Policy Director & Counsel, Voting and Fair Representation

Accountabilities: Lead the development and execution of proactive state, multi-state, and federal policy and legal strategies addressing voting rights, election administration, and fair representation. Anticipate emerging political, legislative, and legal challenges while identifying opportunities to advance democratic reforms and organizational priorities. Collaborate with senior policy leaders, litigation teams, and state-based staff to coordinate strategies and maximize opportunities for policy and legal victories. Manage, mentor, and develop the Policy Manager, establishing clear objectives, providing regular feedback, and supporting professional growth and retention. Conduct in-depth legal and policy research to identify opportunities for reform, assess emerging challenges, and develop innovative approaches to complex issues. Draft and review legal briefs, policy papers, research reports, memoranda, and strategic recommendations for internal and external audiences. Monitor legislative developments, regulatory changes, and relevant legal issues to inform advocacy strategies and organizational decision-making. Contribute to litigation strategies by conducting legal analysis, reviewing and drafting legal documents, and collaborating with external counsel. Build and maintain strategic relationships with coalitions, advocacy organizations, policymakers, and other influential stakeholders. Represent the organization in external meetings, public events, and coalition initiatives while promoting policy priorities and encouraging collaborative action. Act as a spokesperson on relevant policy matters, communicating key positions to media outlets, public officials, and other audiences. Work cross-functionally with External Affairs, Campaigns and Organizing, State teams, and Development to strengthen advocacy efforts and support fundraising initiatives. Prepare donor-facing materials, participate in fundraising discussions when needed, and complete administrative responsibilities and additional projects as assigned. Requirements Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the bar of at least one U.S. jurisdiction. Demonstrated expertise in voting rights, election administration, fair representation, or closely related public policy and legal issues. Significant experience leading successful state-level or national public advocacy campaigns focused on voting rights or democratic representation. Strong understanding of legislative processes at the state level, ideally complemented by federal experience, including policy research, legislative drafting, advocacy, lobbying, and implementation. Proven ability to take policy initiatives from concept through execution, including developing proposals, conducting legal analysis, building stakeholder support, and implementing reforms. Experience shaping impact litigation strategies and collaborating with external legal counsel and litigation teams. Previous people-management experience, including supervising at least one employee, intern, or fellow. Demonstrated experience building and managing coalitions involving stakeholders with diverse perspectives and interests. Established relationships with relevant policymakers, government leaders, and decision-makers in at least one U.S. state, ideally with federal-level connections. Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to navigate ambiguity and organizational dynamics effectively. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal and policy concepts into accessible messages for different audiences. Media experience is an advantage. Exceptional relationship-building, collaboration, and influencing skills, with the ability to manage disagreements constructively and maintain strong professional relationships. Strong organizational and time-management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple short- and long-term priorities while meeting deadlines. Commitment to equity, civil rights, democratic participation, and nonpartisan advocacy, demonstrated through both professional work and collaborative practices. Openness to feedback, self-awareness, and a continuous improvement mindset. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Slack, Zoom, and other standard workplace productivity tools. Ability to travel up to six times per year for team meetings and organizational retreats. Candidates based near Washington, DC, who can work from the office at least two days per week, are particularly encouraged to apply. Must comply with nonpartisan employment requirements, including restrictions on holding elected office, running for office, serving on political candidate steering or finance committees, or holding leadership positions within a political party. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States, as employment visa sponsorship is not available. Benefits Annual salary: $116,699–$137,917, with potential geographic adjustments depending on the employee's location. Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including: 97% of employee medical care costs covered. 100% of employee dental and vision benefits covered. 75% of family medical care and 100% of family dental and vision benefits covered. Long-term disability and life insurance coverage. Generous paid time off, including 20 vacation days and 10 paid holidays annually. Additional paid time off during Thanksgiving and the winter holiday period. 16 weeks of paid parental leave. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). 401(k) retirement savings plan with immediate employer matching. Dependent care and pet care support when traveling for work. Professional development funding and opportunities for continued learning. Remote working arrangements available throughout the lower 48 United States, with access to a Washington, DC office for eligible employees. Collaborative and mission-driven working environment focused on democracy, civil rights, equity, and meaningful public impact.