Bolder Advocacy Senior Counsel - Affiliated Organizations

Alliance for Justice (AFJ) is a national association of over 130 organizations, representing a broad array of groups committed to progressive values and the creation of an equitable, just, and free society. AFJ’s Bolder Advocacy program is the nation’s leading resource for foundations and nonprofits who want to engage more actively and knowledgeably in the policymaking process. Bolder Advocacy’s legal experts help organizations move from cautious to courageous across lobbying, election-related activity, ballot measures, grantmaking, and other efforts necessary to change the world. AFJ is headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in Northern and Southern California and Texas. For more information about Bolder Advocacy, please visit www.bolderadvocacy.org.

Job Purpose

This position requires an innovative thinker interested in developing and implementing a program to support increased nonprofit involvement in policymaking activities, including lobbying, voter mobilization, grassroots organizing, ballot measure efforts, and operating affiliated (c)(3) and (c)(4) organizations. The Senior Counsel will play  a vital role in educating groups (and their funders) to maximize 501(c)(3) advocacy activities, smartly collaborate with non-c3s, and consider establishing 501(c)(4)s. In addition, this position will work to strengthen and expand a more robust 501(c)(4) infrastructure allowing organizations to have a greater impact in elections. It will also serve as an internal advisor for AFJ’s affiliated (c)(4), Alliance for Justice Action Campaign, and its activities across both AFJ’s Bolder Advocacy and Justice programs.

The position will be based in Washington, DC, and reports to the Bolder Advocacy Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as legal advisor to AFJ and AFJ Action Campaign, which includes providing legal review of external communications, participating in strategy discussions, working with the Finance team on AFJ Action Campaign budget and spending.
• Develop resources (such as fact sheets, articles, op-eds, case studies, sample documents, podcast episodes, best practices tool kits) for public charities, private foundations, social welfare organizations, entities considering establishing affiliated (c)(4)s, and funders.
• Work with funders and potential funders to encourage more advocacy funding.
• Participate in federal tax and federal election law public policy and other subjects as they may arise, including lobbying, writing talking points and explainer memos, preparing regulatory comments, and writing occasional amicus briefs.
• Collaborate with other organizations to deliver appropriate program content.
• Work with AFJ’s California, Texas, and DC staff on program activities and special events.
• Conduct workshops for nonprofit organizations and foundations on tax and campaign finance rules governing their ability to participate in public policy.
• Provide technical assistance to nonprofits and foundations on tax and campaign finance issues related to nonprofit advocacy.
• Represent the organization at conferences of nonprofits and foundations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Law degree, bar membership, and at least 5 years of experience as a practicing attorney or advocate working with (c)(4)  and political organizations.
• Experience managing affiliated (c)(3) and (c)(4) organizations, including those running independent expenditure campaigns.
• Knowledge of federal tax and election law; some familiarity with state lobbying and elections law.
• Experience conducting training programs and working with coalitions.
• Experience with lobbying or nonprofit elections programs.
• Demonstrated experience breaking down complex or legal or policy subjects to be understood by a variety of audiences.
• Strong collaborator, and able to adapt quickly to changing situations.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is conceptualized as a Senior Counsel, with a salary range of $95,000-120,000.  We are looking for someone with legal and operational experience with experience running independent expenditure campaigns  who is excited about growing our work with and resources for affiliated organizations. If you feel that, is you, and you have a different level of experience than described in this job posting –either more or less—we encourage you to apply and share why in the cover letter. 

We offer a comprehensive and generous benefits program, including:

Health

We offer medical, dental, vision benefits, as well an employee assistance program for physical and mental well-being.

Savings

Save for retirement with our 401K plan with employer matching. Other insurances include life and disability.

Time

We have a generous paid time off policy.

Family

We provide 12 weeks of parental leave and a range of paid and unpaid family leave programs that allow our employees to bond with and care for their children and other dependents.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer and communicate with others while doing so. On occasions, travel by train and airplane. Ability to work long hours when needed. All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position. Some occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. AFJ’s non-management staff members are unionized with the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, CWA Local 32035 and this position will be covered by a collective bargaining agreement when one is reached.

Racial Equity

Our employees share our commitment to increasing racial diversity in our movement and organization, integrating justice and equity into the work we do and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants please reference Bolder Advocacy Senior Counsel – Affiliated Organizations in your subject line and submit a letter of interest and resume allianceforjustice.jobs@afj.org (NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Alliance for Justice provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on 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.

Disclaimer

This description is intended to provide an overview of this position and is not all-inclusive.  The incumbent in this position will be expected to perform other duties as required. Responsibilities may change over time. This description is provided for informational purposes only and does not form the basis of a contract.