Center for Reproductive Rights
Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy
Center for Reproductive Rights, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy
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Center Background The Center for Reproductive Rights is a global human rights organization working to ensure that reproductive rights are protected in law as fundamental human rights worldwide. The Center has 270+ diverse professionals and a global pro‑bono network of over 2,000 lawyers across 6 continents and 130 law firms. Last year, law firms contributed over $30 million in pro‑bono legal services. The Center’s operating budget is over $60 million and its Strategic Plan sets a high mark for impact, aiming by 2030 to strengthen protections for reproductive rights worldwide.
The Job Amid an escalating assault on reproductive rights in the United States, the Center for Reproductive Rights is urgently seeking a bold, strategic, and visionary leader to guide the next chapter of our U.S. policy and advocacy work. The Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy will play a pivotal role in driving the Center’s response to an increasingly hostile legal and political landscape and in advancing transformative policy solutions at a time when the stakes could not be higher.
Primary Responsibilities Strategy Development
Serve as a key strategic advisor to the Chief Program Officer and actively participate in the U.S. Division leadership team.
Collaborate with senior leaders to develop and test new approaches to cross‑functional challenges.
Identify opportunities for coordinated action on key issues, jurisdictions, and external developments.
Represent the Policy and Advocacy Unit in Division‑ and organization‑wide strategic planning and decision‑making forums.
Drive strategic thinking and innovation—develop long‑term goals and translate complex ideas into actionable plans responsive to external conditions.
Programmatic Execution
Design and lead the leadership structure of the Policy and Advocacy Unit.
Oversee the Center’s policy and advocacy strategies across federal, state, and local levels.
Stay abreast of U.S. legal and political developments and brief leadership on emerging risks.
Lead coordinated rapid response efforts to political and policy developments.
Guide the development and execution of high‑impact Center and coalition‑led advocacy campaigns.
Partner with the Development team to ensure timely, strategic, and accurate reporting on the Unit’s work for funder proposals and donor briefings.
Provide strategic direction and oversight to the Associate Director, ensuring effective systems for tracking and analysis of proposed legislation and policy developments.
Track progress toward programmatic goals and ensure clear lines of accountability across the team.
External Engagement
Represent the Center and the Policy and Advocacy Unit in external coalitions, at public events, and in strategic partnerships.
Expand and strengthen the Center’s presence in coalition spaces.
Participate in donor‑facing meetings, briefings, and communications.
Serve as a spokesperson for the Center and the Policy and Advocacy work in media engagements.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with legal and advocacy partners to support strategic alignment and collaboration.
Build and maintain intentional relationships with local and diverse community‑based partners—particularly those serving or led by historically marginalized groups—to ensure the Unit’s work is grounded in lived experience and aligned with community needs.
Lead the Policy and Advocacy Team
Convene and lead regular cabinet‑level meetings with the Senior Counsels and Associate Director.
Conduct regular check‑ins with each senior team member to review priorities and assess progress.
Ensure senior team members have the support and guidance needed to manage their own teams and workstreams.
Address personnel or operational challenges with transparency and care, supporting a problem‑solving culture and timely resolution of issues.
Cultivate an inclusive team that values open communication, shared ownership of successes, and a commitment to professional growth, equity, and well‑being.
Inspire commitment and build high‑performing teams by developing and empowering staff, mentoring future leaders, and fostering a results‑oriented culture grounded in clear direction, delegation, and open dialogue.
Communicate with clarity and purpose, share decisions transparently, and build strong relationships internally and externally—including across lines of authority—through emotional intelligence, strategic foresight, and interpersonal savvy.
Model the Center’s core values—global inclusivity, integrity, impact, and excellence—with courage, self‑awareness, and a steady, non‑reactive presence.
Compensation The annual salary for this position is $245,000. This salary will be subject to a downward locality adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside the location listed in this posting.
Union Status This position is not within the Center’s collective bargaining unit.
FLSA Exempt Status This is an exempt position.
Job Band Senior Director (S11)
Benefits
Health: Comprehensive health insurance plan with no in‑network deductible and best‑in‑class reproductive healthcare coverage, including infertility. Dental and vision coverage.
Well‑being: Resources to prevent and recover from burnout through different programs that enable mental, physical, and community well‑being. Generous leave, including paid parental leave, personal days, vacation, and sick leave. Closed the last week of December for holiday time with loved ones.
Investment: After the first year of employment, the Center will contribute 7.5% of your annual salary to a 401(k) (applicable only in U.S. and Kenya).
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The Center is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage people from all communities to apply. If you are excited about this role but unsure whether your experience aligns with the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles. To learn more about the Center’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, please visit Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | Center for Reproductive Rights.
