Policy Counsel

The NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) is the country’s first and foremost civil and human rights law organization. Founded in 1940 under the leadership of Thurgood Marshall, who subsequently became the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice, LDF was launched at a time when the nation’s aspirations for equality and due process of law were stifled by widespread state-sponsored racial inequality. From that era to the present, LDF’s mission has been transformative — to achieve racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society.

LDF’s litigation, public policy advocacy and public education programs in the substantive areas of criminal justice, economic justice, education, and political participation seek to ensure the fundamental and basic human rights of all people to quality education, economic opportunity, the right to vote and fully participate in democracy, and the right to a fair and just judicial system. LDF continues to make an impact in the area of public service and was recognized by Fast Company as one of its 2023 Brands That Matter under its public service category.

Policy Counsel works to identify, develop and implement legislative and policy reform strategies at the federal, state, and local levels, with a concentration on LDF’s efforts to ensure full, equal, and active participation of Black communities in our multi-racial, multi-ethnic democracy. Incumbents also identify, secure and prepare 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 and convenings with elected officials and their staff, administrative officials and their staff and other stakeholders. Policy Counsel also works collaboratively with national, state and local allied partners. When necessary, the Policy Counsel travels within the U.S. to carry out LDF’s objectives. Must be licensed to practice law in the United States.

LDF operates in a hybrid work environment where employees are expected to be in the office a minimum of two days per week, unless otherwise indicated.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct policy and other forms of research;
• Monitor and respond to developing civil rights issues in proposed federal, state and local legislation or agency action relating to political participation reform;
• Secure, 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;
• Build and/or participate in national coalitions, partnerships and task forces working to advance education reforms; 
• Assume a leading and strategic role in national, state or local coalition campaigns on federal voting rights advocacy issues consistent with LDF's priorities, including lobbying, communications and grassroots outreach;
• Work collaboratively with LDF's attorneys, organizers and multidisciplinary teams to advance national, state and local reforms;
• Work collaboratively with LDF's attorneys, researchers and communications team members to write, publish and widely disseminate policy briefs, fact sheets, talking points, infographics, reports, and other documents that will educate legislators, agency officials, stakeholders and the general public about the need for policy changes to address issues and propose solid recommendations for change; and
• Other duties as assigned within the general scope of the position.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Juris Doctor or other graduate degree;
• Admission to the District of Columbia Bar (or eligibility to waive in); 
• Five or more years of experience in policy reform or advocacy at the federal, state or local level in the areas of political participation, economic justice, education and criminal justice;
• Commitment to the racial justice mission of LDF;
• Excellent research, writing and public speaking skills;
• A strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to manage complex policy reform efforts involving multiple issues and parties; and
• Ability to work independently and with teams.

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts or requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This description does not constitute a contract of employment and LDF may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.

As part of the application process, please submit a writing sample that demonstrates your research and writing abilities, such as a policy brief, advocacy letter, or similar document relevant to the position.

The salary range for this position is $122,500 to $134,000.  

LDF offers all eligible employees a generous benefits package. To learn more click the following link 2025 Benefits Overview. 

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