Policy Analyst, Democracy

SPLC Policy Team Overview

The SPLC Policy team works to advance the SPLC’s agenda with government officials, advocating policy, legal, and legislative recommendations in alignment with the SPLC’s Impact Statement. Reporting to the Policy Research Director, the Policy Analyst, Democracy is dedicated to creating compelling assets that build the case for an inclusive democracy that challenges voter suppression measures. This role involves developing novel theories to expand the franchise and political power for historically excluded communities of color and ensuring representational diversity in the Deep South and beyond. Reporting to the Director of Research and working closely with the SPLC’s federal and state policy teams and other internal stakeholders, the Policy Analyst, Democracy is responsible for conducting fact and policy research, producing excellent written policy research products, reviewing and analyzing data, and cultivating partnerships and collaborations with think tanks, academic institutions, and community partners to develop and advance policies to protect voting rights and expand democracy.

Who You Are

• Experienced: Demonstrated experience in public policy with knowledge and advocacy expertise on issues related to democracy, civic engagement, voting rights, and political participation.
• Effective Communicator: Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.
• Thoughtful and Analytical: Ability to formulate research strategies and analyze data.
• Efficient: Ability to effectively manage time while working in a fast-paced environment, pivoting from one assignment to another to accomplish goals and complete assignments.
• Collaborative: Demonstrated ability to work with internal departments, external organizations, and stakeholders to execute specific policy research strategies to advance the work of the policy department.
• Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment: Demonstrated awareness of SPLC’s mission and vision; commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion; and fostering an anti-racist work culture and principles.

What You’ll Do

• Formulate the research strategy for SPLC’s democracy policy analysis in our states and at the federal level, ensuring high-quality data analyses, development of evidence-based policy options, and effective public and policy-maker education efforts aimed at changing state and federal law, policy, and practice.
• Produce high-impact publications (reports, white papers, etc.) related to trends in voting rights and democracy policy and evaluations of policy reforms.
• Collaborate with federal/state policy teams, the voting rights litigation team, Learning for Justice, the Intelligence Project, and other internal stakeholders to identify needs, develop strategies, and implement work plans.
• Collaborate with the Director of Research and federal/state policy teams, cultivate productive relationships and communication with a wide range of constituencies interested in voting rights and democracy policy, including policymakers, government officials, researchers, and advocates.
• Support legislative advocacy by tracking and analyzing the impact of policy proposals and interpreting research and data for policymakers in coordination with other policy staff.
• Provide real-time support to the SPLC’s policy team to deliver quick, accurate answers to emerging voting rights and democracy policy research questions.
• Collaborate with federal/state policy teams, the Communications Department, SPLC programs, and internal stakeholders to develop communication strategies around campaigns and serve as spokesperson upon request.
• Represent SPLC in various forums, including before community groups, policymakers, and agencies upon request.
• Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic, and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision, and values of the center and department’s goals.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Minimum Qualifications

We are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore, you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in public policy, with demonstrated knowledge in voting rights and democracy policy, with a combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required level of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy or related field.

Compensation & Benefits

This is an exempt role, and the minimum starting salary is $94,793 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.

Where and How You’ll Work

This role has the following work designations options:

• Local Remote: Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
• Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.

Other Special Considerations

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.

Disclaimer

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.

Learn more here