Program Director & Senior Attorney - Power and Democracy

Who we are:

Situated at the forefront of the national stage in the racial justice movement, Advancement Project National Office is a cutting edge, no-holds-barred national nonprofit whose team members are dedicated to creating free and safe communities for people of color. From ending the school-to-prison pipeline, to the fight to expand the right to vote, from to fighting for immigrant justice, Advancement Project National Office team members impact real change from the ground up. This moment demands alignment, sharp strategic thinking and creativity to imagine a more just world in which racism no longer exists and all people of color can be free and safe – and we are excited to bring on new talent to change our world. Since the 2000 presidential election, Advancement Project has been a leader in voter protection, supporting grassroots organizations in year-round election administration efforts and building national narratives to push back on voter suppression. Through successful litigation in states like Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Missouri, and advocacy alongside our partners we have eliminated barriers to the ballot. Additionally, since 2001, we have supported state campaigns to end felony disenfranchisement in states like Virginia, Florida and Louisiana using litigation and communications and are building a national campaign for rights restorations with organizing partners across the country.

Position Overview:

We are experiencing the most significant attack on our voting rights this nation has seen in 50 years. In this critical moment, we are seeking a bold movement advocate, and skilled senior attorney to lead as the Program Director and Senior Attorney for our Power and Democracy Program, which focuses on eliminating legal and structural barriers to voting and advances the right to vote. The ideal candidate is a respected, innovative leader in democracy reforms who has experience working collaboratively with organizers and communications teams to support organizing campaigns, managing a dynamic team, and fundraising. The Director will manage the strategic direction; lead the implementation of strategic initiative; manage team of several attorneys; work collaboratively with Campaigns and Communications teams; oversee the program budget and support fundraising. This position will report to the Deputy Executive Director.

What you’ll do:

• Develop strategic direction for the Power and Democracy Project.
• Develop the strategic plan for Power and Democracy, including identifying and overseeing the implementation of campaigns that include: litigation, advocacy, policy, organizing and outreach initiatives.
• Plan program/project activities, develop new initiatives, including in response to political and legal developments, and ensure program projects and activities comply with relevant and trending legislation and policy.
• Cultivate a broad and effective network of partners, including maintaining current national and local partnerships and developing new partner relationships and coalitions.
• Participate in all aspects of federal and state civil and appellate litigation, as needed, including identifying litigation strategy, conducting, and managing legal research, and drafting legal memoranda, motions and briefs, among other documents.
• Collaborate with internal Campaigns and Communications teams to develop and execute creative strategies to support building power locally, shifting narratives, and connecting movement partners to build national momentum for change.
• Enhance the organization’s capacity to advocate on issues related to the Power and Democracy Project
• Serve as the subject matter expert on ways to expanding the electorate, stimulate civic participation, form community partnerships and help build power among impacted people in communities of color through collaborations with local and national racial justice, progressive, voter registration, and civic engagement partners.
• Provide education, training, and direct feedback to team members organization-wide on issues related to assigned programs/projects.
• Identify funding opportunities and work with Development team to pursue them.
• Collaborate with other teams on the management and planning of programs and project efforts
• Work cross-programmatically and through interdisciplinary approaches to ensure program and projects efforts are internally supported appropriately by various teams.
• Share information regarding movement on program and projects initiatives across the organization.
• Lead and provide direction to team members of the Power and Democracy Project
• Develop and execute plans and strategies to meet team goals and objectives, and assist with the development of organizational goals, objectives and strategies.
• Identify need for, develop, modify, and maintain team policies, procedures and other guidance documents, including incorporating best practices, and addressing changes in the legal landscape and cultural environment.
• Disseminate, implement, and enforce organization and team standards, policies, and procedures, including providing proper guidance to those carrying out related duties.
• Other related duties, as assigned.

What you need to be considered:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks.
• Knowledge of legal and policy issues surrounding civil rights, voting rights and election administration-supervisory experience including mentoring and training staff attorneys.
• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited college or university.
• License to practice law in Washington D.C. or possess the ability to waive into the Washington D.C. bar.
• At least three years’ experience managing people.
• Ability to frequently travel locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Ability to occasionally work evenings and periodically work weekends, as needed.

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