Director of Federal Affairs and Voting Rights Programs

Director of Federal Affairs and Voting Rights Programs

FairVote Summary

FairVote, headquartered in Silver Spring, MD, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization associated with FairVote Action, a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization. We work to advance nonpartisan election reforms that improve representation and functional government. Our primary reforms are ranked-choice voting (RCV) and proportional RCV, which have a 20+ year evidence base in the United States of providing voters greater choices and more say in who represents them. Since 1992, FairVote has been the national leader in developing and disseminating programmatic and educational tools, analyses, and support necessary to aid public consideration and adoption of nonpartisan election reforms that result in fair representation.

Position Summary

The Director of Federal Affairs and Voting Rights Programs will lead FairVote’s federal policy initiatives, voting rights portfolio, and Congressional outreach while managing key national partnerships. This senior-level position plays a crucial role in advancing our mission through federal advocacy, program leadership, and coalition building.

Position Type

This is a full-time exempt position. Exempt employees are expected to work the appropriate and necessary time to complete key assignments and related tasks on schedule. This is a non-union, managerial role that reports to a member of the Senior Executive Team and serves as a member of FairVote’s Leadership Team.

Key Responsibilities

Federal Affairs Leadership (60%)

Directs the organization’s federal affairs strategy and policy priorities, including continued commitment to key structural election reform bills

Develops and implements an effective and broad-reaching federal strategy for ranked choice voting and proportional ranked choice voting, including engaging in proactive and reactive strategies

Oversees federal legislative monitoring, analysis, and response

Represents the organization in meetings with federal legislators, agencies, and staff

Leads all planning, measurement, evaluation, and learning practices on behalf of the department, including biannual reviews and post-campaign after-action reviews

Supports FairVote’s Director of Research and Policy in establishing FairVote’s position on election reforms throughout the federal legislative cycle

Works in collaboration with the Director of Communications to develop relevant public relations materials and social media throughout the federal legislative cycle

Works in collaboration with the Chief Program Officer FVA/Advocacy Department to coordinate FairVote’s federal, state, and local advocacy initiatives

Plans and manages the budget for federal affairs and voting rights programs

Manages assigned staff member(s) and contractors to support overall program strategies and priorities

Defines individual work goals, expectations, priorities, and measures for success

Leads and fosters a positive team culture, professional development, and growth

Educates staff on federal-level developments and strategies related to FairVote’s reforms

Voting Rights Portfolio Management (25%)

Leads the development and implementation of the organization’s voting rights strategy

Oversees voting rights programs, initiatives, and campaigns

Leads coalition efforts specifically within the voting rights space

Monitors and analyzes voting rights legislation, court decisions, and policy developments

Collaborates with FairVote’s legal roundtable as it supports the voting rights coalition

Develops policy positions and advocacy materials related to voting rights

Partnership and Coalition Management (15%)

Cultivates and maintains relationships with approximately one-quarter of FairVote’s national partner organizations

Provides guidance to FairVote’s senior leadership in connecting voting rights and racial justice work to the broader structural election reform and pro-democracy coalitions

Represents the organization at high-level meetings and conferences

Builds strategic alliances to advance shared policy objectives

Qualifications

8–10 years of relevant experience in federal affairs, voting rights, or related fields

Bachelor’s degree required in law, public policy, or related field; advanced degree strongly preferred

Demonstrated interest in FairVote’s core strategic priorities and a strong commitment to FairVote’s mission and values

Proven track record of successful advocacy at the federal level

Thorough knowledge of the legislative process and outstanding political judgment

Commitment to work across the political spectrum for FairVote reforms

Demonstrated understanding of voting rights issues and the democracy space

Strong coalition-building and relationship management skills

Excellence in strategic planning and execution

Ability to prioritize work tasks and lead federal-level initiatives, including strategic budget planning

Strong track record of using data and research to drive decisions and measure impact

Experience managing staff and complex projects

Excellent interpersonal skills and team-building experience

Excellence in working in cross-partisan and nonpartisan spaces

Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills

Excellent public speaking and presentation skills

Demonstrated ability to synthesize legislative and regulatory developments

Self-motivated, creative, organized, and deeply committed to personal and organizational excellence

Ability to contribute to a work environment that values integrity, adaptability, reliability, collaboration, equity, and a commitment to learning

Location

FairVote is based in Silver Spring, MD. While FairVote staff follow a remote/voluntary hybrid schedule, this position requires regular in-person engagement with Hill staffers and regular travel to Silver Spring, MD. As a result, candidates must live within a commutable distance of our Silver Spring, MD office.

Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position. FairVote offers a competitive benefits package for all full-time employees. The starting salary for this position ranges from $135,000 to $154,000. A higher salary is possible for candidates who exceed qualifications.

How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are required to consider an application complete. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled. Due to the volume of applications, we will unfortunately not acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls, please.

FairVote is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment. FairVote places a high value on fostering an inclusive workplace, and we are committed to building a team as diverse as the American people. We do not make hiring, advancement, or other employment decisions based on race, religion, gender, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, political affiliation, pregnancy, disability, or any other status protected by law. Individuals from across all spectrums who are passionate about fixing our broken political system are strongly encouraged to apply.