Senior Policy or Policy Counsel, Civil Rights and Racial Justice

Southern Poverty Law Center•Washington, DC

2d•$102,637 - $153,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Southern Poverty Law Center is seeking a Senior Policy or Policy Counsel committed to advancing civil rights and racial justice! The Civil Rights and Racial Justice Senior Policy or Policy Counsel will lead SPLC's strategic policy initiatives to safeguard, strengthen, and expand civil rights protections, with a particular focus on robust enforcement of federal anti-discrimination laws. In this capacity, the Counsel will work to advance policies that remove barriers to opportunity for Black communities and other historically marginalized groups across the economy, education system, and other critical areas. The role requires an agile, forward-thinking leader who blends creativity with strategic thinking to respond decisively to ongoing attacks on civil rights while also identifying opportunities to strengthen the framework to meet the realities of today. The Senior Policy or Policy Counsel will also help shape and advance policy strategies to combat hate and extremism. The Counsel will collaborate across internal teams, engage with coalition partners, and cultivate relationships with policymakers to advance policy solutions that promote equal opportunity and move us closer to a society free from discrimination, where all communities can thrive. Who You Are Experienced. Proven track record of developing policy solutions, proposals, and recommendations, and transforming them into actionable initiatives. Expertise includes deep knowledge of federal civil rights and anti-discrimination laws, including enforcement mechanisms and regulatory frameworks; experience in developing strategies to combat white supremacy and other forms of extremism. Skilled in analyzing and drafting legislation, conducting in-depth policy research, developing innovative policy recommendations, and building issue-based policy advocacy campaigns in support of their adoption by policymakers at the federal level. Experience with federal advocacy, particularly in legislative or administrative processes; and an understanding of federal funding mechanisms and how they can be leveraged to provide equitable access to opportunity. Strategic Visionary. Skilled at crafting a vision and taking calculated risks to develop and execute strategies and legislative proposals that advance affirmative policies and campaigns. Innovative. Ability to craft and strategically advance innovative policy solutions to address historic and persistent discrimination in all its forms against historically marginalized communities. Proactive Leader. Highly driven and resourceful, able to take initiative, work independently, and push projects forward without requiring constant supervision. Coalition Builder. Experience working within diverse coalitions, leading grassroots campaigns, and engaging directly with impacted communities. Adaptable. Exceptional ability to work with policy makers across the political and ideological spectrum to advance SPLC’s civil rights/racial justice policy priorities. Cross-functional Leader. Extensive experience integrating research, legal policy, communications, and organizing expertise to drive policy change. Proven ability to assess and create effective strategies to achieve specific goals. Advocate. Ability to advocate by serving as a public thought leader on SPLC’s affirmative policy work, representing SPLC in the media, at conferences, and in other public venues as assigned. Efficient. Ability to effectively manage time while working in a fast-paced environment. Pivoting from one assignment to another to accomplish goals and complete assignments. Collaborative. Proven ability to work across departments and with external stakeholders to implement strategies that advance legislative and policy objectives. Effective Communicator. Strong communication skills, with the ability to persuasively engage diverse audiences through both written and spoken formats. Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to SPLC’s mission.

Requirements

Policy Counsel: At least five (5) years of experience in public policy, with demonstrated knowledge in civil rights issues;
Senior Policy Counsel: At least ten (10) years of experience in public policy, with demonstrated knowledge in civil rights issues; and
Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.

Responsibilities

Maintain knowledge and professional expertise on relevant policy issues, laws, and regulations to support advocacy efforts.
Cultivate strong relationships with key members of Congress, staff, and federal administration officials who oversee, develop and implement federal policy on SPLC impact areas and priorities on an on-going basis via in-person or virtual means as necessary.
Collaborate with policy teams (federal, research and regional) and other departments to develop and implement strategic policy advocacy plans on relevant SPLC impact areas and priorities.
Draft comments, letters, statements, testimony, talking points, fact sheets, policy recommendations, and other policy advocacy materials that articulate SPLC’s policy positions with supporting legal and policy analysis of civil rights implications of federal legislation, regulations, and/or executive actions.
Organize briefings to elevate research and policy writing and facilitate the drafting and presentation of SPLC testimony before relevant Congressional committees and federal agencies on SPLC impact areas and priorities.
Coordinate and facilitate internal and external meetings; collaborate with SPLC staff, key stakeholders, ally organizations, and coalition partners to strategize around, develop, and execute advocacy strategies on SPLC impact areas and priorities.
Analyze federal legislation and administrative rules and regulations and provide policy recommendations for internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to policymakers, community members, and partners.
Train and mentor policy staff, interns and externs as needed.
Perform other duties as required or assigned, and which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.
Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the Center and Policy Department’s goals.