Policy Counsel- State Policy

Self-Help • Durham, NC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), a nonprofit, non-partisan affiliate of Self-Help, works to create a fair and inclusive financial marketplace and advance economic equity for underserved communities. CRL uses research, legal analysis, policy development, and advocacy to expand financial stability and prevent harmful financial products and practices. Its Julian Bond Institute produces research to illuminate financial barriers and support policy change.

The Policy Counsel works on state consumer financial policy, tracking legislation and rulemakings, developing legal and policy analysis, and translating CRL positions into comment letters, testimony, amicus briefs, and other advocacy materials. Reporting to the Director of State Policy, the Counsel owns priority issues, monitors developments, identifies opportunities and risks, and recommends strategies. The role collaborates with CRL research, communications, and federal policy teams and represents CRL with allies, coalition partners, state regulators, and legislative staff. It also supports litigation strategy, coordinates with outside counsel, and responds to legal questions from partner organizations.

This is a hybrid role based in Oakland, California, or Durham, North Carolina. Staff are expected to work in the office three days per week, including communal Mondays and Wednesdays; the third office day is individually determined. Occasional travel may be required. Because CRL works across three time zones, leaders may 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 and lead a policy issue.
• Familiarity with state legislative and rulemaking processes and with federal or state laws involving 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 understand 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 collaboration.
• Strong project management skills.
• Self-starter able to manage multiple fast-moving projects while working collaboratively 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 to achieve policy goals.
• Track state legislative and regulatory developments, identify risks and opportunities early, and recommend responses.
• Analyze proposed legislation and regulations for their effects on consumers, particularly people of color and low-income people, and translate findings into CRL positions.
• Conduct legal research and develop 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 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 involved in lending policy to mobilize support for CRL positions and oppose harmful proposals.
• Engage legislative staff, legislators, regulators, and enforcement officials in state capitals to advance CRL's state agenda.
• Represent CRL at meetings, conferences, and sometimes in the media.
• Speak directly with lenders to understand financial practices and advocate for better practices.
• Mentor or supervise junior staff or interns and take on other work as CRL priorities evolve.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents, with 80% to 100% of premiums paid by Self-Help 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 consisting of a 3% company contribution plus an additional dollar-for-dollar match on the first 6% contributed by the employee.
• $50,000 of CRL-paid life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employment with CRL may qualify for student loan forgiveness under applicable provisions.

What This Job Offers

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