Policy Counsel- State Policy

Self-Help • Durham, NC

3d • $94,800 - $163,132 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), a nonprofit, non-partisan organization and affiliate of Self-Help, works to promote a fair and inclusive financial marketplace and economic equity for underserved communities. The Policy Counsel will focus on state-level consumer financial policy, tracking legislative and regulatory developments, building legal support for CRL’s positions, and translating analysis into advocacy materials and litigation support. The position reports to the Director of State Policy and works closely with research, communications, and federal policy teams, as well as allies, coalition partners, state regulators, and legislative staff.

The Policy Counsel owns priority issues, monitors developments, identifies risks and opportunities, and recommends strategies. The role includes analyzing and shaping legislation and regulations; writing and editing comment letters, testimony, speeches, articles, policy briefs, and litigation documents; supporting CRL’s litigation strategy, including amicus briefs; coordinating with outside counsel; and responding to legal questions from allied organizations. The Counsel also builds relationships with advocacy partners, legislators, regulators, enforcement officials, and lenders, and represents CRL at meetings, conferences, and sometimes in the media. The position may include mentoring or supervising junior staff or interns and other work as CRL’s priorities evolve.

This is a hybrid position based in either Oakland, California, or Durham, North Carolina. Staff are expected to work in the office three days per week: Monday and Wednesday are communal office days, and the third day is individually determined. Occasional travel may be required. Because CRL works across three time zones, leaders often make themselves available during evening hours.

Requirements

• J.D. and active bar admission.
• At least 2 years of experience, or a track record demonstrating the ability to independently own a policy issue and lead on it when needed.
• Familiarity with state legislative and rulemaking processes, and with federal or state laws concerning civil rights, housing or mortgage lending, predatory lending, consumer law, or banking law.
• Sound legal and business judgment; ability to provide practical, timely advice, manage multiple areas of law, and recognize how issues intersect.
• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills, including the ability to produce polished work with limited oversight and give useful feedback to peers.
• Commitment to public interest law, low-income families, and communities of color, with an understanding of how federal, state, and local policy has shaped racial wealth disparities.
• Ability to build relationships with external partners and turn them into effective collaboration.
• Strong project management skills.
• Self-starter who can manage multiple fast-moving projects and work effectively as part of a team.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in consumer financial protection or fair lending advocacy.
• Experience in civil rights, housing or mortgage lending, predatory lending, consumer law, or banking law.
• Proficiency in Asana or another project management tool.
• Experience working within coalitions or issue work groups.
• Familiarity with state legislative and regulatory processes and key state regulators, such as state attorneys general and state banking and financial regulators.

Responsibilities

• Own priority issues, build subject-matter expertise, participate in or lead issue working groups, and develop strategies that advance CRL’s policy goals.
• Track legislative and regulatory developments and identify risks and opportunities early.
• Analyze proposed legislation and regulations for their effects on consumers, particularly people of color and low-income people, and develop CRL’s positions.
• Conduct legal research and make policy recommendations to shape draft legislation and regulatory proposals.
• Write and edit regulatory comment letters, testimony, speeches, articles, and policy briefs, and improve colleagues’ writing.
• Review and advise on coalition sign-on letters.
• Help shape CRL’s litigation strategy on consumer policy issues, including amicus briefs, and support coordination with federal regulators.
• Build and maintain relationships with outside counsel and litigation partners, and coordinate litigation efforts internally and externally.
• Draft amicus briefs and other litigation documents and represent CRL in litigation matters as needed.
• Respond to legal questions from ally organizations, litigation units, and law firms.
• Build relationships with allied organizations, trade groups, and companies with a stake in lending policy, and use those relationships to support CRL’s positions and oppose harmful proposals.
• Engage senior legislative staff, legislators, regulators, and enforcement officials in state capitals to advance CRL’s state agenda.
• Represent CRL at meetings and conferences and, at times, in the media.
• Speak directly with lenders to understand financial practices and advocate for improvements.
• Mentor or supervise junior staff or interns.
• Take on other work as CRL’s priorities evolve.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents, with Self-Help paying 80% to 100% of premiums depending on selected coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program access.
• Paid time off.
• Paid parental leave of 12–16 weeks, prorated for staff with less than one year of service.
• 401(k) match, including a 3% company contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match on the first 6% contributed by the employee.
• CRL-paid $50,000 life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employment may provide an opportunity for student loan forgiveness through the 501(c)(3) organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree