Center for Reproductive Rights · 5 months ago
Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy
United States (DC)
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$245K/yr - $245K/yr
20+ years expThe Center for Reproductive Rights is a global human rights organization dedicated to ensuring reproductive rights are recognized as fundamental human rights. They are seeking a Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy to lead their U.S. Policy and Advocacy Unit, driving strategic initiatives and external engagement to advance reproductive rights amidst a challenging political landscape.
AssociationHealth CareNon Profit
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Develop ambitious federal and state policy goals and advocacy strategies that advance reproductive rights and justice in the United States
Ensure the Unit’s work is forward-looking, responsive to the political landscape, and rooted in long-term Center objectives
Collaborate with fellow senior leaders to develop and test new approaches to cross-functional challenges, ensuring that each team’s work is strategically aligned and mutually reinforcing
Identify opportunities for coordinated action on key issues, jurisdictions, and external developments—bringing forward creative, timely ideas that strengthen the Center’s overall impact
Drive strategic thinking and innovation—developing long-term goals, fostering a culture of experimentation, and translating complex ideas into actionable plans responsive to external conditions
Ensure that the Unit’s programmatic work is carried out with excellence, coordination, and urgency
Oversee the Center’s policy and advocacy strategies across federal, state, and local levels, ensuring alignment with the Division’s integrated strategy and long-term goals, and provide strategic input on the tools and tactics used to achieve impact across forums
Stay abreast of U.S. legal and political developments and regularly brief leadership on emerging risks, opportunities, and their implications for the Center’s strategy and operations
Lead coordinated rapid response efforts to political and policy developments, engaging external stakeholders to ensure timely, strategic action
Guide the development and execution of high-impact Center and coalition-led advocacy campaigns, increasing their reach, visibility, and alignment with policy opportunities
Manage the flow of information from the Policy and Advocacy Unit to the Chief Program Officer and Chief of Staff, ensuring they receive timely and regular updates to support effective decision-making
Provide strategic direction and oversight to the Associate Director, who is responsible for developing and managing systems for the tracking and analysis of proposed legislation and policy developments that impact reproductive health care
Ensure the effectiveness of internal systems for planning, coordination, and communication within the unit, providing strategic oversight to the Associate Director, who is responsible for their development and day-to-day management
Track progress toward programmatic goals and ensure clear lines of accountability across the team
Coordinate with the Litigation and Corporate Engagement teams to ensure that policy and advocacy activities are mutually reinforcing and timed to maximize strategic impact
Lead the Policy and Advocacy Unit’s external-facing strategy and represent the Center with a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, coalition partners, the media, and advocacy communities
Participate in donor-facing meetings, briefings, and communications, in coordination with the Development team
Build and maintain trusted relationships with legal and advocacy partners to support strategic alignment, collaboration, and information sharing
Qualification
Required
20+ years of professional experience with at least 15 years in a legal or policy setting, and at least 10 years supervising a team of 10 or more
J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and active D.C. Bar membership, or eligibility and willingness to obtain D.C. Bar membership promptly upon hire
This position is based in Washington D.C.; candidates must be located in or willing to relocate to Washington D.C
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including for conferences, meetings with partners, donor engagements, and team retreats
Strong commitment to the Center's mission, purpose, and values
Strong understanding of the political landscape and the policy-making process. Significant experience influencing government policy is required
Demonstrated experience in both federal and state legislative and policy advocacy, with the ability to advance strategic objectives across jurisdictions and forums strongly preferred
Strong advocacy skills, including the ability to engage and persuade policymakers, build coalitions, and move partners and decision-makers through diplomacy, credibility, and strategic communication
Strong foundation in legislative and administrative policy, including demonstrated skills in policy analysis and writing
Experience working in government is desirable but not required
Some litigation experience is desirable but not essential
Demonstrated experience leading policy and advocacy teams or programs in alignment with broader organizational strategies, preferably in mission-driven, political, or advocacy contexts
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for a range of audiences including donors, media, and external partners
Proven ability to build credibility and trust with colleagues at all levels, including senior leaders, direct reports, and external stakeholders
A proactive and bold leadership approach—comfortable raising questions, surfacing tensions, and pushing for clarity and alignment in pursuit of shared goals
High degree of self-awareness and resilience, with a track record of learning from setbacks and modeling steadiness in dynamic or high-pressure environments
Discretion and sound judgment, including a strong track record of handling confidential or sensitive information
Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities and operate with agility in fast-paced environments
Ability to give and receive feedback professionally, and to provide openness and honesty in communications
Ability to work in a multicultural, diverse, and highly performance-driven environment
Preferred
Demonstrated experience in both federal and state legislative and policy advocacy, with the ability to advance strategic objectives across jurisdictions and forums strongly preferred
Experience in reproductive rights, health, or justice is preferred but not required
A strong track record of advancing social justice through work in nonprofit, government, or pro bono contexts. Experience may span issue areas such as racial and gender equity, LGBTQ rights, disability justice, democracy, economic justice, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, or health equity
Benefits
The Center provides a comprehensive health insurance plan with no in-network deductible and best-in-class reproductive healthcare coverage, including infertility.
The Center also offers Dental and Vision coverage.
The Center offers resources to help prevent and recover from burnout through different programs that enable mental, physical, and community well-being.
The Center provides generous leave, including paid parental leave, personal days, vacation, and sick leave.
We are closed the last week of December to allow staff to spend winter holiday time with their loved ones.
After the first year of employment, the Center will contribute 7.5%* of your annual salary to a 401(k) (*applicable only in US and Kenya).
Company
Center for Reproductive Rights
The Center for Reproductive Rights is a organization dedicated to advancing women's reproductive health, and dignity as basic human rights.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Nancy Northup
President & CEO
Recent News
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