Director of Policy Advocacy

Closing Date: 14th May, 2024

Description:

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

Since 1932, A Civil Legal Aid Organization 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.

A Civil Legal Aid Organization 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 A Civil Legal Aid Organization 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 A Civil Legal Aid Organization'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 A Civil Legal Aid Organization's systemic priorities.
• Work to build A Civil Legal Aid Organization's advocacy capacity by offering training and technical assistance to A Civil Legal Aid Organization attorneys and staff engaged in policy advocacy.
• Help build the capacity of members of A Civil Legal Aid Organization'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 A Civil Legal Aid Organization'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 A Civil Legal Aid Organization's client community strongly preferred, but not required.
  

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