Deputy Legal Director for Policy

Lambda Legal•Washington, DC

2d•$200,000 - $230,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Deputy Legal Director for Policy (DLDP) leads Lambda Legal’s national policy strategy, shaping and advancing a clear long-term vision for how policy advocacy drives durable gains for LGBTQ+ and HIV civil rights. This role is responsible for articulating a forward-looking policy framework that identifies priority issue areas, strategic geographies, and the appropriate mix of proactive and defensive advocacy across federal, state, and local levels. Working in close partnership with litigation, public education, and organizational leadership, the DLDP ensures that policy initiatives are strategic, integrated, and focused on areas where Lambda Legal’s legal expertise, partnerships, and positioning can achieve meaningful impact. The DLDP translates this strategy into action by guiding a policy team engaged in legislative and regulatory advocacy, policy analysis, coalition building, and cross-departmental collaboration, while remaining responsive to urgent threats affecting our communities. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in LGBTQ+ and HIV civil rights, a sophisticated understanding of and significant experience with federal and state policymaking and regulatory processes, and strong people and strategic leadership skills. This role requires the ability to exercise influence through partnership, set clear priorities in complex environments, and strengthen Lambda Legal’s strategic policy impact nationwide.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
A minimum of 10 years of experience in policy or advocacy work, with significant experience in federal and/or state legislative or regulatory processes (including direct experience working on Capitol Hill or equivalent engagement) and senior leadership responsibilities including management experience of complex teams
Familiarity with state-level legislative processes and experience supporting state or local adoption of policy.
Deep knowledge of civil rights advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and everyone living with HIV, including policy landscapes and current strategies.
Proven ability to set strategic priorities, manage complex projects, and juggle competing deadlines.
Exceptional collaboration and coalition-building skills, with experience navigating challenging stakeholder dynamics.
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, including experience drafting comment letters, bill language, or policy reports.
High degree of emotional intelligence and commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered advocacy.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to synthesize and manage large volumes of information.
Strong political judgment and ability to act quickly in fast-moving policy environments.
Ability to uphold and advance Lambda Legal’s organizational values
Demonstrated commitment to issues pertaining to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging)
Experience leading multi-stakeholder coalitions or convenings.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working in a virtual and unionized environment.
Successful candidates will welcome the opportunity to work in a racially- and gender-diverse environment and to contribute to a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Working at Lambda Legal requires a demonstrated awareness of and commitment to the concerns of the breadth of the communities that Lambda Legal serves. Prior work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and/or people living with HIV is highly desirable. Experience working with other historically marginalized communities (in a professional or volunteer capacity) is also desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead development and execution of Lambda Legal’s national policy strategy and initiatives across federal, state, and local levels.
Conduct regular and comprehensive analyses to identify opportunities and threats, including major political, legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments.
Partner with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to integrate policy with litigation and education strategies.
Recommend short- and long-term policy priorities that balance long-term progress, urgent needs, and resource constraints to maximize policy outcomes for the communities we serve.
Oversee Lambda Legal’s federal policy strategy through targeted legislative and regulatory engagement with Congress, federal agencies, and national partners.
Develop and advance policy strategies in select states and localities aligned with the national priorities.
Oversee regulatory advocacy, including analysis of federal rules and drafting and review of public comments and written advocacy.
Build and sustain relationships that advance Lambda Legal’s policy strategy, including peer organizations, community partners, elected officials, government stakeholders, and national coalitions.
Provide strategic recommendations to inform organizational responses in fast-moving policy environments.
Represent Lambda Legal in high-level convenings, briefings, and collaborative spaces.
Supervise and mentor policy attorneys and staff via performance management, coaching, and professional development to support growth and excellence.
Lead the policy team’s budgeting and resource planning to maximize impact.
Foster an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative team culture grounded in curiosity, self-awareness, and respect.
Collaborate with program teams and the Communications, Development and Finance & Operations departments to advance organizational priorities.
Serve as a public-facing policy leader for Lambda Legal, including in media, conferences, and legislative settings, and strategically deploy policy team members as appropriate.
Oversee the development of policy briefs, reports, and research that advance LGBTQ+ policy goals and inform public discourse.
Partner with internal teams to ensure timely, accurate legal analysis and messaging for campaigns, communications, and educational initiatives.

Benefits

Medical benefits that begin on your start date
Dental, Vision, and Life insurance (effective 30 days from your start date)
Short & Long-Term Disability plans (effective 30 days from your start date)
403(b) Retirement Plan (employer contribution and matching program begins after 90 days of employment)
Paid Vacation (15 Days)
Sick Leave (12 Days)
Personal Leave (3 Days)
Religious Observance Leave (3 Days)
Bereavement and Bereavement Anniversary Leave
Floating Holiday (1 Day)
12 paid holidays and 5 early office closures
Flexible Spending Account (FSA/DC FSA) and Commuter Benefits
Health Reimbursement Account
$50 monthly mobile phone reimbursement
Annual professional development fund
Summer Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Premium subscription to the Calm App
Paid sabbatical after 7 years of service at Lambda Legal (4 weeks for non-exempt positions and 8 weeks for exempt positions)