Senior Policy Counsel/Advisor - Voting Rights & Democracy
Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law See More Job Openings by This Employer
Job Description
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.
Job Title: Senior Policy Counsel/Advisor or Policy Counsel/Advisor – Voting Rights & Democracy
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time
Union Affiliation: Union
Accountable to: Director, Public Policy
About the Role:
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.
The incumbent will manage a portfolio focused on voting rights and judicial nominations and will engage in public policy advocacy, including legislative advocacy, advocacy with administrative agencies, and close collaboration with coalition allies and grassroots partners. This may include, for example, supporting legislation to protect voting rights, democracy and the rule of law; engaging with administrative rulemaking proceedings; advocating for agency enforcement priorities and positions; and coordinating joint advocacy efforts with other civil rights groups. Depending on the needs of the organization and the Public Policy Project, this portfolio of work may include other issues.
This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Director of Public Policy. The position title will depend on the experience and educational degree (e.g. B.A., J.D., etc.) of the incumbent. Regular travel is required.
What You’ll be Doing:
Responsibilities of Senior Policy Counsel/Advisor or Policy Counsel/Advisor include but are not limited to:
Minimum Requirements and Competencies:
Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!
Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.
Benefits: The Lawyers' Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability and an employer paid monthly cell phone stipend.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union. Employment terms, including wages and benefits, are subject to collective bargaining agreements.
The expected range for this role will be: $97,656 - $130,000
Salary
Job Title: Senior Policy Counsel/Advisor or Policy Counsel/Advisor – Voting Rights & Democracy
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time
Union Affiliation: Union
Accountable to: Director, Public Policy
About the Role:
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.
The incumbent will manage a portfolio focused on voting rights and judicial nominations and will engage in public policy advocacy, including legislative advocacy, advocacy with administrative agencies, and close collaboration with coalition allies and grassroots partners. This may include, for example, supporting legislation to protect voting rights, democracy and the rule of law; engaging with administrative rulemaking proceedings; advocating for agency enforcement priorities and positions; and coordinating joint advocacy efforts with other civil rights groups. Depending on the needs of the organization and the Public Policy Project, this portfolio of work may include other issues.
This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Director of Public Policy. The position title will depend on the experience and educational degree (e.g. B.A., J.D., etc.) of the incumbent. Regular travel is required.
What You’ll be Doing:
Responsibilities of Senior Policy Counsel/Advisor or Policy Counsel/Advisor include but are not limited to:
- Monitor key developments in assigned issue areas and identify opportunities for engagement and advancing the organization’s policy agenda.
- Analyze federal policy proposals and develop and produce advocacy tools for various audiences concerning important voting rights and democracy issues.
- Build and maintain relationships with congressional and executive branch staff to ensure that the principles of the Lawyers’ Committee mission are reflected in the policymaking process, including responding to questions from external sources regarding pending federal legislation and initiatives.
- Cultivate close relationships and regularly collaborate with coalition partners, including other civil rights organizations, voting rights and democracy-focused organizations, and grassroots racial justice organizations.
- Attend Congressional hearings, briefings, and meetings, and represent the Lawyers’ Committee in external meetings and briefings with congressional and executive branch staff.
- Work closely with colleagues across relevant Lawyers’ Committee units, including the Voting Rights Project and other internal Projects as needed, to help identify and pursue shared advocacy objectives.
- Draft congressional testimony, talking points, reports, letters, comments on proposed administrative rules and regulations, and other materials for meetings, briefings, and other public speaking engagements on voting rights, nominations, and democracy-related legislative, policy, and regulatory matters.
- Plan and execute advocacy events, such as congressional briefings, panel discussions, advocacy days on Capitol Hill, and webinars to further advocacy goals.
- Work with communications staff to coordinate a focused communications strategy and to elevate relevant legislative, administrative, and executive activity in the media.
- Track and summarize legislation, regulations, and other policy developments using databases, as well as monitoring media, social media, and government websites.
- Lead and participate in national coalition meetings focused on voting rights and democracy, as well as judicial and executive branch nominations.
- Provide policy briefings and support for the President & Executive Director and other senior staff, including drafting written and oral testimony and helping with preparation for other appearances before executive branch and legislative officials.
Minimum Requirements and Competencies:
- Deep commitment to the advancement of racial justice and civil rights and preferred experience working for a civil rights or racial justice organization.
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of at least four years of work experience relevant to this role, preferably working on federal policy.
- Experience with voting rights and democracy issues, such as the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, voter suppression, election administration and funding, election mis- and dis-information, alternative electoral systems, democratic reforms and other democracy-related issues, redistricting, and the Census.
- It is a plus to also have experience working on judicial or executive nominations, and familiarity with the confirmation process.
- Demonstrated experience working with and for communities of color.
- Must be willing to register as a federal lobbyist.
- Working knowledge of the federal legislative, regulatory, and policy process (experience as a Congressional staffer, at a civil rights non-profit, or at a federal or state agency a plus).
- Exceptional research, writing, and communication skills.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Strong organizational skills with superb attention to detail.
- Strong, creative, and curious intellect, and the ability to analyze issues and develop novel advocacy strategies.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills, ability to build trust and credibility with partners, as well as Congressional and executive branch staff and officials.
- Ability to synthesize information and to manage multiple priorities, take direction and guidance, and follow through and complete assignments, meeting often strict deadlines.
- Ability to be flexible, responsive, and a team player to meet the needs of the organization, and to work independently when needed.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and Internet research tools.
- Willingness and ability to travel on a regular basis for meetings.
- Experience working on issues like the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, voter suppression, election administration and funding, election mis- and dis-information, alternative electoral systems, democratic reforms and other democracy-related issues, redistricting, and the Census. Familiarity with how Congress and federal agencies operate is preferred.
Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!
Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.
Benefits: The Lawyers' Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability and an employer paid monthly cell phone stipend.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union. Employment terms, including wages and benefits, are subject to collective bargaining agreements.
The expected range for this role will be: $97,656 - $130,000
- $97,656 - $130,000/year
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