Visa Sponsorship Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by The Center for Reproductive Rights.
Requirements
20+ years of professional experience with at least 15 years in a legal or policy setting, and at least 10 years supervising a team of 10 or more.
J.D. from an ABA‑accredited law school and active D.C. Bar membership, or eligibility and willingness to obtain D.C. Bar membership promptly upon hire.
This position is based in Washington D.C.; candidates must be located in or willing to relocate to Washington D.C.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including for conferences, meetings with partners, donor engagements, and team retreats.
Qualifications
Strong commitment to the Center's mission, purpose, and values.
Strong understanding of the political landscape and the policy‑making process. Significant experience influencing government policy is required.
Demonstrated experience in both federal and state legislative and policy advocacy, with the ability to advance strategic objectives across jurisdictions and forums strongly preferred.
Strong advocacy skills, including the ability to engage and persuade policymakers, build coalitions, and move partners and decision‑makers through diplomacy, credibility, and strategic communication.
Strong foundation in legislative and administrative policy, including demonstrated skills in policy analysis and writing.
Experience working in government is desirable but not required.
Some litigation experience is desirable but not essential.
Demonstrated experience leading policy and advocacy teams or programs in alignment with broader organizational strategies, preferably in mission‑driven, political, or advocacy contexts.
Experience in reproductive rights, health, or justice is preferred but not required.
A strong track record of advancing social justice through work in nonprofit, government, or pro bono contexts. Experience may span issue areas such as racial and gender equity, LGBTQ rights, disability justice, democracy, economic justice, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, or health equity.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for a range of audiences including donors, media, and external partners.
Proven ability to build credibility and trust with colleagues at all levels, including senior leaders, direct reports, and external stakeholders.
A proactive and bold leadership approach—comfortable raising questions, surfacing tensions, and pushing for clarity and alignment in pursuit of shared goals.
High degree of self‑awareness and resilience, with a track record of learning from setbacks and modeling steadiness in dynamic or high‑pressure environments.
Discretion and sound judgment, including a strong track record of handling confidential or sensitive information.
Detail‑oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities and operate with agility in fast‑paced environments.
Ability to give and receive feedback professionally, and to provide openness and honesty in communications.
Ability to work in a multicultural, diverse, and highly performance‑driven environment.
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Center Background The Center for Reproductive Rights is a global human rights organization working to ensure that reproductive rights are protected in law as fundamental human rights worldwide. The Center has 270+ diverse professionals and a global pro‑bono network of over 2,000 lawyers across 6 continents and 130 law firms. Last year, law firms contributed over $30 million in pro‑bono legal services. The Center’s operating budget is over $60 million and its Strategic Plan sets a high mark for impact, aiming by 2030 to strengthen protections for reproductive rights worldwide.
The Job Amid an escalating assault on reproductive rights in the United States, the Center for Reproductive Rights is urgently seeking a bold, strategic, and visionary leader to guide the next chapter of our U.S. policy and advocacy work. The Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy will play a pivotal role in driving the Center’s response to an increasingly hostile legal and political landscape and in advancing transformative policy solutions at a time when the stakes could not be higher.
Primary Responsibilities Strategy Development
Serve as a key strategic advisor to the Chief Program Officer and actively participate in the U.S. Division leadership team.
Collaborate with senior leaders to develop and test new approaches to cross‑functional challenges.
Identify opportunities for coordinated action on key issues, jurisdictions, and external developments.
Represent the Policy and Advocacy Unit in Division‑ and organization‑wide strategic planning and decision‑making forums.
Drive strategic thinking and innovation—develop long‑term goals and translate complex ideas into actionable plans responsive to external conditions.
Programmatic Execution
Design and lead the leadership structure of the Policy and Advocacy Unit.
Oversee the Center’s policy and advocacy strategies across federal, state, and local levels.
Stay abreast of U.S. legal and political developments and brief leadership on emerging risks.
Lead coordinated rapid response efforts to political and policy developments.
Guide the development and execution of high‑impact Center and coalition‑led advocacy campaigns.
Partner with the Development team to ensure timely, strategic, and accurate reporting on the Unit’s work for funder proposals and donor briefings.
Provide strategic direction and oversight to the Associate Director, ensuring effective systems for tracking and analysis of proposed legislation and policy developments.
Track progress toward programmatic goals and ensure clear lines of accountability across the team.
External Engagement
Represent the Center and the Policy and Advocacy Unit in external coalitions, at public events, and in strategic partnerships.
Expand and strengthen the Center’s presence in coalition spaces.
