Overview
A national advocacy organization focused on ending extreme sentencing for youth in the United States is seeking a Policy Counsel or Senior Policy Counsel. This role is part of the Legal Policy Department and will lead state-based campaigns to create pathways to freedom for children involved in the criminal legal system. The position reports to the National Legal and Policy Director.
Responsibilities
- Lead state-based legislative and administrative advocacy efforts to ban extreme sentences for children.
- Coordinate internal teams and external partners toward reform goals, including leading coalition calls and setting agendas.
- Research and evaluate reform opportunities, including innovative uses of existing laws and policies.
- Draft legislation, legislative amendments, proposed regulations, and public comments.
- Evaluate existing and proposed administrative regulations.
- Develop and maintain relationships with government officials such as legislators, prosecutors, parole board members, and agency representatives.
- Build coalitions with strategic allies including formerly incarcerated youth, family members, prosecutors’ associations, defense communities, faith groups, business leaders, and victims’ advocates, with emphasis on elevating leadership of those directly impacted.
- Testify at committee hearings and coordinate testimony from other supporters.
- Engage in negotiations with prosecutors, legislators, and opponents.
- Ensure compliance with local lobbying laws.
- Maintain subject matter expertise on judicial, legislative, and regulatory trends related to extreme youth sentencing.
- Collaborate with Communications to develop strategic messaging, fact sheets, talking points, and advocacy materials.
- Provide technical assistance to local partners leading reform campaigns.
- Track national legislation related to ending extreme sentencing for children and improving quality of life for formerly life-sentenced youth.
- Support federal advocacy efforts.
- Participate in media interviews as requested.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and transition to implementation work within the team.
- Participate in recruitment, hiring, and supervision of team members including fellows and interns.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
For Policy Counsel candidates:
- 3-5 years of demonstrated success leading community-based policy reform efforts, including legislative reform, administrative rule changes, or ballot initiatives.
- Experience in community organizing and coalition building across diverse ideological perspectives.
- Ability to leverage strategic narrative and relationship building to inspire support from unlikely allies.
- 2-4 years of staff management experience, including project prioritization and implementation.
For Senior Policy Counsel candidates:
- 5+ years of demonstrated success in community organizing and coalition building across diverse ideological perspectives.
- Ability to leverage strategic narrative and relationship building to inspire support from unlikely allies.
- 4+ years of staff management experience, including project prioritization and implementation.
Required Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent.
- Prior experience drafting legislation, regulations, legislative testimony, and/or public comments supporting legislative or administrative rule changes.
- Preference for experience working in Southern states and in bipartisan legislative environments.
- Creative and critical thinking skills with ability to explore innovative solutions.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to explain law, research, data, and policy to diverse audiences.
- Strong attention to detail, especially in bill drafting, communication, and negotiations.
- Ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams.
- Experience with legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).
- Experience with bill tracking software (e.g., FiscalNote, Quorum).
- Well-developed organizational skills.
- Maturity, reliability, and strong interpersonal and listening skills.
- Prior work in social justice movements, preferably in criminal or youth justice reform, racial justice in youth justice systems, or human rights in the U.S.
- Experience participating in organizations or movements led by people directly impacted by the issues.
Location and Travel
- Position is remote or hybrid based in Washington, DC.
- Candidates from the Washington, DC metro area are strongly encouraged but all qualified applicants will be considered.
- Regular travel expected (up to 2-3 times per month during legislative sessions).
- Participation in 3-4 in-person all-staff gatherings per year, typically in Washington, DC or other locations.
- All required home-office technology, equipment, supplies, and business travel expenses are covered.
Physical Environment and Equipment
- Regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate computer and telephone.
- Close vision required for computer work.
- Ability to use telephone, computer (Microsoft and Google applications), keyboard, and video conferencing.
- Ability to travel within the continental U.S. by plane, train, or car.
- Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.
Compensation and Benefits
- Annual salary range: $80,000 to $115,000, commensurate with experience.
- Full-time, exempt position.
Equal Opportunity
The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. People of color, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with personal experience in the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.
Candidates who do not meet every qualification but are passionate about the mission are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with priority given to those submitted by July 10, 2026.
Applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, a brief writing sample (3-5 pages), and three references (contact information only) combined into one PDF file.
Only complete applications with all materials in one PDF will be reviewed.
Interviews will be offered based on application strength, including demonstrated interest, skills, and experience.
Please note: For tax purposes, include the address you will be working from on your resume.