ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Constitutional Programs Director will manage overall operations of the Article V Program and the Protect Dissent partnership, working with state and national staff to develop and implement strategic campaigns that advance priority legal, policy and issue agendas on both defensive and recission Article V work, and advancing programs that protect the first Amendment right to protest. Working as part of the Common Cause Programs Department, this position is also responsible for coordinating content creation and communications strategy with Common Cause’s communications, digital, policy, state, and campaign staff, along with key organizational allies. A key part of the role will be creating a variety of communications, including social media, fact sheets, op-eds, LTEs, blog posts, media pitches, website content, advocacy emails, and message guidance.
The Constitutional Programs Director will develop and implement multi-year campaigns, including building and maintaining strong coalition partnerships and fundraising to support and expand the work.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage overall operations of Article V Program.
- Manage overall operations of the Protect Dissent partnership.
- Support, develop and implement strategic campaigns to achieve specific policy goals—in collaboration with and in support of Common Cause state and national staff.
- Collaborate with the Common Cause communications and digital teams to promote reform initiatives and publicize litigation—e.g., drafting and placement of op-eds, editorial board meetings, blogs, interview opportunities on television and radio.
- Play a leadership role in diverse national coalitions, engaging and expanding coalition partners to develop complementary and collaborative strategies that build strong campaigns.
- Write grant proposals/reports, draft individual donor fundraising materials, and meet with foundation funders and major donors in coordination with Common Cause’s President, Vice President, and development team.
- Conduct legal research and draft legal documents (e.g., complaints, briefs) to be filed in litigation and other legal proceedings.
- Counsel federal, state, and local government policymakers and advocates regarding Article V and First Amendment efforts and policy reforms, as well as draft and/or review legislation on such reforms.
- Testify before federal, state, and local government legislative bodies, administrative bodies (e.g., Federal Election Commission) and other policymakers.
- Develop and implement a budget for the Article V Program and the Protect Dissent work.
- Conduct original research and produce timely, high-quality reports and other materials to help educate policymakers and the public.
- Propose concrete policy solutions. Effectively engaging, utilizing, and building the power of Common Cause grassroots members on state and federal initiatives in collaboration with the Common Cause digital and organizing teams.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 10-12 years of experience in non-profit policy or strategic campaign work.
- Excellent oral, written, public-speaking and other communication skills tailored to a variety of audiences—e.g., policymakers, media/journalists, funders, academic, public.
- Strong legal research and writing skills, with an emphasis on communications in previous roles.
- Demonstrated commitment to cultural competency and ability to work effectively building alliances among those with diverse backgrounds and characteristics, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, language, ability, age, and socioeconomic status.
- Fundraising experience and skills.
- Background in lobbying, legal research, grassroots organizing, and digital advocacy tools.
- Commitment to the values and issues of Common Cause and the Common Cause Education Fund, including contributing positively to an equitable and diverse workplace.
- Ability to juggle a range of responsibilities.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment with competing priorities.
- Ability to work well with coalition partners and share our national and state work with allies.
- Remain open to receiving feedback from colleagues throughout the organization.
- Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed once we are traveling again.
EQUITY & INCLUSION: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. Common Cause is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the organization and believes strongly in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce.
SALARY RANGE: $100,000 – $110,000; plus, a generous benefits package
TO APPLY: Please submit resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Director of Human Resources at hr@commoncause.org and include Constitutional Programs Director in the subject line. No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Covid-19 vaccines are required, except where prohibited by law. Reasonable accommodations will be provided when required by law.
ABOUT COMMON CAUSE: Common Cause (501(c)(4)) and Common Cause Education Fund (501(c)(3)) are nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots affiliate organizations dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Common Cause has more than 1.2 million members (about the population of New Hampshire) and supporters living in every Congressional district in the United States, and offices in 30 states around the country.
Common Cause is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status, as well as applicants who have been previously incarcerated.