Advocacy Campaign Strategist, Elections and Government Program

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and preserve constitutional protection 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 Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

The Brennan Center’s Elections and Government Program works to improve the administration of our elections so that they are free, fair, and accessible for all voters; reduce the undue influence of private wealth, and amplify the voices of everyday people, in politics; and combat election disinformation and political violence that often disproportionately harm people of color and other political minorities, among other goals. This work aims to bring the ideal of representative self-government closer to reality by eliminating barriers to full and equal political participation, countering racial and other discrimination in our electoral and political systems, and striving to ensure that public policy and institutions represent and reflect the diverse voices and interests that make for a rich democracy.

Position: The Elections and Government Program is looking to hire an experienced campaign strategist. The Advocacy Campaign Strategist position reports to the New York-based Director of the Elections and Government Program.

Note: The preferred location for this position is New York City, but qualified candidates who must remain in D.C. will be considered. Staff currently work in the office 3 days a week. 

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to planning and execution of advocacy campaigns to achieve Elections and Government Program goals, including:
  • Provide project management and logistical solutions.
  • Identify tools and methods to increase effectiveness and efficiency of team’s work.
  • Coordinate communications between program staff and internal/external stakeholders.
• Engage in field advocacy, including:
  • Participate in coalition meetings, convenings, briefings.
  • Develop and maintain productive relationships with grassroots allies, civic partners, government staff, elected officials, and other outside stakeholders.
  • Identify and create opportunities to advance program goals in the field, as well as to improve the program’s advocacy with learning and perspectives from the field.
• Conceive and execute advocacy products, such as blog posts, digital media products, FAQs, and other assets, in collaboration with communications colleagues where appropriate, with focus on broadening and increasing partner engagement with program’s work.
• Contribute research and writing for policy and empirical research reports that will form the basis of advocacy campaigns.
• Contribute to program’s media and public education work, including strategy, talking points, and speaking engagements.
• Help to train new program support staff, including program associates, and serve as their first point of advice on routine matters.

Experience and qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree and 2-5 years of relevant experience are required.
• Experience holding full-time responsibility in a campaign setting such as electoral campaigns, issue or legislative campaigns, or community organizing.
• Strong drive and ability to take initiative, plan, prioritize (and, occasionally, pivot), and keep self and colleagues at various levels of seniority informed, organized, and on task in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to execute advocacy campaign-related deliverables, such as convenings, reports, sign-on letters, partnership agreements, and/or relationship-management databases.
• Strong ability to track and synthesize complex information and convey it persuasively, in writing and oral presentations, to different audiences including government officials, community-based organizations, and the public.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the desire and ability to build and maintain positive relationships within and outside the organization. 
• Mature judgment, a problem-solving approach to challenges, a growth mindset in the face of setbacks, and ability to keep calm under pressure.
• Exceptional professionalism, integrity, discretion, and tact.
• Enthusiasm to learn and advocate the work of the Elections and Government Program, including a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in improving U.S. democracy.
• Working familiarity with campaign finance, voting procedures, or election administration is a significant plus.
• Proficiency in MS Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace.  We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true-self and feel a strong sense of belonging.  As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion.  In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.

To Apply: To apply, please visit https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/d1yfC4Yt2z/Advocacy-Campaign-Strategist-Elections-And-Government-Program and upload a cover letter, resume, references, and a brief writing sample relevant to the position (no more than 5 pages). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified. We prefer applications to be submitted through our website. If you have difficulty uploading these items as one document, e-mail them to brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with “Advocacy and Campaign Strategist, Elections and Government Program” in the subject line.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a scaled position. The salary range assigned for the scale is $87,000-$97,000 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. 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.

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320. 

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.