Policy Director & Counsel
Common Cause
Policy Director & Counsel
Common Cause
Advances open, accountable democracy and participation
Salary Range: 116699 to 137917 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)
We are looking for a Policy Director & Counsel, Voting & Fair Representation to join our work to advance state, 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 & Counsel, Voting & Fair Representation; the position is open to remote candidates in the lower 48 United States, though candidates who can work in our Washington, DC office at least two days per week will receive preference. Priority will be given to candidates who apply by November 15, 2026. We hope our new Policy Director & Counsel will start in January 2027.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Team Management
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, litigation staff, and state teams to align strategy and identify and leverage strategic opportunities for policy and legal wins within and across states
Manage the Policy Manager, Voting & Fair Representation: collaboratively set goals, coach and develop them towards these goals and support their career progression and retention at Common Cause
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
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
Experience leading successful state-level or national public advocacy campaigns related to voting and/or fair representation
Experience with the 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)
Experience with shaping impact litigation strategies and working with outside counsel teams
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
Have managed at least one staff member, intern and/or fellow
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
Ability to travel up to 6 times per year for team and/or all staff retreats
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 classified as supervisory and therefore not included in the union-represented collective bargaining unit.
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.
Advances open, accountable democracy and participation
Common Cause works to restore the core values of American democracy by promoting open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest and by empowering ordinary people to participate in politics. It carries out programs, citizen engagement, advocacy, and organizing to keep government transparent and answerable, encouraging public participation across its network of nearly 400,000 members and 36 state organizations. It stands out from many groups with its large national footprint, long history since 1970, and a specific focus on government openness, accountability, and public participation. Its goal is to ensure a government that is transparent and accountable to the people, and to empower citizens to have a stronger role in the democratic process.
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