Position Announcement: Policy Associate 

The Legal Action Center (LAC) seeks a Policy Associate in its Washington, D.C. office to work on a variety of projects primarily related to criminal justice reform. This position will focus on eliminating discriminatory federal and state policies facing people who have been involved in the criminal justice system.

About the Organization 

LAC is a private, not-for-profit law and policy organization with offices in New York City and Washington, D.C. LAC is the only organization in the country whose sole mission is to fight discrimination against and protect the privacy of people living with criminal records, drug or alcohol histories, and/or HIV/AIDS. LAC’s multi-faceted approach involves direct legal services and impact litigation, technical assistance and training to agencies that serve our constituencies, and national, federal and state policy advocacy to create systemic changes. The Center’s National Helping Individuals with criminal records Reenter through Employment (HIRE) Network project was established in 2001 to increase the number and quality of job opportunities available to people with criminal records by improving employment policies and practices and changing public opinion. HIRE accomplishes these goals by: serving as a clearinghouse for information, providing leadership on public policy and advocacy, providing technical assistance and training on overcoming employment barriers based on a criminal record, and promoting collaboration between the workforce development, business, and criminal justice communities across the nation.

Job Responsibilities: 

The Policy Associate will focus primarily on federal policy advocacy and analysis of issues related to ending discrimination against people with criminal records and people with substance use disorder histories. Responsibilities will include:

• Helping to develop and implement advocacy strategies with Congress and the Administration to eliminate legal and policy barriers against people with criminal histories.

• Conducting policy research and analysis of federal and state laws and regulations.

• Writing policy materials for Congress and advocates.

• Participating in a number of coalitions on behalf of the Center.

• Conducting educational presentations and trainings on various criminal justice reform issues; and

• Serving as a liaison between state and federal criminal justice reform advocates.

Qualifications:

• Public policy experience (minimum 2 years), preferably in the area of criminal justice.  Graduate degrees in law or public policy preferred. A passion for advocacy to eliminate discriminatory policies facing people who have been involved in the criminal justice system is essential.

• Excellent written and oral communication, advocacy, and analytic skills, including the ability to explain complex issues in clear, persuasive terms.

• High level of organizational skills and ability to multi-task.

• Strong networking skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with individuals, organizations and government agencies and well as to work with diverse groups of people.

• Desire and ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small (5-6 people), busy office.

• Willingness to travel.

Salary: 

Salary is commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits, including medical insurance, 403(b) plan with employer contribution, and pre-tax flexible benefits. 

Application: 

Please e-mail a resume and brief cover letter (no calls) to sboyd@lac.org and write Policy Associate in the subject line.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but please apply as soon as possible.  Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. The Legal Action Center is an equal opportunity employer. Members of LAC’s stakeholder populations are strongly urged to apply.

July 8, 2016