Sr. Counsel, Advocacy

Sr. Counsel, Advocacy

Who We Are:

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights,a 501(c)(4) organization, is the premier coalition of more than 240 organizations that promotes and protects civil and human rights in America. The Leadership Conference has coordinated national lobbying efforts on behalf of every major civil rights law since 1957. To learn more about The Leadership Conference, please visit www.civilrights.org.

The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, builds public will for federal 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 advocates to push for progressive change in the US. To learn more about the Education Fund, please visit www.leadershipconferenceedfund.org.

About the Role:

We seek a Sr. Counsel, Advocacy to advance civil rights and social justice policy for the nation. This position works in collaboration with interdepartmental disciplinary teams and with national coalition partners to formulate, coordinate, and lead legislative and agency strategies to pursue transformative policy change to further civil rights.

This position will report to the VP, Advocacy and is part of the collective bargaining unit.

What you will do:

- Coordinate the development of strategy on advocacy and policy for priority issues of The Leadership Conference

- Develop relationships with congressional staff to expand the reach and influence of The Leadership Conference

- Research and draft legal memoranda on federal bills and proposed administrative rules and regulations affecting priority issues of The Leadership Conference

- Convene and preside at meetings of civil and human rights organizations to address timely public policy issues and reach consensus on priority issues

- Represent The Leadership Conference at workshops, conferences, and in the media

- Assist in the development of informational materials, including reports, press releases, statements, and related materials, to educate policymakers, the press, and the public on coalition priority issues

- Willingness to spend at least 20% of their time lobbying the federal government, which requires registration as a federal lobbyist as defined under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) and compliance with quarterly reporting requirements

- Perform other duties as assigned

What you will bring:

- Proven commitment to civil and human rights with a passion for the issues represented by The Leadership Conference

- Minimum of 7 years of public policy and advocacy experience; and Capitol Hill or related nonprofit experience is preferred

- A Juris Doctorate or related Master’s or advanced degree is preferred

- An understanding of law, public policy issues, and the strategies and tools needed to achieve policy change using legislative, administrative, and regulatory processes

- Ability to build relationships and capacity among a diverse set of coalition partners to work collaboratively and independently within a broad cross-section of organizations

- Strong commitment to civil and human rights and social justice issues with an ability to work strategically and effectively across disciplines

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail

What We Offer:

The Leadership Conference offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, and generous personal leave and vacation time. Staff can also take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and a retirement savings account.

Salary Range – $113,661 - $149,133

To apply, please visit our Career Center and submit your resume and cover letter. Cover letters are required and should be attached.

Telework Policy:

The Telework Policy is implemented in three phases.

The first phase, as of September 1, 2025; staff members are required to work in-person from the office at least two days per month. The second phase begins January 1, 2026; staff members will be required to work in-person from the office at least one day per week. The final phase begins April 1, 2026; staff members will be required to work in-person from the office at least two days per week.

All positions are subject to the telework policy summarized above. (A more detailed description of the telework policy – to include how in-office workdays are to be scheduled – is available upon request from People & Culture).

Please note staff members are exempt from working in-person if they have received medical accommodation or their position is designated as temporarily or permanently remote.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace

The Leadership Conference and The Education Fund are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.