Director

The Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) is a nonpartisan legislative service agency that drafts all legislation and provides legal services to the Wisconsin State Legislature. In addition, the LRB provides research services, administers the Wisconsin Administrative Code and Register, and maintains the legislative library. The LRB also publishes all legislative documents, including the Wisconsin Statutes and the Wisconsin Blue Book.

In addition to a compensation and benefits package, the LRB offers an enjoyable work environment and the opportunity to support historically significant work as an integral part of the Legislature. The LRB is located on the Capitol Square in downtown Madison, Wisconsin.

The LRB is currently accepting applications for a Director to join the bureau. The annual salary range for this position is $109,428.80-$180,564.80, dependent on skills, experience, and qualifications.

The Director is responsible for overseeing all agency functions, managing agency operations and delivery of services, hiring and supervising staff, developing and implementing strategic agency plans, representing the LRB before the press and in national organizations, and leading external relations and outreach operations of the LRB.

The Director holds several responsibilities related to the following LRB services: Legal Services, Research and Information, Legislative Publications, and Legislative Services.

Legal Services: This office provides legislative support by preparing legislation for introduction in the state legislature through bill drafting. The Director coordinates and reviews all legal memoranda prepared by attorneys. The Director also oversees the process of enrolling and publishing enacted legislation as well as any law revision operations. By law, the LRB drafts the governor’s biennial budget bill, using eighteen staff attorneys in which the Director coordinates work. In addition, the LRB Director leads attorneys at caucus briefings, and assumes an active role in the attorney CLE program.

Research and Information: The Director is responsible for overseeing and reviewing research and contributes regularly in matters affecting legislative operations and procedures. The LRB publishes a series of original research and data relating to legislative operations in which the Director is a regular contributor to these series. The Director oversees the process in which LRB analysts provide information to legislators, the press, and general public on matters relating to the Legislature. The Director also oversees the operation of the Theobald Legislative Library.

Legislative Publications: The Director serves as the executive editor of the following publications: Wisconsin Statutes, Wisconsin Laws, and the Wisconsin Blue Book. The Director also oversees the compilation and publication of the Administrative Code and Administrative Register. In collaboration with the Assembly and Senate Chief Clerks, the Director will draft all proposed legislative rules.

Legislative Services: The Director coordinates all legislative outreach operations of the LRB and organizes training to legislative staff on LRB operations. The Director also oversees the process of staffing the Assembly and Senate floors on session days to provide legal assistance and drafting amendments to legislation. By legislative rule, the Director presides over the Assembly on the first day of session if the Assembly or Senate Chief Clerk position is vacant.

The ideal candidate for this position should possess excellent interpersonal skills, as well as demonstrate an outstanding ability to communicate solutions and other information to Senators, Representatives, legislative staff, and the public. The candidate must be willing and able to work in a nonpartisan environment, and he/she should be able to operate in a professional and confidential manner while working with legislators and legislative staff in the performance of assigned duties. The candidate must possess excellent supervisory skills and be willing and able to direct and supervise a large staff of attorneys and analysts. Preferably, he/she will also be familiar with the operation of legislative bodies.

Knowledge/Experience Desired

• Thorough knowledge of bill and rule drafting;

• Thorough knowledge of relevant legal precedent, rulings, and administrative principles/practices;

• Ability to research and summarize legislation, effectively respond to legislator legal questions and provide legal advice/counsel;

• Ability to provide training on legal/legislative matters, as needed;

• Ability to learn the Assembly and Senate rules, procedures and operations;

• Ability to learn the legislative and biennial budget processes;

• Knowledge of state government;

• Knowledge of applicable computer word processing, spreadsheet and database programs;

• Ability to act as the records custodian for the LRB, manage public records requests for the LRB, and advise the Senate, Assembly, and legislative service agencies on how to respond to public records requests;

• Ability to manage the LRB’s agency budget;

• Ability to manage the LRB and its staff in an impartial and nonpartisan manner;

• Ability to work collaboratively with the other non-partisan legislative service agencies;

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and effectively manage politically sensitive work;

• Ability to be highly productive and meet deadlines under stressful conditions;

• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both verbally and in writing; and,

• Ability to provide excellent customer service.

Minimum Training and Experience

• Admitted or eligible for admission to the Wisconsin Bar;

• 10 years of experience in the practice of law, including at least 5-7 years of experience managing legal staff.

We are seeking candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require employer visa sponsorship now or in the future. A background check will be conducted on all finalists prior to an offer of employment. The Legislative Reference Bureau is an equal opportunity employer.

Please send your current resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in this position to LHRO.Employment@legis.wisconsin.gov by November 5, 2025.

NOTE: The candidate selected for this position will need to be appointed by the Joint Committee on Legislative Organization (JCLO), report directly to the JCLO, undergo regular reviews, and be considered for annual compensation adjustments.

• Wisconsin Legislature

• 6083169700