Policy Director & Counsel, Voting & Fair Representation

We are looking for a Policy Director & Counsel, Voting & Fair Representation to join our work to advance multi-state and federal policy wins on voting rights, election administration, and fair representation issues. This role will take ownership of issues within the Voting & Fair Representation pillar—from ideation through execution.

The Policy Director & Counsel will collaborate with departments and teams across the organization, providing strategic guidance and legal analysis, conducting research to strategically support our issues, and amplifying our issues externally. This role is ideal for a proactive thinker who thrives on anticipating what’s next in the democracy landscape and translating research and analysis into actionable strategies.

This is a full-time role reporting to the Senior Policy Director, Voting & Fair Representation; this role is remote anywhere within the lower 48 United States, though we have a strong preference for someone who is based in DC and who can work in our office at least two days per week. We hope our new Policy Director & Counsel will start in December.

Responsibilities

· Lead development of proactive state, multi-state, and federal policy and legal strategies on issues within the Voting & Fair Representation pillar, anticipating emerging threats and opportunities and charting paths to advance our agenda.

· Work closely with senior policy staff and state teams to align strategy and identify and leverage strategic opportunities for policy and legal wins within and across states

· Monitor and assess the effectiveness of policy proposals, regularly evaluating impact and identifying areas for improvement 

Policy Research and Analysis 

· Proactively conduct legal and policy research to identify opportunities to advance reforms, anticipate new challenges, and shape innovative approaches to issues within the pillar

· Develop policy and legal briefs, reports, and other materials that clearly communicate findings, recommendations, and positions for both internal and external audiences 

· Collaborate with state staff and other teams to track and monitor key policy and legal issues, legislative developments, and regulatory changes that affect our issues within the pillar

· Support litigation strategy by conducting legal analysis, drafting and reviewing briefs or memos, and contributing substantive expertise to cases within the pillar

Coalition Building and Stakeholder Engagement 

· Proactively build strategic external relationships and represent Common Cause in coalitions and external convenings, advocating for the organization's policy priorities and objectives 

· In collaboration with the Senior Director, Litigation, identify and cultivate relationships with pro bono law firms to support our work

· Facilitate productive and inclusive collaboration among stakeholders, identifying opportunities for thought-partnership and joint action to maximize the impact of our work

· Serve as a key spokesperson for the organization on policy matters, engaging with media, public officials, and other influential entities to elevate Common Cause’s work 

Collaborate with teams across the organization

· Collaborate with the External Affairs, Campaigns and Organizing, and States departments as needed to amplify impact of our work

· Collaborate with the development team to identify and secure funding for our work, creating materials and joining meetings with donors as needed

Administrative and Other Duties 

· Complete administrative tasks as needed 

 ·Perform other duties as assigned 

• A strong commitment to Common Cause’s nonpartisan mission and to advancing civil rights through our pro-democracy agenda     
• A track record of working collaboratively with others, with the ability to build rapport, trust, and credibility with multiple stakeholders with diverse interests 
• Innovative and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to navigate through ambiguity to achieve goals, and a resourceful approach to solve problems
• Ability to navigate organizational and power dynamics, respectfully navigate conflict while maintaining your values, and influence others to adopt changes to meet common goals 
• Ability to compel action through both written and verbal communication, including distilling complex concepts for a broad audience, and to differentiate communications as needed for various audiences; ideally you have experience speaking to the media
• Ability to manage and meet deadlines for multiple short- and long-term priorities at once, with high attention to detail; strong organization skills, and the ability to manage your time independently 
• A commitment to equity in the goals of your work and in how you work with others 
• Openness to feedback and awareness of your own strengths and areas for growth    
• Familiarity with office productivity tools including Microsoft Office, Slack, and Zoom

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and membership in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• Demonstrated subject-matter expertise in issues related to this pillar
• Experience taking policy ideas from concept through execution, including drafting proposals, conducting legal analysis, building support, and implementing reforms
• Demonstrated knowledge of the unique aspects of our national political dynamic, and knowledge of leaders and decision-makers within at least one state and ideally also at the federal level, with a preference for candidates who have built relationships with these stakeholders 
• Experience managing coalitions or groups that represent stakeholders with diverse interests to achieve a goal 
• A track record of leading organization-wide change initiatives 
• Experience leading successful state-level or national public advocacy campaigns related to voting and/or fair representation
• Experience with the federal legislative process within at least one state, and ideally also at the federal level (including policy research and analysis, policy development, legislative drafting, legislative advocacy and lobbying, and policy implementation)
• Ability to travel up to 6 times per year for team and/or all staff retreats
• Willing to have a social media presence on behalf of Common Cause, including being tagged on posts and creating content on behalf of the organization (as needed, Common Cause may provide accounts for staff members to use)
• Per our nonpartisan policy, Common Cause staff members may not currently be in elected office (or running for office); on the Steering Committee or Finance Committee for any political candidate; or affiliated with the leadership of a political party

• This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining negotiations
• Common Cause is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time; please note that if hired, you will be asked to produce documentation for authorization to work in the US

Common Cause is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status, as well as applicants who have been previously incarcerated. 

Common Cause (501(c)(4)) and Common Cause Education Fund (501(c)(3)) are nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots affiliate organizations dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create an open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.   

Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Common Cause has members and supporters living in every congressional district in the United States, and offices in 23 states around the country.