State Policy Advocate (North Carolina)

Protect Democracy is seeking a State Policy Advocate to advance democracy in North Carolina. In coalition with state and national partners, the North Carolina State Policy Advocate will identify state legislative risks and opportunities impacting Protect Democracy’s mission, educate state leaders on democracy-related legal and policy matters, and drive integrated advocacy campaigns to prevent abuses of power and to protect free and fair elections in the state. This work will build on Protect Democracy’s recent advocacy to prevent the unconstitutional reversal of election results in a North Carolina Supreme Court race and previous efforts both to prevent U.S. Supreme Court adoption of the radical “independent state legislature” theory and to erase barriers to democratic participation that fall disproportionately on voters of color.

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 North Carolina Policy Advocate is an excellent opportunity to make an indelible impact on our democracy. In this position, you’ll ensure fair administration of elections, hold those who abuse their power or the public trust to account, and protect the rights of North Carolinians to have their voices heard from the public square to the ballot box.

This is a remote position based in North Carolina. The deadline to apply for this role is July 14th, 2025. 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 State Policy Advocate will:

• Develop, propose, and lead multi-pronged strategic campaigns aimed at influencing key political and civic leaders in North Carolina to rebuild our democratic norms and institutions that are under threat;
• Build and help strengthen cross-partisan coalitions of leaders, organizations, and activists in support of strategic campaigns to protect, rebuild, and perfect our democracy;
• Generate creative policy solutions and campaigns, working with legislators, agencies, experts, and coalitions to advance them;
• Strengthen and expand core strategic partnerships with other organizations, including grassroots groups and advocacy organizations from across the political spectrum;
• Propose concrete legislative or regulatory proposals, including legislative text and supporting policy documents that could become models for other states;
• Work with members of Congress, state agency leaders, state-level lawmakers, experts, and coalitions to advance policy reforms into law;
• Represent the organization on state-based issues, briefing reporters and providing expert commentary on complex policy issues and solutions.

The ideal candidate brings:

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience, including:
  • Demonstrated ability to build trusting and productive relationships with partners across the political spectrum and advocacy ecosystem;
  • Demonstrated ability to design and lead policy development, campaigns, or advocacy initiatives at the federal or state level at a high level of excellence;
• Experience managing complex projects and teams from start to finish;
• Ability to draft concrete legislative or regulatory proposals, including legislative text and supporting policy documents;
• Excellent judgment about political activism, including what levers can make change happen with limited resources;
• A collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented approach;
• A growth mindset, comfort for giving feedback in all directions, and enthusiasm to work across lines of difference;
• Familiarity with North Carolina’s political environment and/or the pro-democracy organizational ecosystem in North Carolina;
• A commitment to the nonpartisan mission of Protect Democracy and to building a more resilient, inclusive democracy.

Preferred, but not required:

• Familiarity with North Carolina election law and administration;
• Experience working with the North Carolina General Assembly, State and County Boards of Elections, and/or other executive branch officials.

About Protect Democracy

• Flexible location. We are a remote-first organization based exclusively in the United States, meaning our staff work within the U.S. and primarily virtually. We also offer shared workspaces for those who enjoy working in an office environment. While candidates based anywhere in North Carolina are welcome to apply for this position, regular travel to Raleigh and the Triangle area will be required to meet with partners, vendors, or for planning meetings. All staff are also required to travel at least twice per year to team retreats. (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 on average 4-5 weeks off each year, and offer 12 paid holidays, 6 weeks of paid family and 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, full coverage for an excellent health care plan that includes dental and vision insurance, long-term disability and life insurance, and a home office stipend.
• Ample opportunities for personal & professional development. Candidates who do not meet all listed criteria should still apply, as our organizational structure focuses on mentorship, support, and long-term growth.