Participate in donor‑facing meetings, briefings, and communications.
Serve as a spokesperson for the Center and the Policy and Advocacy work in media engagements.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with legal and advocacy partners to support strategic alignment and collaboration.
Build and maintain intentional relationships with local and diverse community‑based partners—particularly those serving or led by historically marginalized groups—to ensure the Unit’s work is grounded in lived experience and aligned with community needs.
Lead the Policy and Advocacy Team
Convene and lead regular cabinet‑level meetings with the Senior Counsels and Associate Director.
Conduct regular check‑ins with each senior team member to review priorities and assess progress.
Ensure senior team members have the support and guidance needed to manage their own teams and workstreams.
Address personnel or operational challenges with transparency and care, supporting a problem‑solving culture and timely resolution of issues.
Cultivate an inclusive team that values open communication, shared ownership of successes, and a commitment to professional growth, equity, and well‑being.
Inspire commitment and build high‑performing teams by developing and empowering staff, mentoring future leaders, and fostering a results‑oriented culture grounded in clear direction, delegation, and open dialogue.
Communicate with clarity and purpose, share decisions transparently, and build strong relationships internally and externally—including across lines of authority—through emotional intelligence, strategic foresight, and interpersonal savvy.
Model the Center’s core values—global inclusivity, integrity, impact, and excellence—with courage, self‑awareness, and a steady, non‑reactive presence.
Compensation The annual salary for this position is $245,000. This salary will be subject to a downward locality adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside the location listed in this posting.
Union Status This position is not within the Center’s collective bargaining unit.
FLSA Exempt Status This is an exempt position.
Job Band Senior Director (S11)
Benefits
Health: Comprehensive health insurance plan with no in‑network deductible and best‑in‑class reproductive healthcare coverage, including infertility. Dental and vision coverage.
Well‑being: Resources to prevent and recover from burnout through different programs that enable mental, physical, and community well‑being. Generous leave, including paid parental leave, personal days, vacation, and sick leave. Closed the last week of December for holiday time with loved ones.
Investment: After the first year of employment, the Center will contribute 7.5% of your annual salary to a 401(k) (applicable only in U.S. and Kenya).
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The Center is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage people from all communities to apply. If you are excited about this role but unsure whether your experience aligns with the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles. To learn more about the Center’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, please visit Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | Center for Reproductive Rights.
Visa Sponsorship Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by The Center for Reproductive Rights.
Requirements
20+ years of professional experience with at least 15 years in a legal or policy setting, and at least 10 years supervising a team of 10 or more.
J.D. from an ABA‑accredited law school and active D.C. Bar membership, or eligibility and willingness to obtain D.C. Bar membership promptly upon hire.
This position is based in Washington D.C.; candidates must be located in or willing to relocate to Washington D.C.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including for conferences, meetings with partners, donor engagements, and team retreats.
Qualifications
Strong commitment to the Center's mission, purpose, and values.
Strong understanding of the political landscape and the policy‑making process. Significant experience influencing government policy is required.
Demonstrated experience in both federal and state legislative and policy advocacy, with the ability to advance strategic objectives across jurisdictions and forums strongly preferred.
Strong advocacy skills, including the ability to engage and persuade policymakers, build coalitions, and move partners and decision‑makers through diplomacy, credibility, and strategic communication.
Strong foundation in legislative and administrative policy, including demonstrated skills in policy analysis and writing.
Experience working in government is desirable but not required.
Some litigation experience is desirable but not essential.
Demonstrated experience leading policy and advocacy teams or programs in alignment with broader organizational strategies, preferably in mission‑driven, political, or advocacy contexts.
Experience in reproductive rights, health, or justice is preferred but not required.
A strong track record of advancing social justice through work in nonprofit, government, or pro bono contexts. Experience may span issue areas such as racial and gender equity, LGBTQ rights, disability justice, democracy, economic justice, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, or health equity.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for a range of audiences including donors, media, and external partners.
Proven ability to build credibility and trust with colleagues at all levels, including senior leaders, direct reports, and external stakeholders.
A proactive and bold leadership approach—comfortable raising questions, surfacing tensions, and pushing for clarity and alignment in pursuit of shared goals.
High degree of self‑awareness and resilience, with a track record of learning from setbacks and modeling steadiness in dynamic or high‑pressure environments.
Discretion and sound judgment, including a strong track record of handling confidential or sensitive information.
Detail‑oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities and operate with agility in fast‑paced environments.
Ability to give and receive feedback professionally, and to provide openness and honesty in communications.
Ability to work in a multicultural, diverse, and highly performance‑driven environment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr