The Southern Poverty Law Center is seeking a Senior Policy or Policy Counsel committed to advancing voting rights!

The Senior Policy or Policy Counsel, Voting Rights works to advance voting rights policies to achieve a multiracial democracy by advocating for measures that protect and expand the fundamental right to vote.  This role focuses on preventing discrimination, ensuring equal access to the ballot, and protecting and developing enforcement mechanisms for constitutional and statutory voting protections. The Senior Policy or Policy Counsel is responsible for effectively advancing the mission of the organization by building strong relationships with policymakers and their staff, analyzing and drafting legislation; developing policy recommendations, advocating for their adoption with policymakers; and working with coalition partners and allies to mobilize public support for SPLC's policy priorities on voting rights. 

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 voting rights laws, including enforcement mechanisms and regulatory frameworks. 

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.

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 inventive policy solutions to address systemic barriers to voting; to identify emerging policy issues and develop new policy ideas to expand and protect voting rights; and to develop and implement inventive advocacy strategies to advance voting rights priorities and reimagine the future of voting.

Adaptable. Exceptional ability to work with policy makers across the political and ideological spectrum to advance SPLC’s voting rights policy priorities.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to SPLC’s mission.

What You'll Do

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 internal departments and teams, (legal, communications, state offices, federal policy, policy research, and regional policy,) and external coalition partners and other allies to develop and implement strategic policy advocacy plans on relevant SPLC impact areas and priorities.

Draft advocacy plans, model policies, and legislative proposals, 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.

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.

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 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.

Minimum Qualifications 

We are committed to equitable hiring practices, therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

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

Compensation & Benefits

This is an exempt role, and the minimum salary is established as stated below:

• Policy Counsel: $102,637.00
• Senior Policy Counsel: $153,500.00 

Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.

Where & How You'll Work 

• Local Remote: Employees in positions designated Local Remote Work are expected to attend work-related activities that occur at SPLC offices and in the states in which SPLC operates. These activities include but are not limited to trainings, meetings, events, hearings, and court appearances.
• Telework: Positions designated as telework eligible may work two days (16 hours) a week from an alternative work location.
• This position will report to the Deputy Director, Federal Policy.

Other Special Considerations 

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.