The City of Virginia Beach's City Manager Office is recruiting for a Legislative Liaison to lead the development, advancement, and execution of the City's state and federal legislative agenda.
The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and annual and sick leave.
The position responsibilities include:
- Developing legislative proposals for presentation to and adoption by City Council, and proactively advocate for the City's priorities with the Virginia General Assembly, U.S. Congress, federal and state agencies, regional organizations, and other governmental partners.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, state and federal agencies, the Virginia Municipal League, neighboring localities, and City departments to advance the City's legislative, policy, and funding priorities.
- Continuously monitor, analyze, and influence proposed state and federal legislation, regulations, and public policy initiatives. Develop strategic recommendations, position statements, testimony, briefing materials, and advocacy strategies to support informed decision-making by the City Manager and City Council. Anticipate emerging legislative and policy issues and recommend proactive courses of action to protect and advance the City's interests.
- Lead cross-departmental legislative initiatives and special projects by collaborating with City departments to identify priorities, develop legislative solutions, evaluate policy impacts, and implement approved legislative strategies.
- Identify, pursue, and coordinate state, federal, and private funding opportunities that support City priorities. Provide strategic leadership in the development of grant initiatives and assist departments in securing and implementing external funding.
- Represent the City on regional, state, and national boards, committees, task forces, and working groups. Build consensus, cultivate partnerships, and influence policy development on issues affecting the City of Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads region.
The ideal candidate will have the following skill set:
- Experience managing a comprehensive intergovernmental or legislative affairs program.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, agency leaders, and diverse stakeholder groups.
- Proven ability to develop and advance legislative agendas, analyze complex policy issues, and recommend strategic actions.
- Knowledge of state and federal policy issues affecting local government (public policy, transportation, environmental regulation, funding mechanisms, defense/community impacts, etc.)
- Experience presenting to elected bodies and senior government officials.
- Excellent strategic communication skills (written and oral), including ability to synthesize complex information quickly.
- Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy and make informed decisions in fast‑moving or ambiguous situations.
- Demonstrated sound judgment, ethical decision‑making, and commitment to integrity in all professional interactions
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and confidentiality.
The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
