Legislative Affairs Associate, Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan

Allen Anderson March 27, 2026

Job Title: Legislative Affairs Associate, Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan

Reports To: Executive Director

Location: Lansing, Michigan; (Limited telecommuting permitted)

Type: Full-Time

Position Summary: The Legislative Affairs Associate leads the development and execution of strategies to influence policy and legislation in alignment with the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan’s (PAAM) mission and objectives. This role involves cultivating strong relationships with county prosecutors and their staff, elected officials, legislative personnel, state agencies, partner organizations, and criminal justice stakeholders. The Legislative Associate will monitor legislative activity, inform the Executive Director, Officers, and Board of Directors of relevant proposals, and coordinate advocacy efforts for state legislation affecting prosecutors. Additionally, the Legislative Associate provides strategic policy guidance to the Association and its member offices, including conducting research regarding legislative policies to support prosecutors and promote public safety.

To Apply: Please send a letter of interest, resume, and references by April 24, 2026 to Cheri Bruinsma, Executive Director, bruinsmac@michigan.gov. Salary $111,467 to $138,794 commensurate with experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive legislative strategies to support PAAM’s policy goals in consultation with the Executive Director, PAAM’s Legislative Committee, and Board of Directors.
• Manage the legislative tracking system software for the Association and monitor daily notifications.
• Register as a lobbyist with the State of Michigan and comply with all Michigan 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 PAAM in meetings, hearings, and public forums; coordinate testimony by prosecutors 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, Officers, and Board of Directors of legislative developments and recommend strategic responses in a timely manner.
• At the direction of the Executive Director, coordinate with PAAM’s contract lobbying team on strategy and lobbying efforts related to state prosecutor funding.
• Organize legislative action campaigns by using in-person, email, and social media connections. Work with PAAM Communications Director to align messaging.
• Follow appropriate procedure and bylaws for determining PAAM’s position of support, opposition, or neutrality on proposed legislation. Maintain record and tracking of all positions taken.
• Prepare materials and present live legislative updates to members at the direction of the Executive Director.
• Attend conferences and Board of Director’s meetings as directed by the Executive Director.
• Coordinate Legislative Committee meetings with the Chair of PAAM’s Legislative Committee and the Executive Director. Prepare minutes for all Legislative Committee Meetings.
• 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 PAAM 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 Michigan 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 required.
• 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.
• 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, OWI enforcement, or special prosecution units (e.g. homicide, elder, child, financial crimes, drug, gun violence, treatment courts). Involvement with 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.
  
  

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