Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary:
Who we are:
Situated at the forefront of the national stage in the racial justice movement, Advancement Project National Office is a cutting-edge, no-holds-barred national nonprofit whose team members are dedicated to creating free and safe communities for people of color. From ending the school-to-prison pipeline to the fight to expand the right to vote, from fighting for immigrant justice, Advancement Project National Office team members are impacting real change from the ground up. This moment demands alignment, sharp strategic thinking, and creativity to imagine a more just world in which racism no longer exists and all people of color can be free and safe, and we are excited to bring on new talent to change our world. Since the 2000 presidential election, Advancement Project has been a leader in voter protection, supporting grassroots organizations in year-round election administration efforts and building national narratives to push back on voter suppression. Through successful litigation in states like Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Missouri, and advocacy alongside our partners, we have eliminated barriers to the ballot. Additionally, since 2001, we have supported state campaigns to end felony disenfranchisement in states like Virginia, Florida, and Louisiana using litigation and communications, and are building a national campaign for rights restorations with organizing partners across the country.Position Overview:
We are experiencing the most significant attack on our voting rights this nation has seen in 50 years. In this critical moment, we are seeking a bold movement advocate and skilled senior attorney to lead as the Program Director and Senior Attorney for our Power and Democracy Program, which focuses on eliminating legal and structural barriers to voting and advancing the right to vote. The ideal candidate is a respected, innovative leader in democratic reforms who has experience working collaboratively with organizers and communications teams to support organizing campaigns, managing a dynamic team, and fundraising. The Director will manage the strategic direction; lead the implementation of strategic initiatives; manage a team of several attorneys; work collaboratively with Campaigns and Communications teams; oversee the program budget and support fundraising. This position will report to the Deputy Executive Director. The role is a hybrid position with the expectation that the ideal candidate will be in the office twice a week, specifically on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
What youll do:Develop a strategic direction for the Power and Democracy Project.Develop the strategic plan for Power and Democracy, including identifying and overseeing the implementation of campaigns that include advocacy, policy, organizing, and outreach initiatives.Plan program/project activities, develop new initiatives, including in response to political and legal developments, and ensure program projects and activities comply with relevant and trending legislation and policy.Cultivate a broad and effective network of partners, including maintaining current national and local partnerships and developing new partner relationships and coalitions.Collaborate with the Legal Director on federal and state civil and appellate litigation, as needed, including litigation strategy, research, drafting of legal memoranda, motions, and briefs, among other documents.
Collaborate with internal Campaigns and Communications teams to develop and execute creative strategies to support building power locally, shifting narratives, and connecting movement partners to build national momentum for change.Enhance the organizations capacity to advocate on issues related to the Power and Democracy Project.Serve as the subject matter expert on ways to expand the electorate, stimulate civic participation, form community partnerships, and help build power among impacted people in communities of color through collaborations with local and national racial justice, progressive, voter registration, and civic engagement partners.Provide education, training, and direct feedback to team members organization-wide on issues related to assigned programs/projects.Identify funding opportunities and work with the Development team to pursue them.Collaborate with other teams on the management and planning of programs and project efforts.Work cross-programmatically and through interdisciplinary approaches to ensure program and project efforts are internally supported appropriately by various teams.Share information regarding movement on program and project initiatives across the organization.Lead and provide direction to team members of the Power and Democracy ProjectDevelop and execute plans and strategies to meet team goals and objectives, and assist with the development of organizational goals, objectives, and strategies.Identify the need for, develop, modify, and maintain team policies, procedures, and other guidance documents, including incorporating best practices, and addressing changes in the legal landscape and cultural environment.Disseminate, implement, and enforce organization and team standards, policies, and procedures, including providing proper guidance to those carrying out related duties.Other related duties, as assigned.What you need to be considered:
At least 10 years of relevant experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks.Knowledge of legal and policy issues surrounding civil rights, voting rights, and election administration-supervisory experience including mentoring and training staff attorneys.Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited college or university.License to practice law in Washington D.C. or possess the ability to waive into the Washington D.C. bar.At least three years of experience managing people.Ability to frequently travel locally, regionally, and nationally.Ability to occasionally work evenings and periodically work weekends, as needed.Salary Range:
This position pays between $140,000 to $169,500, depending on experience.PLEASE SUBMIT 2 WRITING SAMPLES WITH YOUR COVER LETTER
Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary:
Who we are: Advancement Project is a cutting-edge, no-holds-barred national organization whose team members are dedicated to building local power in communities of color. Centered on a movement lawyering approach, defined as a community-centered racial justice lawyering organization, Advancement Project supports grassroots organizations working to eliminate oppressive structures in our laws and institutions and shift narratives towards transformative change. By fighting for liberatory public education, protecting and expanding our right to vote, and supporting community-led public safety that affirms the dignity and humanity of people of color., Advancement Project advances real change from the ground up. Building on close to 25 years, we continue to evolve our strategic thinking and creativity to imagine a more just world in which people of color can thrive, be safe, and free, and we are excited to bring on new talent to forward our vision.Youll find our staff:In the courts, fighting discriminatory systems and policies.On the ground, working with organized communities to strengthen strategy and build local power.In the media, adding racial justice analysis to critical issues of the day.Position Overview: We seek a driven Managing Director of Communications to shape and drive the Advancement Projects narrative strategy and brand presence, focusing on its main program areas, including policing and criminalization, democracy, and education justice, while impacting broader racial justice discourse. This role will develop and execute integrated communications strategies that build narrative power, demonstrate our impact, and establish our voice in critical racial justice issues. The Managing Director of Communications will also regularly collaborate with organizational leadership, across teams, and with grassroots partners and national allies. We are looking for a persuasive writer with a strong background in media and digital strategy, with previous work experience in a national advocacy network is a plus.
