Federal Research and Advocacy Director

Alliance for Justice (AFJ), a national association of nearly 140 organizations dedicated to advancing justice and democracy, and Alliance for Justice Action Campaign (AFJ Action), an affiliated advocacy organization, are seeking a Federal Research and Advocacy Director.

AFJ envisions a vibrant, ambitious, multi-racial democracy where historically marginalized voices are amplified to upend exclusionary systems and center justice in our institutions of power. AFJ works towards that vision by building the strength of progressive movements with training and education for nonprofit organizations on advocacy, while harnessing their collective power to transform our state and federal courts.

AFJ’s Two Primary Programs

Bolder Advocacy Program: Works with nonprofits and foundations to help them navigate the rules surrounding 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and PACs so they can be more courageous and effective in their advocacy.

Justice Program: Works to ensure that our state and federal courts protect our democracy and our core rights and values, preserve human rights, and provide access to justice for all. This includes vetting the backgrounds of federal judicial nominees, educating the public and elected leaders, and ensuring the confirmation of demographically and professionally diverse nominees. The program also leads campaigns to raise awareness about why our courts matter and promotes structural and policy reforms to ensure equal justice under the law.

AFJ Action promotes a national conversation about the importance of the courts by educating and mobilizing progressive advocates and voters, holding elected leaders accountable for the judges they appoint, and arming key audiences with tools to elevate courts during elections.

Position Overview

The Federal Research and Advocacy Director will have experience in a broad range of legal policy issues and will report to the Justice Program Director.

Job Purpose

The federal courts are critical to our justice system, with jurisdiction over all federal regulations and civil rights protections. Yet, the conservative legal movement has worked for decades to stack the courts. AFJ and AFJ Action are committed to defending the independence and integrity of these courts, educating the public, and advocating for judges committed to equal justice.

This role involves overseeing AFJ and AFJ Action’s advocacy-oriented research, managing research staff, writing reports on nominees and major cases, and directly engaging in court confirmation campaigns.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an advocacy-oriented research agenda aligned with AFJ and AFJ Action’s priorities.
• Direct advocacy campaigns related to federal courts and manage related staff.
• Serve as AFJ’s lead federal advocate and shape Hill strategy based on research.
• Oversee production of research-based materials: reports, vetting documents, op-eds, fact sheets, and more.
• Manage staff including two current two-year fellows, and ensure team development and goal attainment.
• Identify opportunities in the federal courts landscape and coordinate external research contributions.
• Represent AFJ and AFJ Action in coalitions and partner relationships.
• Support other court-related program directors and coordinate on shared research priorities.
• Maintain accurate and current public-facing content, including nominee and vacancy trackers.
• Collaborate with Outreach to engage stakeholders in key states.
• Speak at conferences, act as media surrogate, and brief various stakeholders.
• Lead convenings, strategy sessions, and coalitions focused on federal courts.
• Assist development and executive teams with fundraising, reporting, and proposals.
• Advise AFJ leadership on federal court issues and help prepare public remarks.
• Track progress on key performance indicators and strategic plan implementation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• J.D. and 8+ years of experience in legal policy or advocacy preferred.
• Familiarity with federal judicial selection; campaign experience preferred.
• Expertise in legal and candidate opposition research.
• Proven experience managing teams and supporting professional development.
• Experience working with Congressional staff or decision-makers.
• Strong project and campaign management skills.
• Coalition-building experience in the progressive nonprofit sector.
• Understanding of c3 vs. c4 activities and operations.
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues to non-legal audiences.
• Excellent attention to detail and research accuracy.
• Experience with fundraising, media, and public appearances preferred.
• Knowledge of civil rights, labor, environmental, and constitutional law issues.
• Ability to handle pressure, shifting priorities, and long hours including travel.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented mindset.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Alliance for Justice provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $125,000–$131,000

Benefits:

• Health: Medical, dental, vision, and employee assistance programs.
• Savings: 401K with employer match, HSA, FSA, life and disability insurance.
• Time Off: 21 vacation days, 10 sick days, 3 bereavement days annually.
• Family Leave: Up to 12 weeks paid leave.

Position Details

• Structure: Exempt position with at least two direct reports.
• Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid schedule; 1 day in-office required).
• Physical Demands: Domestic travel, long hours, ability to talk, hear, stand, walk, handle materials.
• Racial Equity: Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential.

Application Process

Qualified applicants, please reference Federal Research and Advocacy Director in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, resume, and writing sample. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email [email protected].

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to provide an overview of the position and may change as needed. It does not constitute a contract.