Policy Director and Counsel, Media and Technology

Our Media & Technology team fights for a democracy where technology and media empower every person to participate fully, freely, and equally, and where every community has trustworthy, locally rooted sources of information. We defend digital rights and civil freedoms, demand transparency and accountability from platforms and tech companies, and work to revitalize the media and information ecosystems communities depend on. Alongside Common Cause’s state teams and partners nationwide, we pair legislative advocacy in statehouses and Congress with coalition-building that holds technology and media institutions accountable to the public. And we’re growing, including a new workstream on AI transparency and accountability at the state, multi-state, and federal levels. 
As Policy Director & Counsel, you’ll be at the center of that work. You’ll bring policy, legal, and strategic insight to teams across the organization, lead research that sharpens our positions and strengthens our campaigns, and help carry out our issues to policymakers, partners, and the public. This role is for someone who loves spotting what’s coming next in the democracy landscape and turning sharp research and analysis into strategies that win. 
This is a full-time role reporting to the Senior Policy Director, Media & Technology. It’s remote-eligible anywhere in the lower 48 United States, though we strongly prefer a candidate based in the DC area who can work from our office at least two days a week. Applications received by Monday, November 16 will be given priority consideration, and we hope our new Policy Director & Counsel can start in February.  
Responsibilities 
Lead development of proactive state, multi-state, and federal policy and legal strategies within the Media & Technology pillar, anticipating emerging threats and opportunities

You will thrive in this role if you have:
A strong commitment to Common Cause’s nonpartisan mission and to advancing civil rights through our pro-democracy agenda A track record of working collaboratively with others, with the ability to build rapport, trust, and credibility with multiple stakeholders with diverse interests Innovative and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to navigate through ambiguity to achieve goals, and a resourceful approach to solve problems Ability to navigate organizational and power dynamics, respectfully navigate conflict while maintaining your values, and influence others to adopt changes to meet common goals Ability to compel action through both written and verbal communication, including distilling complex concepts for a broad audience, and to differentiate communications as needed for various audiences; ideally, you have experience speaking to the media Ability to manage and meet deadlines for multiple short- and long-term priorities at once, with high attention to detail; strong organization skills, and the ability to manage your time independently A commitment to equity in the goals of your work and in how you work with others Openness to feedback and awareness of your own strengths and areas for growth Familiarity with office productivity tools including Microsoft Office, Slack, and Zoom

The following is required:
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and membership in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction Demonstrated subject-matter expertise in issues related to this pillar Have managed at least one staff member, intern and/or fellow Experience taking policy ideas from concept through execution, including drafting proposals, conducting legal analysis, building support, and implementing reforms Demonstrated knowledge of the unique aspects of our national political dynamic, and knowledge of leaders and decision-makers within at least one state and ideally also at the federal level, with a preference for candidates who have built relationships with these stakeholders Experience managing coalitions or groups that represent stakeholders with diverse interests to achieve a goal A track record of leading organization-wide change initiatives Experience leading successful state-level or national public advocacy campaigns related to media and/or technology Experience with the federal legislative process within at least one state, and ideally also at the federal level (including policy research and analysis, policy development, legislative drafting, legislative advocacy and lobbying, and policy implementation) Ability to travel up to 6 times per year for team and/or all staff retreats, and ideally is able to work out of our DC office at least two days per week Willing to have a social media presence on behalf of Common Cause, including being tagged on posts and creating content on behalf of the organization (as needed, Common Cause may provide accounts for staff members to use) Per our nonpartisan policy, Common Cause staff members may not currently be in elected office (or running for office); on the Steering Committee or Finance Committee for any political candidate; or affiliated with the leadership of a political party

Additional information about this role:
This position is classified as supervisory and therefore not included in the union-represented collective bargaining unit Common Cause is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time; please note that if hired, you will be asked to produce documentation for authorization to work in the US

Common Cause is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status, as well as applicants who have been previously incarcerated. 
Common Cause (501(c)(4)) and Common Cause Education Fund (501(c)(3)) are nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots affiliate organizations dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create an open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.   
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Common Cause has members and supporters living in every congressional district in the United States, and offices in 23 states around the country.