Legislative & Advocacy Specialist

Protect Democracy seeks a dedicated, organized Legislative & Advocacy Specialist who is passionate about protecting our democracy to rebuild and strengthen democratic norms and institutions by advancing policy solutions and supporting overall federal advocacy efforts. The Specialist will work in collaboration with others in and outside of the organization to coordinate and administer outreach to congressional offices, Committees and others. Ideal candidates for this position have experience working within Congress, federal government affairs, or a similar role. Candidates must also have demonstrated experience and interest working in cross-ideological coalitions in order to build broad support on a particular issue.

Protect Democracy was formed in late 2016 with an urgent and explicit mission: to prevent our democracy from declining into a more authoritarian form of government. We have since assembled a team of 120+ experts who have served under Democrats and Republicans, and in the senior ranks of other nonprofit, political, or media organizations. Our team includes lawyers, policy experts, legislative advocates, media strategists, writers, data analysts, software developers, and more.

Joining our organization as a Legislative & Advocacy Specialist is an excellent opportunity to make an indelible impact on our democracy at a time when core checks and balances are being challenged. In this position, you’ll have the opportunity to work both independently and within a team to advance the organization’s legislative agenda, research and advocate on a broad range of policy issues related to democracy and the rule of law, and engage with a diverse group of team members from across the organization. Candidates who are eager to learn new issue areas quickly and have the ability to pivot workstreams when current events unfold are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC.* You must be able to travel to downtown DC within 45 minutes. If you meet most but not all of the criteria listed below and believe you’d be a great fit for the role and could grow into it, we encourage you to apply.

The Legislative & Advocacy Specialist will:

• Build trusting and productive relationships with congressional offices and partners across the political spectrum and advocacy ecosystem to advance our organizational priorities;
• Track and catalogue legislative outreach across the organization to maximize impact and ensure seamless, effective coordination across teams;
• Work with members of Congress, their staffs, agency leaders, experts, and coalition partners to advance pro-democracy legislative reforms;
• Design and develop creative, forward-looking policy proposals, memos and explainers (such as this and this) and work with legislators, agencies, experts, and coalitions to advance them;
• Partner with colleagues across the organization to develop integrated advocacy approaches that combine policy advocacy and communications strategies to bring about change

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• Three or more years of relevant professional experience, including at least one year of experience working on the Hill or in federal legislative advocacy;
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting and productive relationships with partners across the political spectrum and ecosystem;
• Ability to communicate ideas, concepts and policy solutions;
• Ability to draft concrete policy proposals, including legislative text and supporting policy documents;.
• Ability to write persuasive and accessible policy analysis, articles, memos, and reports;
• Excellent political judgment, including the ability to determine what levers can make change happen with limited resources;
• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for giving and receiving feedback up, down, and sideways;
• A passionate commitment to strengthening democratic norms and institutions, an understanding that our democracy has never fully represented communities of color, and unfettered enthusiasm for Protect Democracy’s cross-ideological and nonpartisan approach.

Preferred, not required

• Experience with Quorum or any other CRM.

About Protect Democracy

• Flexible location.
• We are a remote-first organization based exclusively in the United States, meaning our staff work within the US and primarily virtually. We also offer shared workspaces for those who enjoy working in an office environment. You must be based in the Washington, DC metro area to be considered for this role. This role requires two “in person” days per week. Additionally, all staff are also required to travel at least two times per year to team retreats, and this role may require occasional additional travel to meet with in-state partners in target states and to plan convenings or other stakeholder engagement sessions. (Accommodations to this requirement will be made only in exceptional circumstances.)
• Commitment to an inclusive workplace. Protect Democracy is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences strengthens our ability to analyze problems, craft solutions, and drive meaningful change. Protect Democracy encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
• Phenomenal benefits. Our benefits package includes generous sick leave and a flexible vacation policy where we encourage team members to take 4-5 weeks every year, along with 12 paid holidays, 6 weeks of paid family medical leave, and 18 weeks of paid parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan with up to 6% employer match that vests immediately. Additionally, we cover employee medical premiums at 100% (with up to 95% coverage for dependents depending on plan selection), and employee and dependent’s dental/vision at 100%. All employees have access to long-term disability and life insurance, fertility benefits, a home office stipend, and as budget allows, discretionary bonuses.
• Ample opportunities for personal & professional development. Candidates who do not meet all listed criteria should still apply, as our organizational structure focuses on providing mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.