Senior Education Policy Counsel/Education Policy Advisor Job at Lawyers'​ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Washington DC

bTVORlFuZ2FJb1JUZWhldDhmR1RZb1Q4SkE9PQ==
  • Lawyers'​ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
  • Washington DC

Job Description

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

Job Title : Policy Counsel/ Policy Advisor or Senior Policy Counsel/Senior Policy Advisor

Location : Washington, DC

Job Type : Full-Time

Union Affiliation: Union

Accountable To: Director, Public Policy

About The Role

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

The incumbent will manage a portfolio focused on educational opportunities and equity and will engage in public policy advocacy, including legislative advocacy, advocacy with administrative agencies, and close collaboration with coalition allies and community partners. This may include supporting legislation to protect civil rights, educational equity and opportunities, engaging with administrative rulemaking proceedings, advocating for agency enforcement priorities and positions, and coordinating joint advocacy efforts with other civil rights groups. Depending on the needs of the organization and the Public Policy Project, this portfolio of work may include other issues.

Education

Applicants must have experience advocating or working on education policy, preferably in coalition settings. Ideal candidates will have familiarity with subjects affecting education and civil rights, which may include issues like:

  • Educational equity
  • Protecting and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) and racial equity initiatives
  • Racially inclusive learning (including protecting critical race theory and African American history)
  • Higher education access
  • Underfunding of HBCUs
  • Student debt
  • Predatory for-profit colleges and universities.

This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Director of Public Policy. The position title will depend on the experience and educational degree (e.g. B.A., J.D., etc.) of the incumbent. Regular travel is required.

What You’ll Be Doing

Responsibilities of the Policy Counsel/Advisor include but are not limited to:

  • Monitor key developments in assigned issue areas and identify opportunities for engagement and advancing the organization’s policy agenda.
  • Analyze federal policy proposals and develop and produce advocacy tools for various audiences concerning educational equity and civil rights issues.
  • Build and maintain relationships with congressional and executive branch staff to ensure that the principles of the Lawyers’ Committee mission are reflected in the policymaking process, including responding to questions from external sources regarding pending federal legislation and initiatives.
  • Cultivate close relationships and regularly collaborate with coalition partners, including other civil rights organizations, education-focused organizations, and grassroots racial justice organizations.
  • Attend Congressional hearings, briefings, and meetings, and represent the Lawyers’ Committee in external meetings and briefings with congressional and executive branch staff.
  • Work closely with colleagues across relevant Lawyers’ Committee units, primarily the Educational Opportunities Project, and also including the Economic Justice Project, the Fair Housing & Community Development Project, and other internal Projects as needed, to help identify and pursue shared advocacy objectives.
  • Draft congressional testimony, talking points, reports, letters, comments on proposed administrative rules and regulations, and other materials for meetings, briefings, and other public speaking engagements on civil rights and educational equity issues.
  • Plan and execute advocacy events, such as congressional briefings, panel discussions, advocacy days on Capitol Hill, and webinars to further advocacy goals.
  • Work with communications staff to coordinate a focused communications strategy and to elevate relevant legislative, administrative, and executive activity in the media.
  • Track and summarize legislation, regulations, and other policy developments using databases, as well as monitoring media, social media, and government websites.
  • Lead and participate in national coalition meetings focused on education and racial equity issues; and
  • Provide policy briefings and support for the President & Executive Director and other senior staff, including drafting written and oral testimonies and helping with preparation for other appearances before executive branch and legislative officials.

Minimum Requirements And Competencies

  • Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of at least four years of work experience relevant to this role, preferably working on federal policy.
  • Deep commitment to the advancement of racial justice and civil rights and preferred experience working for a civil rights or racial justice organization.
  • Experience with education and civil rights issues, such as educational equity; protecting and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) and racial equity initiatives; racially inclusive learning (including the ability to teach critical race theory and African American history); higher education access; underfunding of HBCUs; student debt; predatory for-profit colleges and universities; and other similar issues.
  • Demonstrated experience working with and for communities of color .
  • Must be willing to register as a federal lobbyist.
  • Working knowledge of the federal legislative, regulatory, and policy process (experience as a Congressional staffer, at a civil rights non-profit, or at a federal or state agency a plus).
  • Exceptional research, writing, and communication skills.
  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong organizational skills with superb attention to detail.
  • Strong, creative, and curious intellect, and the ability to analyze issues and develop novel advocacy strategies.
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills, ability to build trust and credibility with partners, as well as Congressional and executive branch staff and officials.
  • Ability to synthesize information and to manage multiple priorities, take direction and guidance, and follow through and complete assignments, meeting often strict deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team; receptive to instruction and guidance.
  • Ability to be flexible, responsive, and a team player to meet the needs of the organization.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and Internet research tools; and
  • Willingness and ability to travel on a regular basis for meetings.

Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!

Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Benefits: The Lawyers' Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability and an employer paid monthly cell phone stipend.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union. Employment terms, including wages and benefits, are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion : The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, parental status, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, immigration status, union activities, political affiliation, military veteran status, credit information or any other status protected under law.

The expected range for this role will be: $97,656 - $130,000

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Work experience placement, Flexible hours,

Similar Jobs

Club Z! In-Home & Online Tutoring Services of Bethesda

Private Tutor: Grades K to 12 Job at Club Z! In-Home & Online Tutoring Services of Bethesda

 ...Club Z! Bethesda is seeking In-Person Teachers / Tutors for K - 12 subject areas to join our team! Club Z! Tutoring is a national in-home tutoring company that has been a trusted leader in education for over 27 years! We take great pride in matching highly talented... 

Akkodis

Flight Managment System (Embedded) Job at Akkodis

 ...Akkodis is seeking a Flight Managment System (Embedded) for a Contract job with a client in Phoenix, AZ (Onsite) . The ideal candidate...  ..., Flight Displays (PFD), Traffic Collision Avoidance (TCAS), Crew Alert Messaging (CAS), Terrain, Radios, etc If you are... 

Vista Search Partners

Director of Wealth Management Job at Vista Search Partners

 ...The Director of Wealth Management will lead and support a collaborative team of experienced investment professionals and client service specialists to deliver wealth management services to the firms clients. The position will implement firm strategy as developed by the... 

TPI Global Solutions

Administrative Assistant Job at TPI Global Solutions

 ...About the Company - Ineos Automotive is searching for a part-time Administrative Assistant. The Ideal candidiate will: ~3 days a week/ part time.potential for more time as role and business grows ~ EXCELLENT organization skills ~ Opening/Sorting Mail, Tracking... 

Covelo Direct

Staff Pharmacist Job at Covelo Direct

Staff Pharmacist | Western Maryland A respected retail pharmacy in Cumberland is hiring a full-time Staff Pharmacist. This is a direct-hire role offering competitive pay, a full benefits package, and the opportunity to support a community-focused organization known ...