Public Policy Counsel

The Public Policy Counsel works in collaboration with other members of the Public Policy department to help drive the state and federal public policy agenda that furthers the organization’s goals.

Background

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a nonpartisan educational and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the constitutional principle of church-state separation as the only way to ensure freedom of religion, including the right to believe or not believe, for all of us. Founded in 1947, Americans United is a diverse and dynamic organization composed of people from all walks of life: lawyers and lobbyists, students and activists, religious leaders and impassioned Americans. AU includes people of faith and people who don’t profess any particular faith. It is a community that welcomes people of all genders, races, ethnicities, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and abilities. Because we work on a wide variety of issues with many different communities, we value what diversity and diverse perspectives bring to our work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Represent AU with partner organizations, coalitions, and state and federal policymakers and staff to build support for AU’s policy goals.
• Draft advocacy materials, including AU and coalition letters, backgrounders, and reports.

• Perform necessary research and analysis, including on legal and policy issues and current events; and develop, implement, and assess strategies to achieve policy goals at the state and federal level.
• Track and analyze pending state and federal legislation and proposed regulations and policies related to church-state separation.
• Provide expert analysis and advice, including through collaboration with other departments, to develop strategies to educate people about relevant issues and work, mobilize people in support of our policy efforts, and further our litigation goals, and continuously build a knowledge base, to include tracking and monitoring relevant legal and policy trends.

Skills and Experience

• 1 to 2 years of experience with:
  • the legislative process, ideally involving church-state separation or other civil rights issues, and
  • working with coalitions and policymakers.
• J.D. required.
• Admission to the D.C. Bar or eligibility to be admitted by motion to the D.C. Bar within one year of employment start.
• Strong organizational, analytical, writing, research and speaking skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team in an often fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate productively with stakeholders of differing viewpoints, work across diverse communities (e.g. race, age, class, LGBTQ+, religious/nonreligious), and integrate diversity, equity and inclusion into our work.
• Ability to produce high quality legal analysis and advocacy materials on deadline and with accuracy.
• Understanding of the legislative or regulatory process or policy advocacy strategies.
• Demonstrated interest in progressive advocacy, civil rights, civil liberties, and/or church-state separation.

The following skills and experience are preferred, but not required:

• Experience working as a legislative or executive staff member in state or federal government.
• Knowledge, experience, and/or existing networks related to church-state separation and/or inclusive religious freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, public education, and/or reproductive rights.
• Knowledge or experience working on state or federal budget or appropriations process.

*Research shows candidates from marginalized groups are less likely to apply for positions when they don’t meet 100% of listed requirements; please consider applying even if you don’t match 100% of these criteria.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for Counsel-level positions at AU is $81,600 to $102,000 for a candidate with 1 to 10+ years of experience. Employees who reside in higher-cost areas, including the Washington, DC metro area, receive an additional five percent salary increase. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined by the number of years of relevant experience they bring to the role and their qualifications.

Americans United offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid premiums for health care, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) with match, and commuter subsidy.

Work Location

This role is based in the Washington, DC area. The successful candidate may work a hybrid schedule and will be required to attend occasional in-person staff meetings and events.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a thoughtful, relevant cover letter. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. AU is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Salary

• $81,600 - $102,000