Democracy Forward seeks a highly collaborative advocate with policy expertise who will help to execute the organization’s mission by helping to develop and oversee a holistic strategy to engage policymakers. This position will support Democracy Forward’s mission to educate policymakers and the public regarding policy issues affecting democratic values and social progress, including supporting Democracy Forward’s diverse client set. The ideal candidate will have experience with a range of progressive issues, experience working on a wide range of policy issues, including on Capitol Hill, have experience in the federal regulatory processes, and have a demonstrated record of working with national, state, and local partner organizations and allies to advance shared goals. The candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and effectively manage multiple issues and projects simultaneously.
The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated record of precise, technical and persuasive writing and be able to draft policy reports, educational materials, and other products that advance progressive policies. The candidate will also demonstrate an organizational mindset – with an ability to be flexible and adapt to a growth environment – and strategic thinking and have experience working to advance policies that have a positive impact on historically and currently marginalized communities. The candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to inclusion, equity, and justice and will seek to advance the organization’s values both internally and externally.
Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Democracy Forward’s legal, policy and public affairs, external affairs, and leadership team to achieve organizational and client goals. Work closely with Democracy Forward’s clients, partner organizations, and coalitions to support policy and public policy education.
- Work under the supervision of the Director of Policy and Public Affairs to prioritize and align the policy activities of Democracy Forward with the activities of policymakers.
- Work with the Director of Policy and Public Affairs to track and analyze policy developments that intersect with or impact areas of interest for Democracy Forward and produce policy recommendations and advocacy materials.
- Conduct research on a range of legal and policy issues, including those implicating economic justice, health care access, good government, environmental justice, community empowerment, immigration policies, civil rights, among others.
- Provide guidance and support on partner engagement and strategic engagement, including through analyzing, reading, interpreting complex legal and policy documents, regulations, and court opinions.
- Serve as a liaison to other organizations, policy experts, and broader stakeholders to help identify opportunities for strategies that advance democratic values, social progress, and government transparency.
- Assist in organizing and executing Congressional and public briefings, Democracy Forward engagement in major conferences, and other speaking events.
- Engage in other duties as the organization evolves and grows.
Typical Education & Work Experience (Qualifications)
- A minimum of 6 to 8 years experience in a similar position, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Typical Functional Experience (Qualifications) You are encouraged to apply if you have any combination of these skills.
- Experience working in policy expert capacities in non-profit organizations, government, or other institutions and the intersection of law and policy.
- Strong organizational and project management skills and a demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple work streams.
- Must have a deep understanding of the legislative process and effective engagement with policymakers.
- Experience conducting statutory, regulatory, and legislative analysis, legal research and writing, and using legal, regulatory, and policy change tools and awareness of political landscape.
- Demonstrate ability to cultivate relationships with diplomacy and work effectively and respectfully with diverse organizations, people, and communities.
- Effectively communicate information, ideas, including translating complex legal and policy products for lay audiences in writing and through persuasive public speaking skills.
- Ability to compose precise, effective, and grammatically correct reports, submissions, and correspondence appropriate for the intended audience.
- Adaptable team player with the ability to engage various constituencies in a complex environment.
- Ability to recognize and define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions in the context of a variety of situations with multiple variables, both predictable and unpredictable.
- Demonstrate initiative, including pro-actively identifying and addressing issues and making recommendations.
- Demonstrate a high attention to detail.
- Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment, including demonstrating urgency in developing products and executing strategies to address pressing democracy issues.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute affirmatively to a working environment of equity, justice, and inclusion.
This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC.
The salary range for this position is $80,000-90,000 plus excellent benefits. Compensation is commensurate with experience.
Democracy Forward is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly encourage people of color; lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people; women; people with disabilities; and veterans to apply. Please note that all lawyer positions require a law degree and active membership in the bar of a state or the District of Columbia.
Not sure you meet all of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to mission-based legal and policy work, returning to work after a gap in employment, or simply looking to transition or take the next step in your career path, we welcome the opportunity to have you on our radar. Please include in your cover letter the nature of your interest in legal and policy work promoting democracy and progress and what you hope to bring to our team and the role for which you are applying.
