Senior Policy Advisor

The Challenge and Opportunity

The Institute for Responsive Government helps policymakers find solutions that make government more efficient, accessible, and responsive to the needs of real human beings. We start with the mechanics of democracy: our key focus areas include practical pro-voter policies like Automatic Voter Registration and voter-centric election administration, and resource solutions like predictable federal funding to loosen chronic policy problems. Then, we work to make democracy meet its promises. Government should provide customer service and material benefits at every touchpoint — from health benefits to taxes to the DMV. If we choose to come together with our neighbors to make up a democracy, that government must deliver well enough to make us choose participation.

The Organization

Building on a decade of success working in partnership with state political leaders from both parties, lawmakers, NGOs, and academic leaders, the Institute for Responsive Government is a hub for policy and technical experts, organizers, and government officials working together to craft pragmatic, human-centered policies designed to make government more responsive to all of us.

The Person

As Senior Policy Advisor, you will lead elements of Responsive Gov’s state-level policy development in a fast-paced environment. You are a detail-oriented, proactive, and strategic professional looking for a flexible job that helps strengthen our democracy.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead state-level policy development in a fast-paced environment, requiring high responsiveness and quick decision-making.
• Conduct rapid analysis of complex policy issues, delivering clear and concise recommendations.
• Leverage strong judgment to provide strategic guidance on key policy decisions.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on voting policy, with a focus on structural reforms such as proportional representation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and advocacy groups to influence and shape policy outcomes.
• Prepare well-crafted policy briefs, reports, and advocacy materials with clarity and precision.
• Advocate for voting and government reform policy reforms in meetings, legislative hearings, presentations, and written communications.

Skills and Qualifications

The Ideal Candidate is:

• Committed to our core mission of supporting democracy.
• Resilient and dynamically perseverant in the face of evolving strategic challenges.
• Eager to continue to scale existing campaigns, open new doorways, and forge new, strategic partnerships.
• A self-starter, with an ability to quickly integrate and explain complicated policy concepts in an accessible way.
• A strong writer and communicator, with an ability to convey complex concepts concisely.
• Dedicated to producing results and maximizing impact.
• Strong at prioritization and strategic decision-making.
• Excited to tackle new projects and ideas.
• Creative and proactive, with a problem-solving mindset.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible and able to work in a remote structure.
• Oriented towards possibilities, embodying an abundance mindset.
• A do-er and connector, not a “meetings for the sake of meetings” person.

Education and Experience

• Legal background preferred to assist in navigating regulatory frameworks and policy impacts.
• Experience in legislative processes, government relations, or policy advocacy is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders from a variety of ideological backgrounds.

The Tangible Good

The salary range for this position is $135K – $155K. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including a 401(k) program with a 3% employer contribution + 3% employer match that is fully vested day one and 100% of health/dental/vision premiums fully covered.

Learn more here