influence policy and legislation in alignment with the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association’s mission and objectives. This role involves cultivating strong relationships with county district attorneys and their staff, elected officials, legislative personnel, state agencies, partner organizations, and criminal justice stakeholders. The Director will monitor legislative activity, inform the Executive Director, Executive Committee and Board of Directors of relevant proposals, and coordinate advocacy efforts for state and federal legislation affecting prosecutors. Additionally, the Director provides strategic policy guidance to the Association and its member offices, including conducting research, drafting and promoting best practice policies to support prosecutors and promote public safety.

To Apply: Please send a letter of interest, resume, salary range request, and references by November 21, 2025 to kcallihan@pdaa.org. Salary commensurate with experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive legislative strategies to support the PDAAs policy goals in consultation with the Executive Director.

· Manage the legislative tracking system software for the Association and monitor daily notifications.

· Register as a lobbyist with the Department of State and comply with PA lobbying and reporting requirements.

• Monitor and analyze proposed legislation, amendments, regulatory actions, and executive orders that impact prosecutors, victims, law enforcement, criminal justice policies or public safety.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with legislators, legislative staff, government officials, state agencies, and criminal justice stakeholders.
• Represent the PDAA in meetings, hearings, and public forums; testify before legislative committees as needed.
• Coordinate and lead meetings between prosecutors and lawmakers to communicate prosecutorial perspectives and concerns.
• Draft legislative summaries, policy briefs, position statements, and testimony at the direction of the Executive Director.
• Routinely inform the Executive Director, Legislative Committee, Executive Committee and Board of Directors of legislative developments and recommend strategic responses in a timely manner.
• Organize legislative action campaigns by using in person, email and social media connections. Work with the PDAA Media Consultant to align messaging.
• Follow appropriate procedure and bylaws for determining the PDAAs position of support, opposition or neutrality on proposed legislation.
• Prepare materials and present live legislative updates to members at the Mid-Winter and Summer Meetings.
• Organize and provide staff support to the PDAAs Best Practice Committee; conduct research and assist with drafting best practice policies at the direction of the Executive Director and Committee.
• Attend Spring and Fall Executive Committee/Board of Directors meetings; provide Legislative and Best Practice Committee updates.
• Assist with in-person and virtual trainings for prosecutors, law enforcement and other partners within the criminal justice system as needed.
• Work professionally and collegially with members of the PDAA staff and consultants. ________________________________________________________________________

Qualifications:

• A law degree is required with at least three years of experience in the practice of criminal law.
• Must be a member in good standing within the Pennsylvania Bar.
• Candidate must have experience working with prosecutors, law enforcement and victims of crime or possess experience handling criminal cases in the courtroom setting.
• Prior experience in legislative affairs, public policy, criminal justice advocacy or government relations is preferred, but not necessary.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal and policy concepts into clear messaging.
• Excellent research, writing and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Experience:

· Strong understanding of the legislative and budget process including experience drafting legislation or advising on legal language and statutory impact.

· Prior experience drafting policies, protocols or best practice guidelines for prosecutors, police, victim advocates or criminal justice partners.

· Active participation on county or state level collaborative boards, task forces, or multidisciplinary teams addressing issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, human trafficking, child death review, emergency response, DUI enforcement, or special prosecution units (e.g. homicide, elder, child, financial crimes, drug, gun violence, treatment courts). Involvement with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency or AOPC advisory committees, grant initiatives, or similar assignments requiring collective policy development, recommendations and implementation.

• Familiarity with lobbying regulations and compliance standards.
• Previous work in a government agency, legislative office, or advocacy organization.

Previous teaching or public presentation experience, particularly in criminal law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person