Director of Policy Advocacy

Legal Aid DC seeks a Director of Policy Advocacy to help us advance our systemic policy advocacy agenda on behalf of our client community.

Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. We provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, immigration and criminal record sealing matters. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and impact and appellate litigation.

Legal Aid believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. For more information about Legal Aid please visit our website, www.LegalAidDC.org.

The Director of Policy Advocacy will be part of Legal Aid’s Systemic Advocacy and Law Reform Program, which also includes the Barbara McDowell Appellate Advocacy Project, the Impact Litigation Project, and the Community Lawyering and Engagement Program. The Director of Policy Advocacy will report to the Legal Director of Systemic Advocacy and Law Reform.  

Responsibilities

Lead the Organization’s Legislative and Policy Advocacy for Systemic Change:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of Legal Aid’s law reform agenda in the DC Council and with DC agencies, with a focus on centering racial justice and the lived experiences of our clients.
• Work with the Systemic Advocacy and Direct Legal Services Programs to identify priority areas for systemic reform through legislative, agency, and other advocacy.
• Oversee and participate in the day-to-day work of the Policy Program including by:
  • Building and maintaining relationships with policymakers and legislative/agency staff;
  • Conducting legal and factual research;
  • Completing legislative and data analysis;
  • Preparing and coordinating the preparation of public testimony and other written advocacy materials;
  • Preparing legislative proposals and drafts; and
  • Coordinating and organizing campaigns for systemic change. 
• Partner with other legal services and community-based organizations to identify and pursue advocacy opportunities that advance Legal Aid’s systemic priorities.
• Work to build Legal Aid’s advocacy capacity by offering training and technical assistance to Legal Aid attorneys and staff engaged in policy advocacy.
• Help build the capacity of members of Legal Aid’s client community to advocate for policy change by coordinating community outreach and offering training and technical assistance tailored for community members.
• Collaborate with Systemic Advocacy team to identify matters that may be ripe for other methods of advocacy, including impact litigation and appellate, and work collaboratively to advance those efforts. 
• Partner regularly with the Community Lawyering and Engagement Program to ensure that Legal Aid’s policy agenda is community centered and informed.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and reporting requirements regarding lobbying.

Supervise Staff:

• Supervise Policy Program staff, currently one full time Policy Counsel.
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys from across the organization as they engage in policy advocacy work.
• Review and provide feedback on testimony, draft legislation, and other written work product.
• Assist with the provision of professional development opportunities for staff and contribute to staff evaluations as appropriate.
• Supervise legal assistants, interns and other program staff as needed.

The Director of Policy Advocacy may also be expected to complete other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• A demonstrated commitment to social, economic, and racial justice;
• A J.D., master’s degree in public policy, or equivalent degree in a relevant field;
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience with policy and legislative advocacy, with a preference for experience with the DC Council and local agencies;
• Supervisory experience and the ability to successfully manage teams, including delegating and overseeing work and mentoring and training junior staff;
• Exceptional organizational, oral and written communication, and leadership skills;
• Ability to build relationships with external stakeholders (including legislators and their staff, advocates, and individuals impacted by our issues) and think creatively about how we can support and advance their efforts;

• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, demanding environment with competing priorities;
• Excellent strategic judgment, the ability to spot and seize opportunities, and the desire to be part of a collaborative team;

• Experience with legislative drafting; and
• Fluency or proficiency in Spanish, Amharic, or another language prevalent in Legal Aid’s client community strongly preferred, but not required.

Salary and Benefits

The Director of Policy Advocacy will be paid in accordance with Legal Aid's Supervising Attorney/Director policy based on years of relevant full-time experience. Lateral hires will receive credit for years of relevant work experience. Starting salaries are as follows:

• Director with 7 years full-time relevant work experience: starting at $102,515
• Director with 10 years full-time relevant work experience: starting at $110,844

Legal Aid DC generally provides two salary increases per year, depending on funding availability: a cost-of-living increase at the beginning of the year and a step increase in July.

Legal Aid’s generous benefits package includes fully paid health insurance for the employee, annual discretionary retirement match, annual and sick leave allotments starting at 15 days each per year, 12 paid holidays, and up to 3 personal days per year.

To Apply

Legal Aid values an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourages applications from interested persons from diverse backgrounds of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage applications from people with personal experience with the criminal legal system and/or with lived experiences in the communities we serve.

Interested persons are encouraged to apply immediately. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications for and interest in the position here. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. This position has a closing date of May 14, 2024. No emails or phone calls, please.