Director of Government Affairs

Interfaith Alliance is a vibrant, growing and trusted network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. Position Overview The Director of Government Affairs will lead Interfaith Alliance’s federal and state advocacy efforts, representing the organization across all three branches of government and within the broader progressive faith-based advocacy ecosystem. This is a role for a legally trained advocate who combines expertise in faith-based advocacy and/or the organization’s seven issue areas , all focused strategically and specifically on the intersection of these issues with religion and religious freedom. The Director will be a key external face of the organization, working in close partnership with our Senior Policy Manager, Director of Affiliate Partnerships, and Director of Campaigns, and serving as a strategic advisor to senior leadership. Required in-person work from D.C. headquarters at least three days per week. Key Responsibilities Legislative and Executive Advocacy (60%) Develop and coordinate a comprehensive federal legislative and executive branch agenda across all of Interfaith Alliance’s 7 issue areas, with support from the Senior Policy Manager. Bring a track record of experience in at least one issue area and a desire to strengthen expertise across all seven immediately upon hire. Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, their staff, and relevant committee offices across both chambers – and staff at federal agencies that impact our work Monitor, analyze, and respond to relevant legislation, hearings, and executive actions. Represent the organization in coalition meetings and high-level stakeholder convenings. Develop advocacy materials including policy briefs, testimony, fact sheets, and legislative correspondence. Engage with the White House and federal agencies on relevant rule‑making. Speak publicly in a variety of formats on our seven issue areas and support senior leadership in this function as well. State and Local Affiliate Support (20%) Together, with the Director of Affiliate Partnerships and the Senior Policy Manager, serve as a key resource for the organization’s state and local affiliates, helping them understand and engage with federal, state, and local lawmakers. Develop tools, briefings, and trainings to help affiliates connect their on‑the‑ground advocacy. Coordinate with affiliate leaders to elevate state and local perspectives in federal advocacy efforts and identify opportunities for coordinated campaigns. Supervise the organization’s legal docket, including amicus curiae briefs in federal and state courts on matters relating to the intersection of religion and Interfaith Alliance’s 7 issue areas. Oversee and coordinate litigation strategy in partnership with outside counsel, ensuring legal work advances the organization’s broader advocacy goals. Monitor significant court cases and regulatory proceedings for opportunities to intervene or submit amicus briefs, and manage relationships with co‑signing organizations. Provide legal analysis to inform policy positions, communications, and organizational decision‑making. Ensure the organization’s advocacy positions are legally sound and strategically aligned with the litigation landscape. Coalition and Partner Engagement (10%) Serve as primary representative of the organization to coalitions across all seven issue areas, or designate an alternative representative based on specific issue‑area expertise. Cultivate and maintain relationships with allied faith‑based advocacy organizations, secular legal and civil rights groups, and broader progressive coalitions. Additional Responsibilities Serve as one of the organization’s internal subject matter experts on countering hate, with a focus on antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti‑LGBTQ+ hate, white Christian nationalism, and related forms of bigotry as they intersect with federal policy and law. Supervise and mentor policy staff and interns. Partner closely with communications, programs, and development teams to align advocacy and legal strategy with organizational priorities. Position reports to Maggie Siddiqi, Senior Advisor, and is expected to work closely with the President Rev. Paul Raushenbush, Vice President of Programs and Strategy Dr. Guthrie Graves‑Fitzsimmons, and Senior Advisor Rev. Dr. Katharine Rhodes Henderson, and other staff members on the organization’s legislative and legal strategy. Qualifications Required At least 3 years of experience in legal advocacy, federal policy, or a combination, including meaningful experience working on or directly with Capitol Hill — whether as congressional staff, a fellow, or other role requiring sustained Hill engagement. Demonstrated expertise in at least one of our issue areas, and a strong desire to develop expertise in all seven. Familiarity with amicus brief practice and federal litigation strategy, including working with outside counsel. Proven experience working within or alongside progressive faith‑based advocacy organizations, or a deep familiarity with how religious communities engage in law and public policy. Strong legal and policy writing skills, including the ability to translate complex legal arguments for non‑lawyer audiences, drafters of legislation, and faith community leaders. Ability to work across religious, political, and ideological lines while maintaining a clear commitment to civil rights and pluralism. Preferred (Strongly) J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing in at least one state bar. Prior Hill experience as congressional staff, a judicial or executive branch fellow, or a congressional detailee from a federal agency. Familiarity with relevant federal agencies such as the DOJ Civil Rights Division, DHS, EEOC, or the White House Office of Faith‑Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Experience supporting a federated or affiliate‑based organizational structure. Experience coordinating amicus coalitions across civil society organizations. Established relationships within faith‑based or interfaith community advocacy ecosystems in Washington, DC. Compensation Salary range is $90,000-$110,000, commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, and generous paid leave. Interfaith Alliance is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage applications from people of all faiths, backgrounds, and identities, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr