Program Director, Policy & Senior Counsel

The States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization focused on the critical role states play in election protection, is hiring a Program Director, Policy and Senior Counsel to join our Legal team and oversee our policy work of the Legal department. About the Organization: The States United Democracy Center is a nonpartisan organization advancing free, fair, and secure elections and the rule of law. We connect state and local officials, law enforcement leaders, and pro-democracy partners across America with the tools and expertise they need to safeguard democracy. We are guided by a bipartisan Advisory Board of former state and federal officials, issue experts, and law enforcement leaders from both major political parties who are committed to protecting the will of the people and the rule of law. Job Overview: The Program Director, Policy and Senior Counsel is a core member of the organization's legal program reporting to the SVP of Legal. This position will oversee and guide the development of policy solutions for internal and external clients related to election and voting laws, regulations and issues, rule of law issues, and other democracy-related issues at both the state and federal level. While this position will not do advocacy and/or lobbying, the Program Director will be critical in tracking and spotting legislative trends, directly working with clients on policy solutions, and overseeing external and internal facing materials dealing with policy analysis and solutions. Responsibilities: Oversee the policy work of the organization, including developing innovative policy solutions, overseeing client work on non-litigation issues, and overseeing reports and public materials. Track and analyze legislation and policy on voting rights, election law, redistricting, and other election, democracy and rule of law issues at the federal and at the state level (in target states). Collaborate with clients to meet needs including researching and drafting policy solutions on a range of election, voting, and rule of law issues. Conduct research, draft memos, and analysis on policies and legislative proposals, draft model legislation, draft testimony, provide ongoing analysis of policy and legislative actions, and be the strategic and quality control hub for editing and reviewing policy and legislative materials. Provide technical assistance and expert legal and policy advice to the Chief Executive Officer, Board members, stakeholders, partners, coalition members and others who seek assistance from States United. Conduct legal research and provide guidance and analysis of election and voting laws; analyze bills, laws, and legal activity on elections and voting; and recommend legal, research, and policy actions. Work with colleagues to analyze policy and legislative issues and develop public education and other materials on democracy protection, including drafting and/or reviewing policy reports, white papers, and press materials. Help develop and oversee tracking of issues at the state level, including potentially managing external consultants. Help manage, mentor, and develop other Counsel and policy advisors. Minimum Requirements: Attorney/JD with an active license and a minimum of 15 years of policy, legal, legislative, regulatory or other relevant experience. Significant experience with legislative analysis, tracking and drafting. Ability to translate complex legislative and legal issues into reports and memos for non-lawyers and the public. Demonstrated ability to independently identify, conceptualize, lead, and manage significant policy and legislative work. Experience managing, developing, and mentoring junior staff and managing programs and staff. Experience managing teams including external consultants and coordinating with internal and external teams. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a demanding and fast-paced environment. Willingness and ability to work beyond the normal workday, on weekends, and/or more than 40 hours a week as necessary. Outstanding judgment about both legal and policy issues and management/organizational issues. Outstanding writing and editing skills, including drafting and editing complex materials and legislative analysis. Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working on issues of election protection, voting rights, and/or democracy protection strongly preferred. Experience working with state officials, including governors or attorneys general. We encourage individuals to submit their application for consideration even if they believe they do not have all the preferred qualifications. Compensation and Benefits: Salary range for this position begins $200,000+ commensurate to experience. Benefits include 100% employer paid health, vision, and dental plans; matching retirement benefits; generous paid time off. We have offices located in Boston, MA, Brooklyn, NY, and Washington, DC. This position may also be remote within the United States, with travel to meet clients and attend organizational and team meetings and conferences, and other travel as needed. States United Democracy Center is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-03-09