Associate Director, Litigation

Demos; New York, Washington (NY, District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development opportunities

Diversity and inclusion commitment

Job summary

Demos in New York seeks an Associate Director, Litigation to join its high-impact legal team. We are looking for a seasoned legal advocate with strong racial equity analysis and experience in democracy reform, including voting rights, ballot access, and money in politics.

The Associate Director will shape litigation strategy, work closely with Democracy issue experts, and manage junior counsel, reporting to the Director of Legal Strategies. Demos is committed to equal opportunity and diversity.

Qualifications

• Strong racial equity analysis in legal contexts.
• Experience on issues like voting rights, ballot access, or redistricting.
• Ability to develop and implement litigation strategies for democracy reform.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement litigation strategy for democracy reform.
• Support development of legal staff and mentor 1–2 team members.
• Collaborate with Democracy issue experts and partner organizations.

Skills

Racial equity analysis

Legal advocacy

Voting rights

Democracy reform

Litigation strategy

Job description

Founded in 2000, Demos is a public policy organization working for a democracy and economy rooted in racial equity. Our work is organized around a particular point of view about power and about what is required to create a society where Black and Brown communities are fully thriving. Demos moves ideas powerful enough to improve the lives of everyday Americans through the full cycle of change. We champion over-the-horizon policy solutions, shift the narrative to clear the way for their acceptance, and are committed to a model of sustained advocacy until they take effect. We use the right strategy for the right moment, whether it’s research, communications, supporting organizers, or litigation. This commitment to the full cycle of change has resulted in real victories, from landmark credit card reforms to over 3 million new voter registration applications from low-income citizens. Throughout all of our work, Demos is advocating not just for people, but for the very idea of the people—of one nation, united by a shared fate. The organization is headquartered in New York City and has an office in Washington, D.C.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Demos seeks an Associate Director, Litigation to join its high impact legal team. We are looking for a seasoned legal advocate, who brings strong racial equity analysis and legal experience to Demos’ democracy reform work. Some examples of compelling prior experience would include working on issues such as voting rights, ballot access, money in politics, redistricting, and economic democracy – seeking to eliminate discriminatory barriers to exercising the full rights and benefits that are cornerstones of citizenship in a democracy. Demos’ dynamic model leverages a broad arsenal of tools that include innovative policy solutions and legal strategies to achieve structural reforms that build political and movement power with Black and Brown communities. The Associate Director, Litigation works closely with, and reports to, the Director of Legal Strategies and will be a key partner to the organization’s Democracy issue experts, as well as movement partners and co-counsel. Finally, the Associate Director, Litigation will directly manage 1-2 members of the Legal Team.

The Associate Director, Litigation will bring strong foundational knowledge of the progressive movement and policy landscape, and understand the utility of policy, advocacy, and litigation in driving towards Demo’s desired impact. The successful candidate will bring strong functional expertise in democracy reform work and be a thought leader providing advice and counsel to the legal team and broader organization as well as Demos’ community of practice, including voting rights and democracy issue experts, thought leaders in the sector, and partner organizations. The Associate Director, Litigation will work closely as a member of the senior legal team in developing and implementing litigation strategy, supporting the development of legal staff, and leveraging their deep knowledge and expertise in service of protecting and supporting the communities that Demos serves.

COMPENSATION

The starting salary range for this position is $100,000 – $120,000 and is commensurate with experience.

Demos is an Equal Opportunity Employer--people of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.