Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Policy Counsel/Advisor or Senior Policy Counsel/Advisor

Washington, DC
Full Time
Public Policy
Experienced
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 Advisor/Counsel
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time


About the Role:
We're in search of a talented, dynamic, and enthusiastic policy advocate to join our Public Policy Project team. The Public Policy Project advocates for the advancement of civil rights law at the state and federal level, working with other organizations as well as legislators and the executive branch. The successful candidate will manage one or two federal policy portfolios focusing on criminal justice reform, education, or economic justice. Experience in one or all areas are acceptable for eligibility. The position title for attorneys will be Policy Counsel or Senior Policy Counsel, and for non-attorneys the position title will be Policy Advisor or Senior Policy Advisor.

What You’ll be Doing:
  • Analyze federal policy proposals and draft reports and white papers designed to influence policymakers and stakeholders.
  • Monitor key developments in assigned issue areas and identify opportunities for engagement and to advance the organization’s policy agenda.
  • Develop and produce advocacy tools for various audiences concerning important issues.
  • Build and maintain relationships with congressional and executive branch staff to ensure the Lawyers’ Committee mission is reflected in the policymaking process.
  • Attend Congressional hearings, briefings, and meetings, representing the Lawyers’ Committee and engaging with stakeholders.
  • Work closely with colleagues across relevant Lawyers’ Committee units to help identify and pursue shared advocacy objectives.
  • Plan and execute advocacy events, such as congressional briefings, panel discussions, advocacy days on Capitol Hill, and webinars.
  • Research and draft memoranda, letters, and analyses of federal bills and comments on proposed administrative rules and regulations.
  • Lead and participate in national coalition meetings focused on portfolio issues.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:
  • Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of six years of relevant experience working on federal policy.
  • Deep commitment to the advancement of racial justice and civil rights;
  • Expertise in at least one of the following civil right issue areas: criminal justice reform, education, or economic justice.
  • 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 writing, oral and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.  
  • Strong organizational skills with superb attention to detail.
  • Ability to build trust and credibility with stakeholders, such as Congressional and executive branch staff and officials.
  • Ability to synthesize information, manage multiple priorities, follow through and complete assignments.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and resolve conflicts, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and engage with communities affected by racial and economic disparities.
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, think creatively, and adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining a commitment to the mission and values of the Lawyers’ Committee.
  • Ability to multitask, take direction, and meet strict deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team; receptive to instruction and guidance from senior team members.
  • Ability to be flexible, responsive, and a team player.
  • Demonstrated experience working with and for communities of color and/or low-income communities.
  • Willingness and ability to travel on a regular basis for meetings.

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.

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.
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