Senior Policy Counsel

Demos; New York, Washington (NY, District of Columbia); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Demos, a public policy organization based in New York, seeks a Senior Policy Counsel to join its high-impact legal team. You will lead on voting rights, ballot access, money in politics, and economic democracy, advancing reforms that remove barriers for Black and Brown communities.

Reporting to the Director of Legal Strategies, you will provide policy guidance, strategic counsel, and support to the Democracy issue experts, Research team, and partner organizations at federal, state, and local

Qualifications

• Strong experience in democracy reform policy and advocacy.
• Experience with voting rights, ballot access, or money in politics preferred.
• Ability to provide strategic counsel to legal and policy teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and influence policy strategy across federal, state, and local levels.
• Collaborate with the Democracy experts, Research team, and partner organizations.
• Advise on litigation and movement-building efforts to advance reforms.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Racial equity analysis

Policy strategy

Legal strategies

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 a Senior Policy Counsel to join its high impact legal team. We are looking for a seasoned policy advocate, who brings strong racial equity analysis and policy experience to Demos’ Democracy Reform work. Some examples of compelling prior experience would include working on policy 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 Senior Policy Counsel works closely with, and reports to, the Director of Legal Strategies and will be a key partner to the organization’s Democracy issue experts, Policy and Research team members, as well as the Movement Building team and partner organizations.

The Senior Policy Counsel will bring strong foundational knowledge of the progressive movement and policy landscape, and understand the utility of policy, advocacy, movement building, 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 Democracy issue experts, thought leaders in the sector and partner organizations. The Senior Policy Counsel will work closely as a member of the senior legal team in developing and implementing policy strategy at the federal, state, and local levels, consistent with Demos’ priorities and the organization’s goals, 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 $85,000 – $100,000 and 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.