Voting Rights Fellow

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
, a 501(c)(4) organization, is the premier coalition of more than 240 national organizations that promotes and protects civil and human rights in America. The Leadership Conference has coordinated federal strategy and action, including national lobbying and regulatory efforts on behalf of every major civil rights law since 1957.

The Leadership Conference Education Fund
, a 501(c)(3) organization, builds public will for federal civil rights policies that promote and protect civil and human rights in the US. Founded in 1969 as the education and research arm of The Leadership Conference, the Education Fund’s campaigns empower people and advocates to push for progressive change in the US.

The Leadership Conference is seeking a Voting Rights Fellow to join our Advocacy & Programs Department. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Advocacy and Programs, the ideal candidate will have experience advancing civil rights and social justice policy at the national level, with a focus on advocating, developing, and promoting the freedom and right to vote across the country. A senior member of the Advocacy & Programs team, this role will identify, track, and develop strategies related to free and fair elections and advancing democracy reforms.

This position has a 12-month term, is an individual contributor, and is a part of the collective bargaining unit.

Candidate Profile:

The Voting Rights Fellow is responsible for identifying and developing key advocacy strategies and opportunities to promote freedom to vote, ensure the fair administration of elections, and hold state and federal officials accountable for ensuring the right to vote for all eligible voters.

• Draft policy and legislative proposals and review, analyze proposed legislation, regulations, and other policy proposals, and create relevant advocacy materials.
• Engage in coordination with internal and external stakeholders, particularly in the civil rights community, and maintain relationships with national and state partners.
• Serve as the staff lead on the Voting Rights Task Force and support coalition co-chairs’ execution of task force goals. Help lead/staff other voting rights- and/or free-and-fair-elections-related coalition meetings as required.
• Support partners in the development and creation of materials and tools as required.
• Serve as a lead non-litigation advocate to advance The Leadership Conference’s strategic priorities, including participating in public speaking engagements and working with the Communications department to draft press or public education materials.
• Engage in cultivating and maintaining relationships across the Executive and Legislative branches in furtherance of organizational and coalitional policy objectives.
• Perform other duties as necessary and related.

In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• A minimum of 7 years of federal advocacy on voting rights, constitutional rights, or democracy reform experience is required, and in nonprofits is preferred.
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience;
  Juris Doctorate degree preferred.
• A strong and demonstrated commitment to civil rights and racial justice and the mission of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund.
• Self-motivated and disciplined with a high degree of comfort working both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively as part of a team and with colleagues of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Excellent analytical, oral presentation, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, shifting environment, navigate ambiguity, and work independently.
• Strong attention to detail,…