Assistant to the City Manager-Legislative Liaison

Posted: 07-Aug-26 | Full Time | $91,540.80 - $141,897.60

About the Role

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business/Public Administration (or related field, including a Juris Doctor/Law Degree) plus (4) years of experience in such positions related to Intergovernmental Relations or Intergovernmental Affairs; OR any combination of education and/or experience equivalent to ten (10) years in fields providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• 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.
• Will be required to travel.
• Will be required to relocate to Richmond for 2-3 months of the year.
• Will be required to work in excess of the normal 8-5 work week, as needed.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and life insurance.
• Retirement and savings plans.
• Maternity/paternity and parental leave.
• Holidays and annual and sick leave.

About the Organization

Home to more than 456,000 people, Virginia Beach is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the 39th largest city in the United States. A dynamic community strengthened by a diverse mix of industry, attractions, and people, Virginia Beach is recognized globally as one of the best places to live, work, and do business. With 38 miles of beaches and 79 miles of scenic waterways, this vibrant East Coast city is situated along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, in the southeastern corner of the state, about a four-hour drive by car to Washington D.C., and within a day's drive or less from two-thirds of the U.S. population.