Legislative and Policy Specialist, Justice Reform

About LWVUS:

The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS, the League) is a nonpartisan political organization that has fought for more than 100 years to improve American systems of government and impact public policies through citizen education, advocacy, and litigation. The enduring vitality and resonance of the League as a trusted force for change and good government comes from its unique decentralized structure: a national organization with strong partnerships at the grassroots level with more than 700 state and local Leagues across the country including the District of Columbia. At the national level, League activities are coordinated and staffed by two distinct but complementary organizations: The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) and the League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF).

Position Description:

The Legislative and Policy Specialist for Justice Reform will play an important role in the research and development of policy and legislative proposals relating to the organization’s urgent issue areas. This is a one-year term position with a possible renewal based upon performance and funding. The Legislative and Policy Coordinator will be part of the Advocacy and Litigation department, which is responsible for working with other LWVUS staff and partner organizations to help develop and advance LWVUS’s legislative agenda before Congress and the Administration, as well as supporting LWVUS and its partners’ efforts to advance policy initiatives at the state and local levels through education, advocacy, and litigation, as needed. A portion of time may be spent doing work for LWVUS’s sister organization, LWV Education Fund.

Principal Responsibilities:

Play a key role in providing research and strategic advice around the development of LWVUS national policy priorities, and advocacy efforts to advance these priorities under the Making Democracy Work® campaign.
Track national and occasional state and local policy activities relevant to LWVUS priorities.
Present relevant policy/legislative developments to LWVUS field partners.
Work in close collaboration with LWVUS staff to develop a national campaign strategy.
Work with national allies to advance LWVUS policy priorities.
Contribute to the development and execution of strategies to advance federal and state policy priorities.
Develop and disseminate relevant information to national and local partners, policymakers, the media, and communities.
Support the development and strengthening of relationships with the Administration and Congress, allies, and influencers.
Support LWVUS and partners’ activities on Capitol Hill, including lobbying, setting up Congressional meetings for staff, preparing for meetings, testimony, or other activities.
Conduct research and strategic analysis in support of grassroots initiatives to impact national, state, and local policies.

Qualifications:

Two years of experience in policy or legislative research, which may include experience in federal or state legislature, academic research, or community organizing around voting rights issues. Hill experience is a plus.
Understanding and willingness to commit to LWVUS’s mission of empowering voters and defending democracy, as well as a passion for working with communities of color to build, wield, and share power and capacity to improve their communities and bring about broader social change.
An understanding of the federal and state legislative processes.
Solid written and oral communication skills are a must.
The ability to produce consistent, quality work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment is essential.
Experience distilling policy information into understandable pieces to volunteers and grassroots members.
Commitment to advancing economic, racial, and gender justice is essential.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $65,000 for a one-year term with the option to renew based upon performance and funding. We have a generous benefits package that includes 95 percent employer-sponsored health insurance, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, vacation days, sick days, pre-tax transit benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to a 401(K) plan.

LOCATION:

This position is based in Washington, DC.

ADA Specifications:

This position is primarily sedentary and is performed in an office setting. The physical demands of this position are limited to the ability to use a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment, lift up to 25 lbs., bend, stoop, and carry materials used in financial activities. Routine travel within the United States is necessary.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The League of Women Voters of the United States is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace based on equal opportunity. The League is committed to hiring staff that reflects this country's full range of racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic identity; a workplace where true diversity is fostered, and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged. We encourage women, minorities, and individuals from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.

La Liga de Mujeres Votantes de los Estados Unidos está comprometida con un lugar de trabajo diverso e inclusivo basado en la igualdad de oportunidades. La Liga se compromete a contratar personal que refleje la gama completa de la raza, etnia, cultura, orientación sexual y la identidad socioeconómica de este país; un lugar de trabajo donde se fomenta la verdadera diversidad y se valoran e intercambian libremente diferentes perspectivas. Buscamos y alentamos activamente a las mujeres, las minorías, las personas con discapacidades, los inmigrantes, incluyendo los beneficiarios de DACA y las personas de comunidades tradicionalmente subrepresentadas, a aplicar.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, please send resumes to [email protected] with "Justice Reform Legislative and Policy Specialist Application” in the subject line. Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. If you have questions about this position, please direct them to the same email. No phone calls, please.