Senior Advisor, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

UnidosUS•Washington, DC

49d•Hybrid

About The Position

UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through our unique combination of expert research, advocacy programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos at the national and local levels. The Senior Advisor, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, is a senior subject-matter expert role that will support UnidosUS Protect, Defend & Advance (PD&A) campaign by providing expertise about issues involving the protection of civil rights and civil liberties of US citizens. The Senior Advisor is member of the institution-wide campaign team, a key advisor within the civil rights and civil liberties working group. The Senior Advisor will report to the primary lead within the civil rights and civil liberties working group. The Senior Advisor plays a key role in developing strategies and carrying out tactics that shed light on the erosion of civil rights and civil liberties in the U.S. In this role, the Senior Advisor serves as a subject-matter expert who translates complex legal and policy issues into clear, accurate guidance for policymakers, media, partners, and the broader public. The advisor is expected to research and publish policy analyses and engage with government officials, lawmakers, stakeholders, funders, and may provide expert testimony for Congressional committees and serve as a spokesperson in media. The Senior Advisor will also play a key role in developing and advancing UnidosUS civil rights and civil liberties priorities in Congress and in select statehouses. This is an exempt one-year term position expected to run through March 31, 2027. Location: This position is hybrid, and will be based in Washington, DC. UnidosUS policy is to work onsite at least two days per week or as needed to fulfill the duties of the position.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Minimum of fifteen (15) years of in-depth experience engaging in federal level advocacy.
Demonstrated experience publishing material, producing analyses, and other written forms of communication with the public and community-based organizations.
Knowledge and demonstrated expertise in civil rights and civil liberties issues policies and practices.
Experience working with Congress on policy reforms.
Experience communicating priorities and responding to questions in public settings.
Experience staffing principles and senior leadership in their engagement with Congress.
Flexibility to accommodate Congressional calendar (session) and for occasional travel (up to 10%).
Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of the Latino community and Latino workforce trends.

Nice To Haves

Seven (7) or more years of government experience.
Experience preparing and delivering expert testimony or similar communications about issues and priorities.
Experience working with Hispanic lawmakers.
Experience serving as a spokesperson or expert voice on democracy, voting rights, or rule-of-law issues during election cycles or periods of heightened public attention.
Bilingual ability (English and Spanish).

Responsibilities

Working closely with the Campaign team, analyze legal developments and assist Co-Leads in high-priority analysis of cases before the Supreme Court and lower courts with implications for civil rights and civil liberties.
Develop and publish material that provides information, advice, and recommendations about policy, practice, regulations, in a range of areas to spotlight civil rights issues and advance Congressional oversight.
Identify key priority areas for Congressional oversight and advise on tactics to spotlight problem areas and recommend necessary improvements in federal policy and practice.
Monitor litigation on top civil rights/liberties issues including reviewing amicus briefs and support rapid response communications on court decisions.
In collaboration with the Immigration campaign team, support research on Federal Tort Claims Act and Bivens actions.
Translate complex civil rights and civil liberties issues into clear, public-facing policy guidance to inform media, partners, Affiliates, and public education efforts.
Serve as an on-the-record expert during fast-moving developments, including litigation, DOJ actions, data privacy, and election-related civil liberties issues.
Provide expert policy framing and analysis to support rapid response statements, background briefings, and public commentary, in coordination with the campaign and communications teams.
Provide policy expertise and guidance on state-level civil rights, civil liberties, privacy, and voting rights issues, to support UnidosUS campaign priorities.
Establish, cultivate, and maintain influential relationships with key members of Congress, federal and state officials, stakeholders, coalition leaders, funders, and media partners, serving alongside the Co-Leads as a senior policy expert and representative of UnidosUS in national civil rights, privacy, and democracy coalitions.
In collaboration with the Campaign Co-Leads and resource development, support fundraising efforts for the Protect, Defend, & Advance Campaign.
Support efforts to keep UnidosUS Board, Affiliates, partners, and staff informed about the civil rights and civil liberties campaign work.