Federal Research and Advocacy Director

Alliance for Justice (AFJ) and AFJ Action Campaign

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 Primary Programs

Bolder Advocacy Program

This 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

This program ensures that state and federal courts protect democracy, core rights, and values, preserve human rights, and provide access to justice for all. It thoroughly vets the backgrounds of federal judicial nominees, educates the public and elected leaders about those nominees, and ensures that only diverse and qualified nominees committed to protecting rights are confirmed to the bench. The program also leads a coordinated campaign to educate the public about the importance of federal and state supreme courts and promotes structural and policy reforms for equal justice under the law.

AFJ Action

AFJ Action promotes a national conversation about the importance of the courts by educating and mobilizing progressive advocates and voters. It educates voters on the significance of judicial appointments and holds elected leaders accountable for the judges they appoint. The organization also conducts research and provides advocates, elected officials, political leaders, and the media with tools to elevate court-related issues during elections.

Federal Research and Advocacy Director

The Federal Research and Advocacy Director will have experience in legal policy issues handled by AFJ and will report to the Justice Program Director.

Job Purpose

The federal courts have jurisdiction over federal regulations and civil rights protections, serving as an essential safeguard for justice. However, the conservative legal movement has systematically worked to stack the courts with judges who prioritize corporate and elite interests over civil rights. AFJ and AFJ Action are committed to defending the integrity and independence of the judiciary.

Since 1979, AFJ has led federal court advocacy, educating the public about judicial appointments and advocating for equal justice-minded judges. The Federal Research and Advocacy Director will oversee advocacy-driven research to support a judiciary committed to expanding rights and justice.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an advocacy-oriented research agenda supporting AFJ and AFJ Action’s program priorities.
• Direct advocacy efforts related to federal courts, including campaigns supporting or opposing judicial nominees.
• Serve as AFJ’s lead federal advocate, leveraging research for Hill strategy.
• Oversee development of research-based materials, including reports, vetting documents, op-eds, fact sheets, and voter education materials.
• Manage federal courts staff, including hiring, supervision, and professional development.
• Identify trends and opportunities within the federal courts landscape and oversee research campaigns.
• Represent AFJ and AFJ Action in coalitions focused on federal judicial advocacy.
• Support State Courts Director and Building the Bench Director in developing research strategies highlighting state and federal court trends.
• Maintain public research and campaign content, ensuring timely updates on judicial nominees and vacancies.
• Work with the Outreach Team to expand AFJ and AFJ Action’s engagement with key state organizations.
• Speak at legal and policy conferences, serve as a media representative, and brief policymakers and stakeholders on federal courts issues.
• Organize convenings and strategy sessions with progressive groups engaged in federal court advocacy.
• Work with the Development Team to secure funding and assist with grant proposals.
• Advise the Justice Program Director, VP of Strategy, and AFJ President on federal court matters and support public appearances.
• Track key performance indicators and strategic plan progress.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• J.D. preferred with 8+ years of experience in legal policy or advocacy.
• Familiarity with federal judicial selection; experience in campaign advocacy and research preferred.
• Strong experience directing research for advocacy, including legal and candidate opposition research.
• Staff management experience, including hiring, supervision, and professional development.
• Experience working on or closely with Congressional decision-makers.
• Strong project and campaign management skills.
• Experience leading coalition work within the progressive nonprofit sector.
• Knowledge of nonprofit operations, including distinctions between c3 and c4 activities.
• Ability to communicate legal topics to non-legal audiences effectively.
• High attention to detail to ensure accuracy in research and final products.
• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, media engagement, and public speaking preferred.
• Background in civil rights, labor, environmental, consumer, or constitutional legal movements is a plus.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet shifting deadlines, and occasionally work long hours with some travel.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to teamwork and equity.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $125,000 – $131,000 (based on experience).
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and employee assistance program.
• Retirement Savings: 401K plan with employer matching.
• Time Off:
  • Vacation: 21 days per year
  • Sick Leave: 10 days per year
  • Bereavement: 3 days per year for immediate family members
  • Family Leave: 12 weeks paid
• Work Structure:
  • Exempt position
  • At least two direct reports, including two two-year fellows
  • Hybrid work schedule (one required in-office day per week, based in Washington, DC)

Additional Information

• Equal Employment Opportunity: AFJ provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on legally protected characteristics.
• Physical Demands: Position requires travel and long hours when necessary. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities.
• Racial Equity Commitment: AFJ is committed to increasing racial diversity and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture.
• Other Duties: This job description provides an overview and is subject to change as needed.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants should reference Federal Research and Advocacy Director in the subject line and submit a letter of interest, resume, and writing sample.

No phone calls, please.

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

AFJ/AFJAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, sexual orientation, or income.