Deputy Legal Director for Policy jobs in United States
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Lambda Legal · 1 week ago

Deputy Legal Director for Policy

Lambda Legal is a national advocacy organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community and everyone living with HIV. The Deputy Legal Director for Policy will lead Lambda Legal's national policy strategy, ensuring that policy initiatives are strategic and focused on achieving meaningful impact for the communities served.

AssociationConsultingNon Profit

Responsibilities

Lead development and execution of Lambda Legal’s national policy strategy and initiatives across federal, state, and local levels
Conduct regular and comprehensive analyses to identify opportunities and threats, including major political, legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments
Partner with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to integrate policy with litigation and education strategies
Recommend short- and long-term policy priorities that balance long-term progress, urgent needs, and resource constraints to maximize policy outcomes for the communities we serve
Oversee Lambda Legal’s federal policy strategy through targeted legislative and regulatory engagement with Congress, federal agencies, and national partners
Develop and advance policy strategies in select states and localities aligned with the national priorities
Oversee regulatory advocacy, including analysis of federal rules and drafting and review of public comments and written advocacy
Build and sustain relationships that advance Lambda Legal’s policy strategy, including peer organizations, community partners, elected officials, government stakeholders, and national coalitions
Provide strategic recommendations to inform organizational responses in fast-moving policy environments
Represent Lambda Legal in high-level convenings, briefings, and collaborative spaces
Supervise and mentor policy attorneys and staff via performance management, coaching, and professional development to support growth and excellence
Lead the policy team’s budgeting and resource planning to maximize impact
Foster an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative team culture grounded in curiosity, self-awareness, and respect
Collaborate with program teams and the Communications, Development and Finance & Operations departments to advance organizational priorities
Serve as a public-facing policy leader for Lambda Legal, including in media, conferences, and legislative settings, and strategically deploy policy team members as appropriate
Oversee the development of policy briefs, reports, and research that advance LGBTQ+ policy goals and inform public discourse
Partner with internal teams to ensure timely, accurate legal analysis and messaging for campaigns, communications, and educational initiatives

Qualification

Juris Doctor (JD)Policy advocacy experienceLGBTQ+ civil rights expertiseFederal legislative processesState legislative processesCoalition buildingStrategic leadershipAnalytical skillsCommitment to DEIBEmotional intelligenceCollaboration skillsOrganizational skills

Required

Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
A minimum of 10 years of experience in policy or advocacy work, with significant experience in federal and/or state legislative or regulatory processes (including direct experience working on Capitol Hill or equivalent engagement) and senior leadership responsibilities including management experience of complex teams
Familiarity with state-level legislative processes and experience supporting state or local adoption of policy
Deep knowledge of civil rights advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and everyone living with HIV, including policy landscapes and current strategies
Proven ability to set strategic priorities, manage complex projects, and juggle competing deadlines
Exceptional collaboration and coalition-building skills, with experience navigating challenging stakeholder dynamics
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, including experience drafting comment letters, bill language, or policy reports
High degree of emotional intelligence and commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered advocacy
Excellent organizational skills and ability to synthesize and manage large volumes of information
Strong political judgment and ability to act quickly in fast-moving policy environments
Ability to uphold and advance Lambda Legal's organizational values
Demonstrated commitment to issues pertaining to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging)
Experience leading multi-stakeholder coalitions or convenings

Preferred

Prior experience working in a virtual and unionized environment

Benefits

Medical benefits that begin on your start date
Dental, Vision, and Life insurance (effective 30 days from your start date)
Short & Long-Term Disability plans (effective 30 days from your start date)
403(b) Retirement Plan (employer contribution and matching program begins after 90 days of employment)
Paid Time Off:
Paid Vacation (15 Days)
Sick Leave (12 Days)
Personal Leave (3 Days)
Religious Observance Leave (3 Days)
Bereavement and Bereavement Anniversary Leave
Floating Holiday (1 Day)
12 paid holidays and 5 early office closures
Flexible Spending Account (FSA/DC FSA) and Commuter Benefits
Health Reimbursement Account
$50 monthly mobile phone reimbursement
Annual professional development fund
Summer Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Premium subscription to the Calm App
Paid sabbatical after 7 years of service at Lambda Legal (4 weeks for non-exempt positions and 8 weeks for exempt positions)

Company

Lambda Legal

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Lambda Legal is a national legal organization promoting the rights of gay, bisexual, HIV positive, and transgender people.