Policy Associate

Policy AssociateThe Institute for Justice, the national law firm for liberty, is excited to announce an opportunity to join our Legislative team. IJ is the country's leading public-interest law firm in the areas of economic liberty, free speech, private property rights, and educational choice. We're committed to shaping a freer society, and this role is pivotal in our pursuit of justice, protection of individual liberties, and the defense of constitutional rights. The position will promote individual liberties in state legislatures, primarily by advancing legislation that protects the right to earn a living free from unreasonable governmental interference and that protects property rights. The position may be based at our headquarters in Arlington, VA, or at one of our regional offices located in Seattle, WA; Austin, TX; Miami, FL; or Phoenix, AZ.Key Responsibilities:Researching legislation with IJ's Director of Legislation and Legislative Counsel, including:Researching the need for legislationIdentifying bill supporters and opponents, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of billsMeeting with key stakeholdersDeveloping and executing legislative strategies with IJ's Director of Legislation and Legislative Counsel, including:Identifying, securing, and managing direct relationships with bill sponsorsIdentifying and organizing grassroots advocatesForming coalitions with members of politically diverse organizationsPlanning and executing media events to build support for legislationMonitoring bills and ensuring text remains consistent with IJ's strategiesLobbying and assisting grassroots advocates in meeting with state legislatorsOrganizing testifiers for committee hearingsDrafting written testimony and testifying at committee hearingsBuilding and managing IJ campaign web pages using government affairs softwareRequired Qualifications Include:Bachelor's degreeMinimum 3 years of professional work experienceKnowledge of and passion for IJ's pillars, with a demonstrated ability to build and deepen expertise in those areas.Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate persuasively – both orally and in writing – with legislators, policy makers, activists, colleagues, coalition members, and mediaAbility to analyze bills and statutes in collaboration with IJ attorneysTop-tier organizational skills, including executing detailed plans for lobbying with people from diverse backgrounds and external members of coalitionsAbility to effectively manage multiple projects and competing demands on short deadlinesPerseverance, optimism, and the ability to collaborate effectively with IJ attorneysAbility to work across the political spectrum and demonstrate exceptional professionalism in both appearance and demeanorAbility to support and advance sophisticated legislative effortsPreferred Qualifications Include:Background in political science, lobbying, or political communicationOne year of experience working in a state legislature or in state government affairsMaster's degree in Public PolicyExperience using government affairs software, such as Quorum or FiscalNoteExperience supporting and managing grassroots campaignsPublic speaking experienceExperience testifying at legislative committee hearingsExperience developing and building relationshipsAdditional Requirements:Frequent travel to state capitolsSome weekend work and weekend travel during state legislative sessions (January to May)Representation of IJ at 3-4 conferences during the summer and fall monthsBenefits:Hybrid work schedule, requiring three days in-office each week; four fully remote weeks a yearFlexible work hours with our core business hours of 10am and 4pmSmart casual dress code; casual FridaysHealth, Dental, and Vision insurance (IJ covers 100% of individual premiums)Free Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life insurance plansHSA employer contributions401(k) with employer matchesGenerous PTO including a paid personal day and 12 paid holidaysSalary:This position is posted at the Associate level with a salary range of $75,000-$85,000. This range reflects required qualifications; candidates with additional relevant experience or skills may be considered outside of this range.To Apply:To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing how your experience and professional interests will ensure success in this position, and a writing sample. The interview process will include a written writing skills assessment.IJ is an equal opportunity employer.Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At IJ we value a diverse workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.To learn more about our culture and benefits, visit our Working at IJ page. No phone calls please.#LI-Hybrid