Senior Policy or Policy Counsel, Voting Rights

## **Senior Policy or Policy Counsel, Voting Rights**

The Senior Policy or Policy Counsel, Voting Rights works to advance voting rights policies to achieve a multiracial democracy by advocating for measures that protect and expand the fundamental right to vote. This role focuses on preventing discrimination, ensuring equal access to the ballot, and protecting and developing enforcement mechanisms for constitutional and statutory voting protections.

The Senior Policy or Policy Counsel is responsible for effectively advancing the mission of the organization by building strong relationships with policymakers and their staff; analyzing and drafting legislation; developing policy recommendations; advocating for their adoption; and working with coalition partners and allies to mobilize public support for SPLC’s voting rights priorities.

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## **Who You Are**

**Experienced.** Proven track record of developing policy solutions, proposals, and recommendations, and transforming them into actionable initiatives. Expertise includes deep knowledge of federal voting rights laws, including enforcement mechanisms and regulatory frameworks.

Skilled in analyzing and drafting legislation, conducting in‑depth policy research, developing innovative policy recommendations, and building issue‑based policy advocacy campaigns in support of their adoption by policymakers at the federal level.

**Strategic Visionary.** Skilled at crafting a vision and taking calculated risks to develop and execute strategies and legislative proposals that advance affirmative policies and campaigns.

**Innovative.** Ability to craft and strategically advance inventive policy solutions to address systemic barriers to voting; identify emerging policy issues; develop new policy ideas to expand and protect voting rights; and implement inventive advocacy strategies to reimagine the future of voting.

**Adaptable.** Exceptional ability to work with policymakers across the political and ideological spectrum to advance SPLC’s voting rights policy priorities.

**Proactive Leader.** Highly driven and resourceful, able to take initiative, work independently, and push projects forward without requiring constant supervision.

**Coalition Builder.** Experience working within diverse coalitions, leading grassroots campaigns, and engaging directly with impacted communities.

**Cross‑functional Leader.** Extensive experience integrating research, legal policy, communications, and organizing expertise to drive policy change. Proven ability to assess and create effective strategies to achieve specific goals.

**Advocate.** Ability to serve as a public thought leader on SPLC’s affirmative policy work, representing SPLC in the media, at conferences, and in other public venues as assigned.

**Collaborative.** Proven ability to work across departments and with external stakeholders to implement strategies that advance legislative and policy objectives.

**Effective Communicator.** Strong communication skills, with the ability to persuasively engage diverse audiences through written and spoken formats.

**Efficient.** Ability to effectively manage time in a fast‑paced environment, pivoting between assignments to accomplish goals.

**Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment.** Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to SPLC’s mission.

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## **What You’ll Do**

Maintain knowledge and professional expertise on relevant policy issues, laws, and regulations to support advocacy efforts.

Cultivate strong relationships with key members of Congress, staff, and federal administration officials who oversee, develop, and implement federal policy on SPLC impact areas and priorities.

Collaborate with internal departments and teams (legal, communications, state offices, federal policy, policy research, and regional policy) and external coalition partners to develop and implement strategic policy advocacy plans.

Draft advocacy plans, model policies, legislative proposals, comments, letters, statements, testimony, talking points, fact sheets, policy recommendations, and other materials that articulate SPLC’s policy positions with supporting legal and policy analysis.

Organize briefings to elevate research and policy writing and facilitate the drafting and presentation of SPLC testimony before relevant Congressional committees and federal agencies.

Coordinate and facilitate internal and external meetings; collaborate with SPLC staff, stakeholders, ally organizations, and coalition partners to strategize and execute advocacy strategies.

Analyze federal legislation and administrative rules and provide policy recommendations for internal and external stakeholders, including policymakers, community members, and partners.

Train and mentor policy staff, interns, and externs as needed.

Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the role.

Uphold JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners who can deliver impactful work aligned with the Center and Policy Department’s mission and goals.

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## **Minimum Qualifications**

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

**Policy Counsel:**
– At least five (5) years of experience in public policy, with demonstrated knowledge and advocacy expertise on voting rights.

**Senior Policy Counsel:**
– At least ten (10) years of experience in public policy, with demonstrated knowledge and advocacy expertise on voting rights.

**Education:**
– Juris Doctorate from an ABA‑accredited law school.

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## **Compensation & Benefits**

This is an exempt role, and the minimum salary is:

– Policy Counsel: $102,637.00
– Senior Policy Counsel: $153,500.00

Salary will be commensurate with experience.

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## **Where & How You’ll Work**

**Local Remote:** Works remotely but is expected to attend work‑related activities at SPLC offices or in SPLC‑operating states.

**Telework:** Works at the DC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative location.

This position reports to the Deputy Director, Federal Policy.

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## **Other Special Considerations**

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

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

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## **Disclaimer**

The statements herein describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

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## **Equal Opportunity Statement**

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 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.

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