Legislative Manager-Strategic Partnerships

Issue One • Washington, DC

6d • $85,000 - $95,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Issue One is organizing leaders and institutions committed to defending constitutional norms, protecting civil society, and strengthening democratic guardrails. Uniting actors from across sectors of civil society, this coalition coordinates strategic interventions when constitutional red lines are crossed. This coalition operates as both a relationship-driven network and a rapid-response infrastructure designed to move quickly, align diverse institutions, and deploy targeted campaigns when democratic institutions face threats.
The Legislative Manager-Strategic Partnerships will serve as the operational and organizing backbone of this cross-sector coalition. This role requires someone who can translate strategic direction into executable plans, coordinate rapid-response actions under pressure, and build the systems that enable diverse stakeholders to move together with speed and precision. The ideal candidate is a skilled coalition builder who thrives in high-stakes environments, can manage multiple complex priorities simultaneously, and has the judgment to engage effectively with senior-level leaders across sectors.

Requirements

• 3-5+ years of experience in organizing, coalition management, public policy, advocacy, or nonprofit leadership
• Demonstrated experience working across ideological or sectoral lines
• Strong project management skills with ability to juggle multiple priorities under tight timelines
• Experience managing rapid-response or crisis environments
• Comfort working with senior-level leaders (law firm partners, university presidents, CEOs, etc.)
• High emotional intelligence and strong judgment
• Deep commitment to democratic norms and rule of law principles
• Discretion and political savvy
• Coalition management: Ability to coordinate diverse stakeholders across sectors, manage competing priorities, and move groups toward aligned action. Coalition-building experience is essential.
• Project management and campaign execution: Proven ability to design workplans, manage timelines, track deliverables, and execute multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Systems building: Skilled at creating scalable operating systems, including contact management, meeting cadences, dashboards, tracking tools, and internal playbooks.
• Facilitation and executive-level communication: Ability to support or lead meetings that are structured, productive, and outcome-oriented. Comfort engaging with senior leaders in a professional and strategic manner. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Relationship management: Strong interpersonal judgment and ability to build trust across ideological and sectoral lines.
• Stakeholder mapping: Ability to identify leverage points, decision-makers, and institutional influence pathways.

Responsibilities

• Monitor external developments and identify moments requiring coalition response
• Coordinate rapid-response actions across coalition members
• Track commitments and action steps during time-sensitive campaigns
• Support the design and execution of targeted campaigns
• Adjust strategy and tactics as circumstances evolve
• Identify, research, and help recruit institutional members from across key sectors
• Draft outreach materials and coordinate recruitment meetings
• Develop onboarding systems for new coalition members
• Identify strategic gaps in coalition membership and develop plans to address them
• Maintain and expand the coalition's institutional network
• Translate strategic direction into operational plans and executable campaigns
• Identify opportunities for proactive coalition engagement
• Contribute to strategic planning and scenario mapping
• Provide informed recommendations to senior leadership based on stakeholder feedback and political context
• Coordinate with partner organizations and external allies
• Develop and refine internal systems and communication structures
• Develop agendas, briefing memos, and materials for coalition partners
• Anticipate operational gaps and proactively implement solutions
• Maintain systems that enable the coalition to function effectively

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed