Equal Protection Initiative and Pro-Truth Policy Counsel

About the position

The Equal Protection Initiative and Pro-Truth Policy Counsel position at the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) is a pivotal role aimed at advancing civil rights and ensuring equal protection under the law. This position is situated within the Strategic Initiatives Department and will focus on two key initiatives: the Equal Protection Initiative (EPI) and the Pro-Truth Initiative. The EPI is dedicated to realizing the U.S. Constitution's promise of equal protection by addressing barriers to opportunity for Black individuals across various sectors, including the economy and education. This initiative is particularly relevant in light of recent Supreme Court decisions that challenge the interpretation of equal protection and anti-discrimination laws. The Pro-Truth Initiative aims to ensure that educational systems provide equitable and inclusive environments, reflecting the diverse experiences of historically marginalized groups, particularly Black individuals. The role involves a combination of legislative advocacy, policy research, coalition building, and public education. The selected candidate will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement strategies that promote racial justice and educational equity. This includes conducting research on relevant issues, drafting legislative testimony, and engaging with lawmakers and community stakeholders to influence policy at various levels. The position also requires a commitment to civil rights and the ability to navigate complex policy landscapes while working independently and as part of a team. As LDF has transitioned to a hybrid work environment, candidates should be prepared to work in the office at least two days per week.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and implement legislative and policy reform strategies at the federal, state, and local levels, consistent with EPI and Pro-Truth's substantive priorities and in collaboration with the Policy Department.
• Conduct policy and other forms of research in the areas of racial justice, equal protection, civil rights, educational equity, economic justice, health equity, and the First Amendment.
• Assist with building and/or participating in national, state, and local coalitions, partnerships, and task forces working to ensure equitable and inclusive K-12 and higher education learning environments and to advance race-conscious and race-neutral means to remove and remediate barriers of opportunity for Black people.
• Monitor and respond to developing issues in proposed federal, state and local legislation or agency action.
• Identify, secure and prepare for opportunities for LDF to influence legislation and policy at the federal level, including commenting on proposed legislation and rules, submitting statements and letters, preparing advocacy materials, and organizing and conducting meetings with elected and administrative officials and their staff.
• Draft and deliver legislative testimony at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Participate in and/or organize briefings with Members of Congress, state and local legislators, and federal or state agency officials on LDF's substantive priorities.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams of LDF attorneys, organizers, policy advocates, communications specialists, and researchers to advance national, state, and/or local efforts to ensure equitable and inclusive K-12 and higher education learning environments and to advance race-conscious and race-neutral means to remove and remediate barriers of opportunity for Black people.
• Write, publish, and widely disseminate research and policy briefs, fact sheets, talking points, infographics, reports, and other documents that will educate target audiences about efforts to ensure equitable and inclusive K-12 and higher education learning environments and propose solid recommendations for change.
• Assume a leading and strategic role in national, state or local coalition campaigns on federal advocacy issues consistent with LDF's priorities.
• Other duties as requested by the Managers of the Equal Protection Initiative and Pro-Truth Initiative, the Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Director of Policy, or other members of LDF's Senior Leadership Team.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor or other advanced degree strongly preferred.
• At least three years of experience in policy reform or advocacy at the federal, state, or local level in the areas of economic justice, education, and/or health/reproductive justice.
• Excellent research, writing and public speaking skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to civil rights and racial justice.
• Ability to work with coalitions of organizations, community members/leaders, and public officials.
• Ability to think and plan strategically regarding complex policy reform efforts involving multiple issues and parties.
• Ability to work independently and on teams.
• Ability to travel.

Benefits

• Salary starting from $81,500
• Hybrid work environment with at least two days in the office per week
• Commitment to equal employment opportunities without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, medical condition or disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other protected status.