Advocacy Campaign Strategist, Elections and Government Program

Brennan Center for Justice•Washington, DC

6d•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion. The Brennan Center’s Elections and Government Program works to improve the administration of our elections so that they are free, fair, and accessible for all voters; reduce the undue influence of private wealth, and amplify the voices of everyday people, in politics; and combat election disinformation and political violence, among other goals. Reporting to the Director of the Elections and Government Program, the Advocacy Campaign Strategist will be responsible for strategically coordinating the Program’s engagement with external partners and stakeholders and for coordinating complex projects to achieve advocacy goals. The Elections and Government Program is looking to hire an experienced campaign strategist. The Advocacy Campaign Strategist position reports to the DC-based Director of the Elections and Government Program. Note: This position is based in Washington, D.C. Candidates located in New York City will still be considered.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and 2-5 years of relevant experience are required.
A can-do attitude – proactive, solutions-focused with comfort in ambiguity and initiative to ‘figure it out’.
Experience holding full-time responsibility in a campaign setting such as electoral campaigns, issue or legislative campaigns, or community organizing.
Strong drive and ability to take initiative, plan, prioritize (and, occasionally, pivot), and keep self and colleagues at various levels of seniority informed, organized, and on task in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to execute advocacy campaign-related deliverables, such as convenings, reports, sign-on letters, partnership agreements, and/or relationship-management databases.
Strong ability to track and synthesize complex information and convey it persuasively, in writing and oral presentations, to different audiences including government officials, community-based organizations, and the public.
Strong interpersonal skills and the desire and ability to build and maintain positive relationships within and outside the organization.
Mature judgment, a problem-solving approach to challenges, a growth mindset in the face of setbacks, and ability to keep calm under pressure.
Exceptional professionalism, integrity, discretion, and tact.
Enthusiasm to learn and advocate the work of the Elections and Government Program, including a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in improving U.S. democracy.
Proficiency in MS Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Working familiarity with campaign finance, voting procedures, or election administration is a significant plus.

Responsibilities

Contribute to planning and execution of advocacy campaigns to achieve Elections and Government Program goals, including:
Provide project management, organization, logistical solutions, and administrative support, as needed.
Identify tools and methods to increase effectiveness and efficiency of team’s work.
Coordinate communications between program staff and internal/external stakeholders.
Engage in field advocacy, including:
Participate in coalition meetings, convenings, briefings.
Develop and maintain productive relationships with election officials, grassroots allies, civic partners, government staff, elected officials, and other outside stakeholders.
Identify and create opportunities to advance program goals in the field, as well as to improve the program’s advocacy with learning and perspectives from the field.
Conceive and execute advocacy products, such as blog posts, digital media products, public comments, FAQs, and other assets, in collaboration with communications colleagues where appropriate, with focus on broadening and increasing partner engagement with program’s work.
Contribute research and writing for policy and empirical research reports that will form the basis of advocacy campaigns.
Contribute to program’s media and public education work, including strategy, talking points, and speaking engagements.
This role will require 25% or more travel.
Help to train new program support staff, including program associates, and serve as their first point of advice on routine matters.