Senior Policy Counsel/Advocate

Senior Policy Counsel/Advocate

Position Summary: The Senior Policy Counsel/Advocate will play a key role in implementing Public Knowledge’s government affairs strategy through advocacy, strategy development, and relationship building in Congress, at Federal agencies, within the Executive Branch, and across the public interest field. Their policy focus will be issues promoting open access to knowledge and information, including copyright and fair use, digital ownership, open research, and digital lending and libraries.

Position Status: Full‐time/Exempt

Location: Washington, DC

Reports to: Director of Government Affairs

Essential Duties:

• Develop Public Knowledge’s advocacy strategy and approach to Capitol Hill on discrete issues promoting open access to knowledge and information, including copyright and fair use, digital ownership, open research, digital lending and libraries, and other technology policy issues that affect consumers and tech users.
• Obtain up-to-date information on technology legislative matters before Congress.
• Develop relationships with key policymakers at the Copyright Office, Federal Trade Commission, the White House, Congress, and elsewhere to build support for Public Knowledge’s priorities.
• Lead, convene, and work in coalitions with various stakeholder groups to develop priorities and strategies.
• Research and draft congressional testimony for legislative hearings on copyright/technology policy issues and prepare witnesses for hearings.
• Serve as a resource to allies and other non-D.C.-based groups in building advocacy strategies and relationships with policymakers.
• Develop Public Knowledge advocacy materials.
• Serve as a spokesperson and resource to the media within areas of expertise.

Qualifications:

• A college graduate with a passion for public policy, knowledge, and interest in technology, and a demonstrated interest in the political process and advocacy in the public interest.
• Law or other Graduate degrees a plus.
• Five or more years of experience with Capitol Hill, Federal agencies, or other relevant policy‐related experience.
• Familiarity with legislative efforts on technology or copyright policy.
• Experience conducting legislative or issue advocacy and developing partnerships with a wide range of organizations and constituencies.
• Experience drafting legal/advocacy documents such as briefs and model legislation.
• Full comprehension of the influences of the regulatory and government agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to create advocacy strategies.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Sound judgment and ability to analyze situations and information.
• Strong communication skills.
• A creative self-starter who can devise new, innovative outreach methods.
• A willingness and ability to learn complex technological and legal issues quickly.
• The ability to produce high-quality results on tight deadlines and with little oversight.
• Must register as a lobbyist.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Compensation: Base annual salary from $90,000 – $110,000 depending on experience, plus excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

About Public Knowledge:

Public Knowledge is a nonprofit technology policy organization that promotes freedom of expression, an open internet, and access to affordable communications tools and creative works. PK’s modes of advocacy include outreach to the U.S. Congress, the executive branch, and administrative agencies, filing administrative comments, submitting amicus briefs, hosting public education events, building coalitions, and writing white papers and blog posts. For more information on us, visit PublicKnowledge.org.

Public Knowledge provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Learn more here