Senior Policy Counsel, Civil Rights

The Civil Rights Senior Policy Counsel is responsible for effectively advancing the mission of the organization by building strong relationships with policymakers and their staff,  analyzing and drafting legislation; developing policy recommendations and advocating for their adoption with policymakers;  and  working with coalition partners and allies to mobilize public support for  SPLC's policy priorities across four impact areas: strengthening democracy, eradicating poverty, combatting hate and extremism, and reimaging the criminal legal system. 

Experienced. Demonstrated experience in public policy with knowledge and advocacy expertise on issues related to racial justice and civil rights.

Effective Communicator. Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.

Innovative and Strategic. Ability to be a strategic, forward thinker who can facilitate meetings with stakeholders.

Efficient. Ability to effectively manage time while working in a fast-paced environment. Pivoting from one assignment to another to accomplish goals and the complete assignments.

Collaborative. Demonstrated ability to work with internal departments as well as government officials, external organizations, and stakeholders to execute specific strategies to advance the work of the policy department.

Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to SPLC’s mission, vision and values.

Maintain knowledge and professional expertise on relevant policy issues, laws and regulations to support advocacy efforts.

Cultivate strong relationships with key members of Congress, staff, and federal administration officials who oversee, develop and implement federal policy on SPLC impact areas and priorities on an on-going basis via in-person or virtual means as necessary.

Collaborate with policy teams (federal, research and regional) and other departments to develop and implement strategic policy advocacy plan on relevant SPLC impact areas and priorities.

Draft comments, letters, statements, testimony, talking points, fact sheets, policy recommendations and other policy advocacy materials that articulate SPLC’s policy positions with supporting legal and policy analysis of civil rights implications of federal legislation, regulations and/or executive actions.

Organize briefings to elevate research and policy writing and facilitates the drafting and presentation of SPLC testimony before relevant Congressional committees and federal agencies on SPLC impact areas and priorities.

Coordinate and facilitate internal and external meetings; collaborate with SPLC staff, key stakeholders, ally organizations, and coalition partners to strategize around, develop and execute advocacy strategies on SPLC impact areas and priorities.

Analyze federal legislation and administrative rules and regulations and provides policy recommendations for internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to policymakers, community members and partners.

Train and mentor policy staff, interns and externs as needed.

Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the center and department’s goals.

We are committed to equitable hiring practices, therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

• At least ten (10) years of experience in public policy, with demonstrated knowledge in civil rights issues; and
• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.

This is an exempt role, and the minimum starting salary is $148,500 annually. Salary is commensurate with experience.

• Local Remote: Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
• Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
• This position will report to the Director, Federal Policy.

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.