Campaign Director, Supreme Court Reform

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve our systems of democracy and justice. 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 court reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protections in the fight against terrorism. 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 the courts, in Congress and the states, and in the court of public opinion.

The Brennan Center’s Kohlberg Center on the U.S. Supreme Court was established in 2024 to advocate for reform of the Supreme Court to prevent ethical abuses, reduce partisanship and extremism, and ensure that the Court plays a more balanced and appropriate role in our constitutional democracy. Building on the Brennan Center’s long-standing work, including in support of Supreme Court term limits and ethics reform, the Kohlberg Center promotes research and policy development, pursues policy advocacy, and engages in broad public education.

Position Overview:
Reporting to the Director, Judiciary Program, the Campaign Director will be responsible for building and driving a public and political strategy to win transformational Supreme Court reform. This role will also work closely with our Vice President, Washington, DC Office in bringing this work forward. The ideal candidate will have experience organizing major legislative, issue advocacy, or political campaigns. This position will be housed in the Kohlberg Center, which is an institution-wide venture managed by the Center’s Judiciary Program, within the Democracy unit, in cooperation with the Office of the President, the Federal Affairs team and the DC office, and the Communications Department.
 
Responsibilities:

• Devise, continuously update, and drive forward a public advocacy and political strategy to achieve Supreme Court reform, including term limits and enforceable ethics rules, consistent with the Brennan Center’s policy recommendations.
• Develop and advise on strategies to build support for Supreme Court reform among key stakeholders and the broader public, including through convenings, partnerships, earned media, publicity, advertisements, events, and public education materials.
• Manage contractors helping with research, communications, advertisements, or events.
• Maintain regular communication with internal stakeholders about political factors and developments affecting the Supreme Court reform strategy.
• Work collaboratively with relevant Brennan Center policy, communications, and federal affairs experts to execute Supreme Court reform strategy. Advise on relevant lobbying and external communications strategies.

• The ideal candidate should have significant experience running legislative, issue advocacy, or political initiatives and campaigns and a demonstrated capacity for achieving success.
• Willing to travel frequently, including to Washington DC if not based in the area.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
• Ability to synthesize and accurately and persuasively convey complex legal and policy issues to non-expert government, coalition, and media audiences.
• Ability to operate effectively in the relevant political and media environment.
• Ability and experience to manage people and projects collaboratively and efficiently.
• Ability and experience to productively manage coalition relations involving a diverse array of stakeholders.
• Ability and experience to work effectively with ideologically and politically diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to write clearly, precisely, and quickly for government and public audiences.
• Ability to advocate zealously with strict adherence to 501(c)(3) nonpartisan requirements.
• Commitment to the mission of the BC and alignment with the BC’s core values.
• Comfort and experience working productively with all levels of a fast-paced, matrix management organization.
• A collaboration-first mindset with a proactive work style, and the professional acumen to effectively represent the Brennan Center both internally and externally.

• Working familiarity with the current needs and opportunities for reform of the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Relationships at significant levels in Congress, the White House, the Department of Justice, bar associations, think tanks, and/or advocacy organizations.
• Experience and relationships to advance reform in a bipartisan fashion.

Applications:
Applicants will be interviewed on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made as soon as appropriate candidates are identified.  To apply, please visit [this link] and upload the following application materials: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) contact information for three references. Applications without all the previously listed materials will not be considered. We prefer applications to be submitted through our website.

If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: [email protected] with Campaign Manager/Director in the subject line, after registering in the online system. Please no calls or faxes.

Compensation and Benefits: 
The salary range is $90,000-$140,000 and has been determined based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s experience, 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. 

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, including having a booster, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption. 

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. To this end, Brennan Center

• Welcomes applicants with disabilities and applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities, sexual orientations, and national origin or citizenship, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• Hires diverse candidates and works to improve our recruitment practices to allow for such
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and
• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.