Reports to: Senior Director, Courts and Legal PolicyStaff reporting to this position: NoneDepartment: Structural Reform and GovernancePosition classification: Exempt, full time; Union - Level 5Compensation range: $70,000-$84,000 per annumWork site: On-site (Washington, D.C., office)
Summary
American Progress is seeking a highly motivated and creative professional to join the Democracy team in its Structural Reform and Governance department. The Democracy team is dedicated to taking swift action to strengthen the guardrails of democracy in a way that equips it to serve as a force for good. This position will work to improve the functioning of the U.S. courts and legal system, advance voting rights and election administration, combat corruption and reform the U.S. political system, and recommend reforms to government institutions to ensure they deliver for Americans.
The work will be driven by American Progress' mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country.
Responsibilities:
- Spearhead policy and research projects at the direction of senior staff; identify and pitch new projects that align with the team's priorities and goals.
- Develop, implement, and manage the production and distribution of a variety of written products-including reports, issue briefs, columns, and op-eds-that influence the policy debate surrounding democracy and legal policy issues.
- Conduct research and analysis on courts, legal policy, and democracy issues, and provide related research support for senior staff.
- Analyze and track pending state and federal legislative proposals affecting the courts and legal reform, as well as major cases pending before federal courts.
- Engage in rapid response to policy developments as needed, including by drafting articles, memos to interested parties, op-eds, fact sheets, and social media posts.
- Collaborate with staff working across a range of issues, including to identify crosscutting issues and projects.
- Engage in issue-based coalitions and represent American Progress in external meetings with Capitol Hill staff, diverse coalition partners, and media contacts to advance the organization's work.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements and qualifications:
- Juris Doctor is strongly preferred. Exceptional candidates with equivalent experience will be considered.
- At least three years of relevant professional experience.
- Working knowledge of core legal and democracy policy issues, including familiarity with the federal judicial process and the prominent legal issues that arise in federal courts.
- Exceptional research and writing ability, including the ability to communicate technical legal and policy matters to a nonpolicy audience.
- High level of creativity, with the ability to solve problems and identify creative approaches to complex challenges.
- Experience conducting original research and successfully engaging in advocacy and coalition activities.
- Ability to independently manage projects from conception to completion and to multitask and prioritize.
- Comfort working under pressure or tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with a team.
- Self-starter who seeks direction as needed.
- Commitment to American Progress' mission and goals.
American Progress offers full and competitive benefit packages. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.