Director, Public Sector & U.S. State Advocacy

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)
Department: Advocacy
Status: Full-Time | Exempt

Position Summary

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is seeking an experienced Director, Public Sector & U.S. State Advocacy to advance the organization's U.S. state-level public policy and thought leadership priorities while supporting its global public sector advocacy agenda.

As a lead advocate for The IIA, you will educate policymakers and other key stakeholders about internal auditing, The IIA's certifications and standards, and relevant public policy issues while positioning the organization as a trusted expert resource and thought leader. You will build and maintain strong bipartisan relationships with policymakers and public-sector leaders, monitor legislative and regulatory developments, develop advocacy campaigns and policy materials, build coalitions, and collaborate across the organization to advance The IIA's advocacy objectives.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished public policy, government relations, or advocacy professional with significant experience navigating state-level policymaking, established relationships within the state policy community, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to translate complex policy and technical matters into compelling advocacy strategies.

Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid position requiring the individual to be based in the greater Washington, DC area. The position requires working from The IIA's Washington, DC office a minimum of two days per week, three weeks per month.

This position requires approximately 10% travel, primarily within North America, including periodic travel to The IIA's headquarters in Lake Mary, Florida, and other travel as business needs require.

What You'll Do

• Educate policymakers and key stakeholders about internal auditing, The IIA, its certifications and standards, and relevant public policy issues while positioning the organization as a trusted expert resource and thought leader.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted, bipartisan relationships with state-level stakeholders, including governors, state auditors, state legislators, regulatory agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
• Monitor relevant state legislation, hearings, rules, regulations, public comment periods, and other government policy proposals of interest to The IIA.
• Identify emerging political and policy risks and opportunities at the state level and develop appropriate strategies to advance the interests of The IIA, its members, the internal audit profession, and the public.
• Develop and execute advocacy campaigns, including legislative recommendations, coalition-building strategies, stakeholder engagement, and related communications.
• Develop and contribute to lobbying materials, position papers, testimony, public comment letters, briefing memoranda, presentations, web content, multimedia, and social media supporting advocacy priorities.
• Collaborate with The IIA's Communications and Media teams to support media coverage, social media engagement, and awareness of key public policy initiatives.
• Ensure organizational compliance with applicable state lobbying laws, registration requirements, and related reporting obligations.
• Engage IIA members, chapter leaders, volunteer councils, committees, and other stakeholders to gather input and strengthen advocacy initiatives.
• Advocate for a comprehensive understanding of public sector auditing among policymakers, including organizational structure, independence requirements, professional qualifications, standards recognition, and related public policy considerations.
• Support efforts to encourage U.S. and Canadian policymakers, where appropriate, to adopt key elements of The IIA's Public Sector Global Public Policy Position Paper and other official policy positions related to public sector internal auditing.
• Partner with The IIA's Global Advocacy Team and federation of national institutes to promote public sector internal audit best practices around the world.
• Provide support, as needed, to The IIA's U.S. Federal Advocacy and Global Advocacy programs.
• Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned based on organizational and business needs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Political Science, Economics, Accounting, Auditing, Public Policy, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in public policymaking, lobbying, government relations, advocacy, or a related field.
• Experience may include service in a gubernatorial, congressional, U.S. Senate, or state legislative office; a state or federal agency; a membership organization; or a corporate environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong bipartisan relationships with policymakers and other key stakeholders.
• Established relationships with governors, state legislators, and/or national organizations supporting state-level officials.
• Demonstrated experience prioritizing and managing multiple, ongoing, high-profile initiatives while meeting critical deadlines.
• Strong leadership and management capabilities, including the ability to lead through influence, collaboration, and consensus.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain significant attention to detail.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex or technical concepts into clear, accessible language for policymakers and nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to effectively present information to senior leadership, public groups, elected officials and their staff, boards of directors, and other key stakeholders.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 10% as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or J.D.
• Subject matter familiarity with internal auditing, assurance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fraud, governance, risk, internal controls, data privacy, and/or blockchain policy.
• Experience working within a membership association, professional organization, corporation, or other organization engaged in public policy and government relations.
• Experience supporting public-sector advocacy initiatives in the United States, Canada, and/or internationally.
• Multilingual capabilities are an asset.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $130,000-$150,000 per year, plus a comprehensive benefits package. Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and other job-related considerations.

The IIA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees.