FAMM is seeking an energetic Director of Federal Legislative Affairs to manage FAMM’s federal sentencing and prison reform advocacy efforts in the U.S. Congress. We are looking for someone ready to wear out the soles of their shoes educating members of Congress about the need to repeal mandatory minimum sentencing laws and create a federal prison system that is truly rehabilitative so that people succeed after they leave prison. The prime candidate will be passionately committed to our mission, able to think strategically and act pragmatically, willing to work with anyone who can help (regardless of party or ideology), and adept at explaining complex stories, data, and facts about federal sentencing and prisons to members of Congress, the media, and the general public. Strong writing skills and ability to work with a team are musts.

Position tasks:

• Meeting with congressional staff members of both parties, on and off of key committees, to advocate for sentencing and prison reforms in Congress;
• Drafting and developing legislative proposals and strategies to pass them into law;
• Responding promptly, accurately, and strategically to new legislation and media requests for information or comments;
• Finding and developing new legislator champions, and supporting current ones;
• Organizing briefings, symposia, sign-on letters, grassroots campaigns, and other events that educate lawmakers, the public, and the media about sentencing and prison reforms;
• Drafting opinion editorials, press releases, letters to the editor, action campaign emails, factsheets, bill summaries, and other materials for lawmakers, the public, and the media;
• Analyzing and presenting complex sentencing and prison legislation and data to laypeople and policy experts alike;
• Developing current and former prisoners and their loved ones as advocates for sentencing and prison reform;
• Working with and developing coalition partners from across the political spectrum.

Preferred qualifications:

• 2-3 years of experience with advocacy on federal legislation, or as a Capitol Hill staffer;
• A demonstrated passion for and knowledge of criminal justice reform – specifically, the reform of federal sentencing laws and prison policies;
• Ability to work independently and with a team;
• Demonstrated ability to craft messages and talking points for people of all political persuasions, and to know which messages are most effective;
• Excellent writing skills, and ability to write for a lay audience;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, Twitter, Facebook, and FiscalNote.

This position is a full-time, salaried position. Salary depends on experience. Generous benefits and vacation and sick leave will be provided. People with a criminal record or other personal experience of the criminal justice system are welcome and encouraged to apply.

To apply: Email a resume, cover letter, and short (2-3 pages) writing sample to Molly Gill, mgill@famm.org. No telephone inquiries, please.