Policy and Legal Advocacy Director

The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC) Job Posting

The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC) seeks an experienced policy and advocacy expert, with ballot measure campaign experience, to join our Program team. The Policy and Legal Advocacy Director will have 7+ years of policy, ballot measure campaign, and supervisory experience and a sophisticated racial equity lens. The Policy and Legal Advocacy Director will lead BISC’s ballot measure legislative and legal advocacy program efforts including policy development, analysis, and legislative and ballot measure tracking efforts. In addition, this person will supervise BISC’s Defend Direct Democracy campaign, which seeks to protect and strengthen the ballot measure process through legislative and legal advocacy and Legislatively Referred Constitutional Amendments (LCRAs). This position requires close collaboration with the Director of Programs and Strategy, Strategic Partnerships Director, and Capacity Building Director.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Manage the Policy and Legal Advocacy program area, including direct supervision of any subsequent staff needed on the P&LA team.
• Vision, lead, and grow BISC’s work with advocates, state-based partners, and national policy partners to provide strategic analysis of ballot measures from incubation and planning through implementation while centering historically underrepresented communities.
• Manage BISC’s ballot measure tracking program, including monitoring statewide ballot measures, their status, as well as opposition tracking and attacks on the ballot measure process.
• Lead BISC’s legal advocacy program by assisting state and national partners with legal analysis, addressing legal challenges, and developing legal solutions related to ballot measure policy and process, including managing BISC’s outside counsel on amicus briefs and other legal documents requested.
• Reimagine and revamp BISC’s Defend Direct Democracy campaign, monitoring opposition players, trends, tactics, and policy impacts on the ballot measure field.
• Provide policy analysis to BISC as well as external partners and stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with the Capacity Building Director to ensure policy, legal advocacy, and implementation include evaluation tools and practices for the ballot measure field.
• Assist in updating, developing, and delivering customized training programs and resources with the Capacity Building Team.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Partnerships Director on research to protect and improve the ballot measure process.
• Work with the Communications team on policy-related content and engage with media inquiries as needed.
• Support the Development team by contributing to funder briefings and providing analysis and expertise.

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve in a leadership role with other program directors to implement BISC’s 5-year strategic framework, focusing on changing culture, centering directly impacted communities, capacity building, and internal continuity and growth.
• Provide strategic and technical assistance to individuals and organizations on ballot measures.
• Advise on and help facilitate coalition meetings.
• Represent BISC in national strategy conversations with funders, political partners, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with BISC’s executive team and management cohort to deepen racial equity work.
• Assist the program team in developing the Road Ahead agenda and other duties related to BISC’s annual conference.
• Support state-based partners with written materials or strategic assistance to enhance public education or lobbying efforts.
• Maintain knowledge of the political landscape in BISC’s priority states and campaigns.
• Provide auxiliary support to the broader Program team as needed.
• Contribute to BISC and BISC Foundation projects and activities as needed.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in policy analysis, legal decisions and rulings, and executing legislative strategy and campaigns.
• Experience in the ballot measure process and a belief in the power of direct democracy.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing policy toward equitable outcomes.
• Strong relationship-building skills with national partners, stakeholders, and funders.
• Collaborative approach with an understanding of the complexities of coalition work, race, power, and privilege dynamics.
• Results-driven with a commitment to high standards and overcoming obstacles.
• Organized and flexible, with strong interpersonal and time management skills.
• Commitment to the progressive social and racial justice movement.

Notice of Exempt Position

This is a full-time position, classified as Exempt under Federal and DC wage and hour laws, meaning the position is not eligible for overtime for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: $115,000-$120,000
• 100% employer-paid medical insurance (including family)
• Dental insurance
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer contribution

Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About BISC

BISC’s mission is to strengthen democracy by implementing a national progressive strategy for ballot measures rooted in building state-based power. We work across policy, organizing, and political sectors with local, state, and national leaders to analyze and support the ballot measure landscape. We believe direct democracy can be a tool for liberation and strive to center historically marginalized communities in our efforts.

BISC’s Racial Equity Stance

At BISC, we are committed to transforming our country into one that is equitable and just by centering the people most impacted by systemic racism. We challenge structural racism in our internal operations and management processes, and in our external research, training, and organizing work.

BISC’s Compensation Philosophy

BISC aims to recruit, retain, and develop high-talent individuals to achieve our mission. Our compensation philosophy, established in 2022, provides a transparent framework for compensation decisions, reflecting our organizational values. We offer above-market benefits to support staff needs and create opportunities for continued learning and professional development.

EEO Policy

BISC follows an Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and employs personnel without regard to race, ethnic or religious background, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, age, or military service. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, promotions, training, and dealing with the general public.

Apply here