Job Description

Senior Policy Counsel or Lobbyist

This position will be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or Washington, D.C. FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mix of in-the-office and remote work for eligible employees.

FIRE is seeking a full-time Senior Policy Counsel or Lobbyist to join its Legislative and Policy team. Exact duties will be based on the candidate’s strengths, but they will primarily involve a combination of lobbying, policy research, and writing on legislative issues related to FIRE’s mission.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them

About the Legislative and Policy Department

The Legislative and Policy Department develops and advances FIRE’s positions on public policy issues related to free speech. We directly lobby legislators and regulatory agencies on issues that affect free speech, offer consultations to policymakers to help them draft and pass speech-protective legislation, draft model legislation, talk to press about legislation and government regulations that affect free speech, and write bill analyses, public statements, and other public-facing pieces related to FIRE’s legislative agenda.

Position Description

The Senior Policy Counsel or Lobbyist will report to FIRE’s Legislative and Policy Director and work with the entire legislative team. The exact duties for this position will be based on the candidate’s strengths and will include some or all of the following:

• Lobbying state and federal lawmakers.
• Developing substantive expertise on First Amendment law and FIRE’s legislative priorities.
• Drafting and delivering testimony for legislative hearings.
• Tracking and analyzing state and federal legislation and regulations. 
• Advising on institutional policy positions and legislative strategy.
• Drafting regulatory comments.
• Drafting public statements, op-eds, blogs, and other advocacy pieces related to the department’s work.
• Drafting model legislation and amendments to existing bills.
• Networking and managing relationships with other organizations engaged in legislative advocacy on First Amendment issues.
• Attending and speaking on behalf of FIRE at conferences and events.
• Giving press statements and interviews.

This position will involve a moderate amount of travel. Work on weekends and evenings should be expected at certain times of the year.

The expected start date for this position will be as soon as possible.

Qualifications

This position requires:

• A strong work ethic.
• A careful attention to detail.
• The ability to work and communicate effectively with people across the political spectrum.
• Past success with building and managing relationships with other organizations.
• A passion for FIRE’s mission.

• Five-plus years of lobbying or legislative experience.
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to analyze and articulate legal arguments.
• Strong writing skills.
• The ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• An interest in mentoring junior members of the team.
• The ability to gather, analyze, and disseminate information accurately and quickly.

Salary and Compensation

Starting salary is negotiable and depends on experience and education level. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for outstanding and excellent work. FIRE also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan.

Applications

Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, writing sample or other demonstration of work (portfolio, for example), salary requirements, and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan, Chief People Officer.

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer.

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