Policy Manager

ORGANIZATION

Issue One is a leading crosspartisan political reform group in Washington, D.C. We unite Republicans, Democrats, and independents in the movement to fix our broken political system and build a democracy that works for everyone. We educate the public and work to pass legislation on Capitol Hill to bolster U.S. elections, build a healthier digital information environment for our democracy, improve the ability of Congress to solve problems, strengthen ethics and accountability, and limit the influence of big money over politics. Our work focuses on four core areas: election protection, money in politics reform, technology reform, and constitutional defense.

Position Overview

The Policy Manager is a central member of Issue One’s Policy Team, which shapes Issue One’s reform agenda, provides evidence-based guidance, and equips the organization with actionable insights to advance democratic reforms.

The Policy Manager will primarily focus on election protection and constitutional defense, but may support the team’s other functions–money in politics and tech reform. Issue One’s election protection works toward an election system that is fair and representative, so every voter has an equal voice; trusted, so results are widely accepted; and resilient, so no one seeking power can manipulate elections at the expense of the people. Our constitutional defense work focuses on asserting Congress’s Article 1 powers and preventing executive overreach. The Policy Manager will also provide cross-team policy and research support for Issue One’s other two areas of focus: technology reform and money in politics reform.

This role requires translating research and analysis into practical policy recommendations, producing articles and reports, supporting advocacy and public education efforts, and collaborating across teams to ensure policy priorities are rigorous, credible, and aligned with Issue One’s long-term strategy.

Responsibilities

Election Protection and Constitutional Defense (50%)

• Monitor and analyze federal and state legislation, litigation, and executive actions affecting election administration and processes, as well as democratic institutions, Congress’s Article 1 powers, and preventing executive branch overreach.
• Conduct research and produce policy analyses on threats to free and fair elections, including partisan efforts to tilt the playing field and challenges facing election officials, as well as on asserting Congress’s constitutional powers.
• Develop policy recommendations, legislative proposals, and reform frameworks to strengthen election systems and institutional guardrails against executive overreach.
• Draft policy memos, briefings, reports, and talking points for internal teams, policymakers, and partners.
• Plan and support advocacy activities such as Hill briefings, public events, coalition engagement, scorecards, and/or toolkits to advance policy priorities and strengthen democratic norms.
• Translate research into actionable strategies and actions for crosspartisan campaigns, public education initiatives, and rapid-response interventions that reinforce election integrity and constitutional defense.
• Provide timely analysis of court rulings, legislative developments, and emerging election-related and constitutional defense issues.

Cross-Team Policy Support (30%)

• Provide policy guidance and research support across Issue One’s other core areas, including money in politics and technology reform.
• Ensure consistency of policy analysis, messaging, and strategic frameworks across Issue One’s teams.
• Contribute to internal and external policy reports, public-facing materials, and coalition briefings.
• Support advocacy and engagement efforts such as coordinating stakeholder briefings, public campaigns, and/or coalition activities to advance policy priorities across Issue One’s issue areas.
• Contribute to the development of accountability tools, scorecards, and public trackers to reinforce democratic norms.

Strategic Support & Project Management (20%)

• Assist the Policy Director in strategy development, priority-setting, and long-term planning for the Policy Team.
• Coordinate cross-team projects, events, and briefings to advance organizational objectives.
• Supervise interns or other staff as needed.
• Support workflow and project management across multiple initiatives.

Job-Related Experience

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in elections policy, election administration, election protection, voting rights, democracy reform, or related fields.
• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. election systems and processes, including election administration, voting laws, and election security issues.
• Strong research, analytical, and policy-writing skills, with experience producing memos, briefs, and published articles and/or reports.
• Experience working on advocacy efforts, such as planning events, campaigns, briefings, or other activities, to advance policy priorities.
• Experience monitoring legislation, court rulings, and/or regulatory developments related to elections and democratic institutions.
• Experience working with policymakers, advocacy organizations, and/or bipartisan coalitions is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Job-Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear and compelling content for internal and external audiences.
• Proven project management and organizational skills.
• Experience building coalitions and working with crosspartisan stakeholders.
• High level of organization, strong attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully carry out projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and comfortability with spreadsheets.
• Commitment to Issue One’s cross-partisan mission and to strengthening American democracy.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Location

This is a full-time, salaried, and fully benefited position requiring 40 hours per week.

This position is based in the Washington, D.C. area and requires in-office presence on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Supervision

• Reports to the Policy Director and expected to operate with a high degree of independence.
• Collaborates closely with program teams, advocacy staff, and external partners.
• Supervises one intern with the potential to supervise other staff.

Benefits

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance:

• All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan with 100% of the premium paid by Issue One. In addition, the organization covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff.
• Staff receives more than 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures.
• Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for commuting and any work-related travel.
• Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. They are also eligible to be reimbursed for stepping outside of their comfort zone and doing something they have never done before.
• All staff are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization hosts several opportunities for fun and fellowship.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

• March 24-April 6: Position posted; applications and resumes accepted
• April 6-10: Application review and interview scheduling
• April 13-17: 1st round interviews conducted
• April 20-24: 2nd round interviews conducted
• April 27-30: Paid assessment and final conversations (if needed)
• May 1: Preferred candidate selected
• May 15: Start date (Flexible)

Special Note: This timeline is subject to change based on organizational needs and candidate availability.

In addition, while resumes may be submitted after April 5, there’s no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire

At Issue One, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to voluntarily complete our self-identification questionnaire. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities for success.

Due to the volume of applications, we will, unfortunately, be unable to acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls, please.

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Issue One is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.