Policy Counsel / Senior Policy Counsel

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) seeks a passionate and creative advocate to join our policy team and help us secure our democracy and ensure our government serves the people it represents. This position will focus on identifying, exposing, and rectifying government weaponization, including politicized use of law enforcement, misuse of prosecutorial powers, and regulatory retaliation. This role offers a unique opportunity to be on the front lines of the fight for a more ethical, equitable, and accountable government while working with a smart and dedicated team.

As a leading nonpartisan nonprofit government watchdog, CREW is dedicated to defending our democratic institutions, rooting out government corruption, building an ethical and accountable judiciary, and fighting the influence of money in politics through policy reform, legal action, and communications grounded in in-depth research. CREW is looking for a creative, results‑driven colleague who is committed to our mission and cares deeply about protecting our democracy. We welcome diverse skills and experiences.

Responsibilities

Policy Development: Work in conjunction with the Vice President for Policy and Policy Director to develop CREW’s policy agenda and long‑term policy strategy to strengthen and improve rules and laws. Key goals include identifying and preventing the weaponization of government functions, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring accountability for abuses of power.

Legislative Advocacy: Stay apprised of relevant legislation, congressional committee activities, White House actions, and agency decisions. Work closely with congressional offices and executive branch personnel to encourage positive policy action and provide technical advice on legislation, comments on rulemakings, and formal guidance and suggestions on oversight agendas.

Writing and Communications: Write reports, articles, op‑eds, blog posts, hearing testimony, letters, and comments on rulemaking. Collaborate with the communications team to coordinate media responses and web presence on policy issues.

Monitoring Legal Developments: Track legal developments related to democracy, weaponization of government functions, and accountability for abuses of power, including criminal and civil court cases. Write reports, articles, and blog posts analyzing legal developments.

Collaboration: Represent CREW in coalitions working to protect the rule of law, ensure accountability for abuses of power, and build an ethical and accountable government. Coordinate with CREW’s litigation, research, and communications teams to ensure a consistent policy message.

Complaints and Litigation: As needed, assist with CREW’s filing of complaints with agencies and legislative committees and/or with the court in civil lawsuits.

Qualifications

• J.D. required.
• A minimum of 4 years of policy or legal experience, ideally in a nonprofit, executive branch, Capitol Hill, or comparable setting.
• Familiarity with and interest in democracy reform, law enforcement/prosecutions, regulatory policy, and/or government transparency issues.
• Experience with rule of law and democracy reform efforts, including legislative and litigation strategies to reform democratic institutions and ensure public accountability for efforts to undermine democracy.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Outstanding research and analytical skills.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Initiative to identify needs, take charge of tasks, and get things done in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and sound judgment, including the ability to work effectively with outside counsel.
• This position is included in a union‑represented collective bargaining unit; specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining.
• The position is based in Washington, D.C., with hybrid work options potentially available.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $110,000–$160,000 based on experience and qualifications. CREW offers a compensation and benefits program designed to create a supportive, respectful, and sustainable environment that allows employees to thrive. Benefits include:

• Generous paid time off
• Platinum medical insurance (100% of premium covered for employees; 55% for dependents and spouses)
• Dental and vision insurance (99.9% of premium covered for employees; 55% for dependents)
• 10 weeks paid family leave for non‑birthing parents and 16 weeks for birthing parents
• Family planning benefits, including a $10k annual employer contribution (up to $30k over employment) for employees and their partners
• Option to enroll in FSA and dependent care FSA accounts with a $2,500 employer contribution to dependent care FSAs
• Option to enroll in commuter benefits with a $50/month employer contribution
• Flexible, hybrid work environment
• Fully vested 401(k) with 3% employer contribution
• One week of organization‑wide paid holiday closures between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, plus major national holidays
• Employee assistance program
• Summer Fridays all year long
• Free in‑office lunches weekly
• Free virtual yoga classes

How to Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Include your last name and “Policy Counsel” in the subject line. No phone calls, please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

CREW is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in our workplace and in our work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply.