Advocacy Campaign Strategist, Elections and Government Program

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.  

The Brennan Center’s Elections and Government Program works to improve the administration of our elections so that they are free, fair, and accessible for all voters; reduce the undue influence of private wealth, and amplify the voices of everyday people, in politics; and combat election disinformation and political violence, among other goals. Reporting to the Director of the Elections and Government Program, the Advocacy Campaign Strategist will be responsible for strategically coordinating the Program’s engagement with external partners and stakeholders and for coordinating complex projects to achieve advocacy goals.  

The Elections and Government Program is looking to hire an experienced campaign strategist. The Advocacy Campaign Strategist position reports to the DC-based Director of the Elections and Government Program.  
 

Note: This position is based in Washington, D.C. Candidates located in New York City will still be considered.  

Responsibilities:  

• Contribute to planning and execution of advocacy campaigns to achieve Elections and Government Program goals, including:   

• Provide project management, organization, logistical solutions, and administrative support, as needed.  

• Identify tools and methods to increase effectiveness and efficiency of team’s work.  

• Coordinate communications between program staff and internal/external stakeholders.  

• Engage in field advocacy, including:  

• Participate in coalition meetings, convenings, briefings.  

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with election officials, grassroots allies, civic partners, government staff, elected officials, and other outside stakeholders.  

• Identify and create opportunities to advance program goals in the field, as well as to improve the program’s advocacy with learning and perspectives from the field.   

• Conceive and execute advocacy products, such as blog posts, digital media products, public comments, FAQs, and other assets, in collaboration with communications colleagues where appropriate, with focus on broadening and increasing partner engagement with program’s work.   

• Contribute research and writing for policy and empirical research reports that will form the basis of advocacy campaigns.   

• Contribute to program’s media and public education work, including strategy, talking points, and speaking engagements.   

• This role will require 25% or more travel.  

• Help to train new program support staff, including program associates, and serve as their first point of advice on routine matters.  

Experience and Qualifications:  

• A bachelor’s degree and 2-5 years of relevant experience are required.  

• A can-do attitude – proactive, solutions-focused with comfort in ambiguity and initiative to ‘figure it out’.  

• Experience holding full-time responsibility in a campaign setting such as electoral campaigns, issue or legislative campaigns, or community organizing.  

• Strong drive and ability to take initiative, plan, prioritize (and, occasionally, pivot), and keep self and colleagues at various levels of seniority informed, organized, and on task in a fast-paced environment.  

• Demonstrated ability to execute advocacy campaign-related deliverables, such as convenings, reports, sign-on letters, partnership agreements, and/or relationship-management databases.  

• Strong ability to track and synthesize complex information and convey it persuasively, in writing and oral presentations, to different audiences including government officials, community-based organizations, and the public.  

• Strong interpersonal skills and the desire and ability to build and maintain positive relationships within and outside the organization.    

• Mature judgment, a problem-solving approach to challenges, a growth mindset in the face of setbacks, and ability to keep calm under pressure.   

• Exceptional professionalism, integrity, discretion, and tact.  

• Enthusiasm to learn and advocate the work of the Elections and Government Program, including a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in improving U.S. democracy.   

• Working familiarity with campaign finance, voting procedures, or election administration is a significant plus.  

• Proficiency in MS Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.     

If you're uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.   

Application Instructions:  
To apply, please visit <> and upload a (1) cover letter, (2) resume, (3) three references, (4) and a brief writing sample relevant to the position (no more than 5 pages). 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified. We prefer applications to be submitted through our website. If you have difficulty uploading these items as one document, e-mail them to [email protected] with “Advocacy and Campaign Strategist, Elections and Government Program” in the subject line.  

Compensation and Benefits:  
The Brennan Center is a fantastic workplace! We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that is regularly assessed based on workplace trends and employee feedback.   

The salary range for this position is $85,000-$95,000. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered to a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s qualifications and internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.    

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.  If this role assumes supervisory responsibilities in the future, this position will no longer be in the union.  

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.