Policy Director & Counsel, Voting and Fair Representation

Common Cause

8d•$116,699 - $137,917•Remote

About The Position

Common Cause is seeking a Policy Director & Counsel to lead work advancing state, multi-state, and federal policy wins on voting rights, election administration, and fair representation. The role owns issues within the Voting & Fair Representation pillar from ideation through execution, collaborating across the organization to provide strategic guidance and legal analysis, conduct research, and amplify the organization’s work externally. The position leads policy and legal strategy, research, coalition engagement, and cross-department collaboration. It manages the Policy Manager, Voting & Fair Representation, and contributes to litigation strategy, external advocacy, fundraising support, and related administrative duties. The position is full-time and reports to the Senior Policy Director & Counsel, Voting & Fair Representation. It is remote within the lower 48 United States, with a strong preference for someone based in Washington, DC who can work in the office at least two days per week. Travel of up to six times per year is required. Common Cause hopes the successful candidate will start in January 2027. Priority consideration is given to applications received by November 15, 2026. The role requires a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, good-standing membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, subject-matter expertise, staff-management experience, and experience taking policy ideas from concept through execution. The position is supervisory and is not part of the union-represented collective bargaining unit. Common Cause cannot sponsor employment visas.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Membership in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
Demonstrated subject-matter expertise in issues related to the Voting & Fair Representation pillar.
Management experience supervising at least one staff member, intern, and/or fellow.
Experience taking policy ideas from concept through execution, including drafting proposals, conducting legal analysis, building support, and implementing reforms.
Demonstrated knowledge of national political dynamics and knowledge of leaders and decision-makers in at least one state.
Ability to travel up to six times per year for team and/or all-staff retreats.
Commitment to Common Cause’s nonpartisan mission and advancing civil rights through its pro-democracy agenda.
Track record of collaboration and ability to build rapport, trust, and credibility with stakeholders with diverse interests.
Strategic and innovative thinking, ability to navigate ambiguity, and resourcefulness in solving problems.
Ability to navigate organizational and power dynamics, respectfully manage conflict, and influence others toward shared goals.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including explaining complex concepts to broad audiences and tailoring communications to different audiences.
Ability to manage multiple short- and long-term priorities and deadlines with attention to detail, organization, and independent time management.
Commitment to equity in both work objectives and collaboration with others.
Openness to feedback and awareness of personal strengths and areas for growth.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Slack, and Zoom.
Experience leading successful state-level or national public advocacy campaigns related to voting and/or fair representation.
Experience with the legislative process in at least one state, including policy research and analysis, policy development, legislative drafting, legislative advocacy and lobbying, and policy implementation.
Experience shaping impact litigation strategies and working with outside counsel teams.
Experience building relationships with state and, ideally, federal leaders and decision-makers.
Experience managing coalitions or groups representing stakeholders with diverse interests to achieve a goal.
Staff members may not currently hold elected office or be running for office, serve on a political candidate’s Steering Committee or Finance Committee, or be affiliated with political party leadership.
Must be authorized to work in the United States; employment visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the legislative process at the federal level.
Experience speaking to the media.
Established relationships with relevant leaders and decision-makers.
Ability and preference to work out of the Washington, DC office at least two days per week.
Candidates based in Washington, DC are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead development of proactive state, multi-state, and federal policy and legal strategies within the Voting & Fair Representation pillar, anticipating emerging threats and opportunities.
Work with senior policy staff, litigation staff, and state teams to align strategy and identify and leverage opportunities for policy and legal wins.
Manage the Policy Manager, Voting & Fair Representation, including setting goals, coaching, supporting development, and supporting retention.
Conduct legal and policy research to identify reform opportunities, anticipate challenges, and develop innovative approaches.
Develop policy and legal briefs, reports, and other materials communicating findings, recommendations, and positions to internal and external audiences.
Collaborate with state staff and other teams to track policy and legal issues, legislative developments, and regulatory changes.
Support litigation strategy through legal analysis, drafting and reviewing briefs or memos, and providing substantive expertise to cases.
Build external relationships and represent Common Cause in coalitions and external convenings in support of organizational policy priorities.
Facilitate inclusive stakeholder collaboration, thought-partnership, and joint action.
Serve as a spokesperson on policy matters, engaging with media, public officials, and other influential entities.
Collaborate with External Affairs, Campaigns and Organizing, and States departments to amplify the organization’s work.
Collaborate with the development team to identify and secure funding, including creating materials and participating in donor meetings as needed.
Complete administrative tasks as needed and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Healthcare plan covering 97% of employee medical care, 100% of employee vision and dental benefits, and 75% of family medical care and 100% of family vision and dental benefits.
Long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
20 vacation days per year.
10 observed holidays per year, plus additional days off for Thanksgiving and winter break.
16 weeks of paid parental leave.
Flexible spending accounts.
401(k) retirement savings plan with immediate employer match.
Dependent care and pet care support when traveling for work.
Professional development funds.