Vice President, Advocacy and Legal

Prison Fellowship • Leesburg, VA

2d • $180,000 - $195,000

About The Position

Want to make a difference? Join an organization committed to sharing the hope of true transformation with those impacted by incarceration for nearly 50 years. Prison Fellowship ® is the nation’s largest Christian nonprofit equipping the Church to serve currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families, and to advocate for justice and human dignity. Prison Fellowship and its church partners encounter Jesus with those behind bars, breaking cycles of crime and prayerfully anticipating a revival of justice, mercy, and hope in our culture. Prison Fellowship® is an organization committed to the highest standards of conduct, ethics and Christian values. Our conduct is guided by and grounded in the Bible, as reflected in our Statement of Faith below. What we are looking for: A driven and mission-focused Vice President, Advocacy and Legal who is in agreement with Prison Fellowship's Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct to provide strategic leadership and oversight for Prison Fellowship's Advocacy and Legal divisions. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic and operational plans, managing division budgets, and ensuring achievement of ministry goals. The VP leads high-performing teams through coaching, performance management, and professional development. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this leader works collaboratively across departments and with strategic partners to advance PF’s integrated mission and long-term impact.

Requirements

• A minimum of 15+ years of experience that includes a combination of 10+ years of progressive experience in government affairs, public policy, lobbying, or criminal justice advocacy (experience in federal and state systems strongly preferred); 10+ years of progressive legal experience, including time as a General Counsel and working in a nonprofit setting; 7+ years of progressive management experience with at least 3+ years in a senior leadership role.
• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing with ability to waive into Alabama or obtain Corporate Counsel Certificate.
• A proven leader in strategic planning, culture setting, cross-department problem solving and collaboration, and board engagement.
• Strategic vision that anticipates needs and opportunities many years out, not only for their departments but for other areas of the ministry and external trends impacting the ministry.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage budgets, grant deliverables, and donor relationships.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and discernment; ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholders.
• Proven track record of leading legislative campaigns, managing government relations, and influencing complex policy environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public policy, the legislative process, criminal justice system, grassroots engagement, and coalition building.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to influence policymakers and communicate policy issues to diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership and team-management skills with experience directing cross-functional policy/advocacy and legal teams.
• Ability to navigate politically complex environments with diplomacy, clarity, and mission alignment.
• Experience working as General Counsel in a nonprofit setting.
• Strong judgment and ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical operational guidance.
• Ability to manage complexity and competing priorities.
• Experience working with or advising Boards of Directors.
• Demonstrated integrity, discretion, and commitment to ethical practices.
• Proven experience in a nonprofit setting; experience in a faith-based organization preferred.
• Ability to travel regularly, including to Washington, D.C., state capitals, and national events (21-30% travel depending on organizational need).
• The driving aspect of this role is subject to certain driving record and insurance requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a remote first environment; local to the DC Metro Area preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active relationship with Jesus Christ and support the ministry through prayer and actions.
• Provide leadership for PF’s Advocacy and Legal divisions.
• Coordinate with communications team to maximize opportunities and venues to expand awareness and influence for justice reform and represent the Advocacy division in radio, television, print and social media.
• Serve as the organization’s chief legal advisor, providing strategic guidance to executive leadership, the Prison Fellowship Board and the Board of the Prison Fellowship Foundation on legal, regulatory, and contractual matters.
• Provide strategic leadership to staff, fostering a collaborative and mission-aligned culture.

Benefits

• health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• retirement account funding
• flexible spending accounts
• paid maternity and parental leave benefits
• paid leave starting at 39 days (14 paid holidays, 20 vacation days, 10 sick days - accrued throughout the year).

What This Job Offers

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