Advocacy Campaign Strategist, Elections and Government Program

About Us: The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and preserve constitutional protection in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

Elections and Government Program: The Brennan Center’s Elections and Government Program works to improve the administration of our elections so that they are free, fair, and accessible for all voters; reduce the undue influence of private wealth, and amplify the voices of everyday people, in politics; and combat election disinformation and political violence that often disproportionately harm people of color and other political minorities, among other goals. This work aims to bring the ideal of representative self-government closer to reality by eliminating barriers to full and equal political participation, countering racial and other discrimination in our electoral and political systems and striving to ensure that public policy and institutions represent and reflect the diverse voices and interests that make for a rich democracy.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of the Elections and Government Program, the Advocacy Campaign Strategist will be responsible for strategically coordinating the Program’s engagement with external partners and stakeholders and for coordinating complex projects to achieve advocacy goals.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to planning and execution of advocacy campaigns to achieve Elections and Government Program goals, including:
  • Provide project management, organization, logistical solutions, and administrative support, as needed.
  • Identify tools and methods to increase effectiveness and efficiency of team’s work.
  • Coordinate communications between program staff and internal/external stakeholders.
• Engage in field advocacy, including:
  • Participate in coalition meetings, convenings, briefings.
  • Develop and maintain productive relationships with election officials, grassroots allies, civic partners, government staff, elected officials, and other outside stakeholders.
  • Identify and create opportunities to advance program goals in the field.
• Conceive and execute advocacy products, such as blog posts, digital media products, public comments, FAQs, and other assets, in collaboration with communications colleagues where appropriate, with a focus on broadening and increasing partner engagement with program’s work.
• Contribute research and writing for policy and empirical research reports that will form the basis of advocacy campaigns.
• Contribute to program’s media and public education work, including strategy, talking points, and speaking engagements.
• Help to train new program support staff, including program associates, and serve as their first point of advice on routine matters.

Experience and Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree and 2-5 years of relevant experience are required.
• A can-do attitude – proactive, solutions-focused with comfort in ambiguity and initiative to ‘figure it out’.
• Experience holding full-time responsibility in a campaign setting such as electoral campaigns, issue or legislative campaigns, or community organizing.
• Strong drive and ability to take initiative, plan, prioritize (and, occasionally, pivot), and keep self and colleagues at various levels of seniority informed, organized, and on task in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to execute advocacy campaign-related deliverables, such as convenings, reports, sign-on letters, partnership agreements, and/or relationship-management databases.
• Strong ability to track and synthesize complex information and convey it persuasively, in writing and oral presentations, to different audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the desire and ability to build and maintain positive relationships within and outside the organization.
• Mature judgment, a problem-solving approach to challenges, a growth mindset in the face of setbacks, and ability to keep calm under pressure.
• Exceptional professionalism, integrity, discretion, and tact.
• Enthusiasm to learn and advocate the work of the Elections and Government Program, including a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in improving U.S. democracy.
• Working familiarity with campaign finance, voting procedures, or election administration is a significant plus.
• Proficiency in MS Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Application Instructions: To apply, please visit <<THIS LINK>> and upload a (1) cover letter, (2) resume, (3) three references, (4) and a brief writing sample relevant to the position (no more than 5 pages). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Compensation and Benefits: The salary range assigned for this position is $87,000-$97,000. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and well-being of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including having a booster, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. We welcome applicants with disabilities and applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities, sexual orientations, and national origin or citizenship, including people who have been previously incarcerated. We hire diverse candidates and work to improve our recruitment practices to allow for such. We create a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged. We ensure that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution. We are committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.