The Department of Health Services (DHS) is searching for a strategic leader to serve as our Legislative Director. DHS strives to protect and promote the health and safety of all people of Wisconsin through the efforts of a dedicated and diverse workforce. DHS works to ensure access to individuals, families, and communities to achieve positive health outcomes in the areas of abuse prevention, mental health, public health, family care, long-term care, and much more.

You’ll be headquartered in the 1 W. Wilson Street office in downtown Madison and will have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time.
• Top-rated health plan options starting at $39/month for single plans and $97/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Premium pension plan with at least a 6.9% employer match in 2024. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High Deductible Health Savings.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.

As the Legislative Director, you will be appointed by and serve at the discretion of the DHS Secretary. You will:

• Direct DHS’ legislative strategy and serve as the primary person representing the Department’s priorities and positions with the legislature.
• Develop and foster relationships with legislative members.
• Draft and present testimony to legislative committees.
• Guide divisional staff in the analysis of legislative bills and correspondence and help resolve legislative inquiries regarding DHS initiatives.
• Advise executive leadership on program status and progress towards objectives and goals.
• Play a critical role in the development of all administrative rules both from an approvals process and working with both staff and the legislature to enact final rules.
• Supervise permanent, classified staff.

The starting salary is between $48.00-$52.00 per hour (approximately $99,000-$108,000 annually).

This is an unclassified position serving at the discretion of the DHS Secretary.

• Appointees will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.
• DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.
• DHS strives to hire individuals who demonstrate the ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, and races.

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Experience with the Wisconsin legislative process.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with various internal and external partners (e.g., organization or agency leadership, consumers/advocacy groups, elected officials, other governmental officials).
• Experience preparing and advising on organizational strategies, approaches, or positions on policy or legislation.
• Experience interpreting and applying laws, policies, statutes, etc.
• Experience serving as spokesperson for an organization.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Extensive experience in legislative services.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., health care, public policy, public affairs, law, public health, etc.).
• Experience serving in a management or supervisory role.
• Experience drafting or analyzing legislative bills.
• Experience lobbying or negotiating on a policy issue.

Your letter of qualifications is limited to 2 pages. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start your application process. Sign into your account or click “Register Now” to create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

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• For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position or for other employment inquiries, please contact Shannon in Human Resources at Shannon.kavorik@dhs.wi.gov.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s affairs, click here.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.