Legislative Manager-Strategic Partnerships

About Us

Issue One is committed to protecting the American rule of law and winning game-changing reforms to fix our broken political system and ensure it works for everyone. 

Since 2014, Issue One has worked to educate the public and Congress to pass legislation to increase transparency, strengthen government ethics and accountability, reduce the influence of big money in politics, protect the freedom to vote, and strengthen U.S. elections.

Position Summary

Issue One is organizing leaders and institutions committed to defending constitutional norms, protecting civil society, and strengthening democratic guardrails. Uniting actors from across sectors of civil society, this coalition coordinates strategic interventions when constitutional red lines are crossed. This coalition operates as both a relationship-driven network and a rapid-response infrastructure designed to move quickly, align diverse institutions, and deploy targeted campaigns when democratic institutions face threats.

The Legislative Manager-Strategic Partnerships will serve as the operational and organizing backbone of this cross-sector coalition. This role requires someone who can translate strategic direction into executable plans, coordinate rapid-response actions under pressure, and build the systems that enable diverse stakeholders to move together with speed and precision. The ideal candidate is a skilled coalition builder who thrives in high-stakes environments, can manage multiple complex priorities simultaneously, and has the judgment to engage effectively with senior-level leaders across sectors.

Responsibilities

Rapid-Response and Campaign Coordination (35%)

• Monitor external developments and identify moments requiring coalition response
• Coordinate rapid-response actions across coalition members
• Track commitments and action steps during time-sensitive campaigns
• Support the design and execution of targeted campaigns
• Adjust strategy and tactics as circumstances evolve

Recruitment and Membership Development (30%)

• Identify, research, and help recruit institutional members from across key sectors
• Draft outreach materials and coordinate recruitment meetings
• Develop onboarding systems for new coalition members
• Identify strategic gaps in coalition membership and develop plans to address them
• Maintain and expand the coalition's institutional network

Strategic Support and Cross-Sector Alignment (20%)

• Translate strategic direction into operational plans and executable campaigns
• Identify opportunities for proactive coalition engagement
• Contribute to strategic planning and scenario mapping
• Provide informed recommendations to senior leadership based on stakeholder feedback and political context
• Coordinate with partner organizations and external allies

Operations and Infrastructure (15%)

• Develop and refine internal systems and communication structures
• Develop agendas, briefing memos, and materials for coalition partners
• Anticipate operational gaps and proactively implement solutions
• Maintain systems that enable the coalition to function effectively

Job-Related Experience 

• 3-5+ years of experience in organizing, coalition management, public policy, advocacy, or nonprofit leadership
• Demonstrated experience working across ideological or sectoral lines
• Strong project management skills with ability to juggle multiple priorities under tight timelines
• Experience managing rapid-response or crisis environments
• Comfort working with senior-level leaders (law firm partners, university presidents, CEOs, etc.)
• High emotional intelligence and strong judgment
• Deep commitment to democratic norms and rule of law principles
• Discretion and political savvy

Job-Related Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities 

• Coalition management: Ability to coordinate diverse stakeholders across sectors, manage competing priorities, and move groups toward aligned action. Coalition-building experience is essential.
• Project management and campaign execution: Proven ability to design workplans, manage timelines, track deliverables, and execute multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Systems building: Skilled at creating scalable operating systems, including contact management, meeting cadences, dashboards, tracking tools, and internal playbooks.
• Facilitation and executive-level communication: Ability to support or lead meetings that are structured, productive, and outcome-oriented. Comfort engaging with senior leaders in a professional and strategic manner. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Relationship management: Strong interpersonal judgment and ability to build trust across ideological and sectoral lines.
• Stakeholder mapping: Ability to identify leverage points, decision-makers, and institutional influence pathways.

Work Coordination And Supervision

The Manager reports to the Legislative Director and meets regularly to align on strategy and set priorities. This role operates with significant autonomy and independent judgment. The Manager receives strategic direction, priorities, and campaign objectives from their supervisor but is expected to translate that direction into operational plans, systems, and execution strategies.

Work is assigned through a combination of regular one-on-one meetings with the supervisor, strategic planning sessions with cross-sector partners, and rapid-response needs that may arise unexpectedly. The Manager may take on the management of an intern.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Coalition Leadership: Serve as a central coordinating hub for members across sectors. Help cultivate a culture of trust, responsiveness, and strategic discipline. Support senior leadership in advancing the coalition's long-term vision.
• Operational Leadership: Design and maintain the operational infrastructure that enables the coalition to function effectively. Establish systems, norms, and accountability structures for cross-sector coordination. Anticipate operational gaps and proactively implement solutions. Ensure follow-through on rapid-response and campaign plans.
• Campaign & Rapid-Response Leadership: Coordinate execution of coalition campaigns and rapid-response actions. Mobilize stakeholders during high-pressure moments. Track progress and adjust strategy as circumstances evolve. Provide steady, organized leadership during periods of uncertainty or urgency.
• Strategic Leadership: Contribute to strategic planning and scenario mapping. Identify emerging risks and opportunities for cross-sector engagement. Help translate high-level strategy into actionable implementation plans. Provide informed recommendations to senior leadership based on stakeholder feedback and political context.

Development and Growth

This role provides a significant opportunity for professional growth in coalition management, strategic organizing, and cross-sector leadership. Skills mastered in this position, including rapid-response coordination, stakeholder management, campaign design, and systems building, are highly transferable and valued across the advocacy, nonprofit, and political sectors.

Potential next roles this position could prepare someone for include Director of Coalitions or Partnerships, Legislative Director, Campaign Director, or senior strategy roles in advocacy organizations, think tanks, or mission-driven institutions.

Developmental experiences within this role include leading increasingly complex campaigns, taking on greater strategic planning responsibilities, expanding the coalition's reach and impact, and developing expertise in crisis response and institutional organizing.

Structure and Location

This full-time, salaried, fully benefited position requires 40 hours per week. The selected candidate must reside in the DMV area or be willing to relocate to this region with 30 days of accepting employment. All DMV-based staff are required to come to the office twice a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

Benefits

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance: 

• All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan with 100% of the premium paid by Issue One. In addition, the organization covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff. 
• Staff receives more than 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures. 
• Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for commuting and any work-related travel.
• Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. They are also eligible to be reimbursed for stepping outside of their comfort zone and doing something they have never done before. 
• All staff are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization hosts several opportunities for fun and fellowship. 

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

• Feb. 20-28: The position is posted, and resumes are collected
• March 2-6: Resumes are screened and top candidates are identified for interviews
• March 9-13: First-round panel interviews take place
• March 16-18: Second-round panel interviews with finalists take place
• March 18: Preferred candidate named and the role offered (contingent on a background check and verification of all educational credentials)
• April 1: New candidate begins (flexible start date)

Special Note: While Issue One will do its best to follow the above timeline, there are instances where the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. The organization will do its best to update all selected candidates on any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after February 28, there's no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire 

At Issue One, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to voluntarily complete our self-identification questionnaire. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities for success.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply by clicking here. Please include how you heard about the position.

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity, or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.