Senior State Legislative Advocacy Policy Strategist and Bernard and Anne Spitzer Fellow bei Brennan Center for Justice

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 twin 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, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.       

This talent hired for this role will work across the Brennan Center for Justice (BCJ) to harmonize the ongoing state policy work managed within existing program teams and along with new policy initiatives related to the Partnership for Southern Impact, housed at Fisk University. Combined, the larger organizational strategy for state policy (which this role will principally lead) will underscore BCJ's ability to share expert policy research and advice with state leaders across the country and to support the specific goal to improve the representativeness of public policies in the South. This is a full-time, regular position, term-limited to two years. 

Position Overview:  
We seek an experienced strategist of state legislative advocacy and policy to join our team for a Fellowship generously supported by the Bernard and Anne Spitzer Charitable Trust. This position plays a vital role in building relationships with state policymakers and partners, mobilizing grassroots advocates, and ensuring that the Brennan Center is represented in key state legislative and regulatory conversations. They will help raise awareness and influence public opinion through policy engagement, proclamation efforts, and community action. This position will lead the organization’s response to emerging issues, helping to identify and prioritize advocacy opportunities in coordination with our Partnership for Southern Impact at Fisk University. Working closely with staff across research and program teams, the Senior State Legislative Advocacy/Policy Strategist will help shape policy strategies that align with the Brennan Center’s mission. They will strengthen our presence in state legislatures and executive agencies, guide grassroots advocacy efforts, and promote resolutions and proclamations that elevate public awareness. 

This role will support the expansion of our advocacy efforts across the country and play a key role in shaping public policy, advocating for the Brennan Center’s priorities. The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring and tracking legislation, managing information between our policy leads, contractors, lawmakers, and other public officials, as well as leading events for internal and external audiences.  

The ideal candidate will have state legislative, public policy, and/or campaign experience. This individual will need to be organized, manage prioritizing and completing multiple tasks, be able to communicate clearly and professionally with multiple diverse audiences, and have the ability to travel, sometimes on short notice. 

Directly reporting to the VP for Washington DC, the work in this role will involve collaborating with program leaders and staff focused on state policy, remaining engaged with legislative leaders and institutions focused on state legislative policy, and leading external efforts (including convenings) that allow BCJ to interact with its different audiences on matters of state policy.  Other elements of this role may emerge based upon the advisory recommendations approved from the incumbent's report to BCJ leadership. 

Note: This position is based at our Washington D.C. Office. The role may be remote, as it may involve significant travel.    

Responsibilities:  

• Manage State Policy Strategy & Engagement: Monitor and analyze state legislative and regulatory developments relevant to the Brennan Center. Develop and implement targeted strategies to influence policy outcomes across key states in accordance with the Partnership for Southern Impact’s policy priorities. Work in partnership with Brennan Center staff across departments to identify policy needs and opportunities that advance the organization’s mission. Maintain and expand our advocacy agenda with a focused and scalable approach, prioritizing key opportunities and building strategic partnerships. 

• Identify, monitor and analyze legislative proposals and initiatives that impact the Partnership for Southern Impact; assess their impact on the Brennan Center’s initiatives and policies. 

• Monitor political environment and legislation, identifying opportunities to advance policies and advocacy efforts 

• Represent and articulate our policy positions to members of the state legislature and the Administration. 

• Work closely with industry groups, nonprofits and legislative organizations to promote company objectives  

• Build and maintain strong relationships with lawmakers, staff, and community leaders. 

• Coordinate with coalition partners to align strategies and maximize impact 

• by fielding calls and/or meetings, serving as point of contact in multiple states, manage deliverables for our state partners, and execute on the state success strategy. 

• Represent the Brennan Center in meetings with legislators, agencies, advocacy groups, and events 

• Effectively Collaborate and Communicate with Brennan Center Staff: Work closely with the Vice President of our Washington, D.C. Office to elevate advocacy messages and align with broader policy priorities. Track, measure, and report on state advocacy outcomes, including legislative wins and engagement metrics. 

• Information Management: Serve as the point of contact between the Fisk University, the Partnership for Southern Impact and Brennan Center Staff with the research team, in-state stakeholders and policymakers. 

• Ensure great internal and external communications to inform all key audiences of our work.  

• Communicate with elected officials, policymakers and relevant stakeholders on policy priorities 

• Coordinate with state organizations to advance policy priorities and interdepartmental efforts and external partnerships to advance Brennan Center goals 

• Plan, manage, and evaluate the Partnership for Southern Impact’s legislative and governmental affairs activities. 

• Expand Grassroots Advocate Support in the States: Engage with partner organizations to identify opportunities for state-level advocacy, with a focus on meetings with policymakers and community engagement. Work in collaboration with BCJ programs to deepen existing relationships with partner organizations. 

• Collaborate with allied organizations in the region and community groups to engage with decision-makers 

• Represent BCJ in public and media inquiries and participate in evening/weekend events and meetings as needed. 

• Analyze, summarize and determine viability of state legislation and state regulations 

• Advise elected officials and senior staff with timely policy analysis, legislative updates, and strategic recommendations. 

• Prepare and present reports, talking points, legislative summaries, and policy  

• Build relationships with entities within organization’s network to strengthen state-based policy activities 

• Maintain working knowledge of state government processes, resources, information and policy trends 

• Occasional evening or weekend availability as needed 

• Travel for organizational meetings and events as needed 

• Willingness to travel (primarily out of state) 

• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree 

• 9+ years of experience in state-level or federal-level advocacy, legislative affairs, public policy, advocacy, community organizing, or managing campaigns preferably within a national nonprofit or in a democracy-related context  

• Strong knowledge of legislative processes and governmental operations at the local, state, and federal levels 

• Excellent skills in policy research, strategic communication, public relations, and stakeholder engagement 

• Ability to build effective partnerships, influence policy outcomes, and represent the Brennan Center with professionalism and diplomacy 

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

• A strong ability to communicate the essence of complex legislation in a way that is concise, relevant, and aligned with the Brennan Center’s work 

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment and comfort with managing multiple projects and deadlines across complex teams 

• Demonstrable understanding of and enthusiasm for the Brennan Center’s mission, strategy, and goals 

• Commitment to equity and inclusion, including racial, gender, socio-economic, and other lines  

• 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 

• Great 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 

• Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple priorities across different time zones 

• Willingness to travel for advocacy events, conferences, or in-person meetings. 

• Knowledge of the South's political landscape and policy issues at the state and federal level 

• Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—and the ability to connect with diverse audiences 

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. Therefore, please consider submitting your application. In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.  

Application Instructions  
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is found.  

To apply, visit >>LINK HERE<<.  Please upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) contact information for three supervisor references. Applications without all the previously listed materials will not be considered. 

Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: [email protected] with “State Legislative Advocacy/Policy Manager” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.  

Compensation and Benefits:  
The salary range assigned to this position is $145,000-$150,000. 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 very robust and competitive array of benefits such as 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.   
 
Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.  



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