Reporting to the Executive Director, this role will manage the Communications Team and serve on the Senior Leadership Team.The position is hybrid and requires the ideal candidate to be in the office weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.What youll do:
Define and steward Advancement Projects brand identity, voice, and narrative strategy.
Design and implement a comprehensive communication strategy that aligns with the organizations mission, theory of change, and program priorities.
Lead the development of compelling racial justice narratives that demonstrate our legal and advocacy expertise, support grassroots power building, and drive social change impact.
As part of the Leadership Team, support the development of a long-term organizational direction and provide strategic guidance on external impact and influence.
Track internal and external trends to assess impact and inform strategy.
Advise the Executive Director and other organizational principals on communications strategy and thought leadership, and brand reputation.
Provide leadership within the racial justice ecosystem on critical narratives that drive social change.
Serve as a spokesperson, representing the organization at senior-level meetings, conferences, and media when relevant.Steward cross-team collaboration and strategy development
Work closely with Leadership Team members and program directors to implement planned strategies, special projects, and events across teams.
Collaborate with the Managing Director of Development & Fundraising to develop persuasive materials for donor engagement and fundraising initiatives.
Train, provide strategic direction, and campaign coordination with local grassroots partners, as needed.
Serve as the senior representative for the communications team to other parts of the organization and manage internal relationships and expectations.Provide leadership and direction to the Communications Team
Develop the communications team's vision, frame, and narrative to achieve the organization's priorities and programmatic objectives.
Ensure consistent and clear messaging across all communication channels, maintaining brand consistency and voice.
Supervise communications staff and build communications capabilities across the organization through systems, training, and coaching.
Manage the writing, design, production, and approval process of press and digital materials, reports, publications, and internal talking points and messaging.
Oversee the strategy and implementation of digital platforms, including websites, email, social media, earned media, design, and long-term narrative development.
Create and manage the communications team budget, ensuring compliance with the approved budget and policies.
Manage external partnerships with agencies, contractors, and vendors.
Develop and oversee crisis communications and rapid response plans.
Participate in the recruitment of new employees, including interviewing and making hiring and compensation recommendations.Other related duties, as assigned.Skill Profile:The individual in this position is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Strong racial justice analysis and commitment to power building in communities of color.
Strong written communication skills, including the ability to reflect the organizations voice and tone while engaging with multiple audiences.
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Maintain advanced working knowledge of newsroom environments, news pitching and writing, press release writing, and opinion editorial writing, communications best practices, as well as internal policies and procedures.
Maintain working knowledge of 501(c3) and 501(c)4 compliance.
Strong written communication skills, including the ability to persuade and advocate.
Manage a high volume of tasks at one time.
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Make sound and timely informed decisions in complex situations.
Work independently with minimum direction while also working as part of a team and collaborating with others.
Demonstrate initiative, including proactively identifying and addressing issues and making recommendations.
Demonstrate a high attention to detail.What you need to be considered:At least 15 years of relevant experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks.At least a bachelors degree in journalism, communications, public relations or media strategy is required. Masters Degree preferred. At least five years experience managing people. The ability to travel frequently locally, regionally, and nationally. The ability to frequently work evenings and weekends, as needed.Please submit a writing sample with your cover letter.
This position pays between $166,500.00 and $195,500.00, depending on experience.
