Lambda Legal
Position:
Deputy Legal Director for Policy
Department:
Legal
Office Location:
Washington, D.C. is preferred, but we are open to candidates located in any of the following states or major metro areas where Lambda Legal has an office: New York, NY (Headquarters), Atlanta, GA (Southern), Chicago, IL (Midwest), Dallas, TX (Southern Central), or Los Angeles, CA (Western).
Work Type Designation:
Hybrid
Reports to:
Chief Legal Advocacy Officer
Union Status and Grade:
Non-union
Annual Salary Range:
$200,000 - $230,000 annually. The salary for this role will be determined by a candidate's years of relevant experience related to the position, as well as their geographic region.
Travel:
Up to 30%
FLSA Status:
Exempt / Full-Time
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Yes
Who We Are Lambda Legal is a national advocacy organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work. Since 1973, Lambda Legal has used impact litigation and other advocacy tools to decriminalize same-sex relationships; challenge discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV in the workplace, in the home, in schools, in health care, and in the military; and protect LGBTQ+ families, including by winning and defending marriage equality. Our clients are not charged for legal representation or advocacy, and Lambda Legal receives no government funding. Headquartered in New York City, Lambda Legal also has regional offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and Washington, DC.
We believe that serving the full breadth of the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities requires cultural competency and enthusiasm for diversity of all kinds. To be successful, we must approach our work with an understanding that discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status is not the only obstacle to achieving full formal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV; rather, we recognize the intersectional nature of discrimination, specifically including biases based on race, religion, national origin, gender, disability, education, and class. Considering this reality, we prioritize a proactive commitment to counteracting these biases and their compounding effects in the work we do, but also in how we work together as an organization.
Deputy Legal Director for Policy The Deputy Legal Director for Policy (DLDP) leads Lambda Legal’s national policy strategy, shaping and advancing a long‑term vision for how policy advocacy drives durable gains for LGBTQ+ and HIV civil rights. This role is responsible for articulating a forward‑looking policy framework that identifies priority issue areas, strategic geographies, and the appropriate mix of proactive and defensive advocacy across federal, state, and local levels.
Working in close partnership with litigation, public education, and organizational leadership, the DLDP ensures that policy initiatives are strategic, integrated, and focused on areas where Lambda Legal’s legal expertise, partnerships, and positioning can achieve meaningful impact. The DLDP translates this strategy into action by guiding a policy team engaged in legislative and regulatory advocacy, policy analysis, coalition building, and cross‑departmental collaboration, while remaining responsive to urgent threats affecting our communities.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in LGBTQ+ and HIV civil rights, a sophisticated understanding of and significant experience with federal and state policymaking and regulatory processes, and strong people and strategic leadership skills. This role requires the ability to exercise influence through partnership, set clear priorities in complex environments, and strengthen Lambda Legal’s strategic policy impact nationwide.
What you’ll do
Policy Strategy & Leadership
Lead development and execution of Lambda Legal’s national policy strategy and initiatives across federal, state, and local levels.
Conduct regular and comprehensive analyses to identify opportunities and threats, including major political, legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments.
Partner with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams to integrate policy with litigation and education strategies.
Recommend short‑ and long‑term policy priorities that balance long‑term progress, urgent needs, and resource constraints to maximize policy outcomes for the communities we serve.
Government Affairs & Policy Advocacy
Oversee Lambda Legal’s federal policy strategy through targeted legislative and regulatory engagement with Congress, federal agencies, and national partners.
Develop and advance policy strategies in select states and localities aligned with the national priorities.
Oversee regulatory advocacy, including analysis of federal rules and drafting and review of public comments and written advocacy.
Build and sustain relationships that advance Lambda Legal’s policy strategy, including peer organizations, community partners, elected officials, government stakeholders, and national coalitions.
Provide strategic recommendations to inform organizational responses in fast‑moving policy environments.
Represent Lambda Legal in high‑level convenings, briefings, and collaborative spaces.
People Leadership & Team Management
Supervise and mentor policy attorneys and staff via performance management, coaching, and professional development to support growth and excellence.
Lead the policy team’s budgeting and resource planning to maximize impact.
Foster an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative team culture grounded in curiosity, self‑awareness, and respect.
Collaborate with program teams and the Communications, Development and Finance & Operations departments to advance organizational priorities.
External Engagement & Thought Leadership
Serve as a public‑facing policy leader for Lambda Legal, including in media, conferences, and legislative settings, and strategically deploy policy team members as appropriate.
Oversee the development of policy briefs, reports, and research that advance LGBTQ+ policy goals and inform public discourse.
Partner with internal teams to ensure timely, accurate legal analysis and messaging for campaigns, communications, and educational initiatives.
Who you are With the understanding that no one person will offer every desired skill and characteristic outlined below, compelling candidates will offer much of the following:
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
A minimum of 10 years of experience in policy or advocacy work, with significant experience in federal and/or state legislative or regulatory processes (including direct experience working on Capitol Hill or equivalent engagement) and senior leadership responsibilities including management experience of complex teams.
Familiarity with state‑level legislative processes and experience supporting state or local adoption of policy.
Deep knowledge of civil rights advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and everyone living with HIV, including policy landscapes and current strategies.
Proven ability to set strategic priorities, manage complex projects, and juggle competing deadlines.
Exceptional collaboration and coalition‑building skills, with experience navigating challenging stakeholder dynamics.
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, including experience drafting comment letters, bill language, or policy reports.
High degree of emotional intelligence and commitment to equity, inclusion, and community‑centered advocacy.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to synthesize and manage large volumes of information.
Strong political judgment and ability to act quickly in fast‑moving policy environments.
Ability to uphold and advance Lambda Legal’s organizational values.
Demonstrated commitment to issues pertaining to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging).
Experience leading multi‑stakeholder coalitions or convenings.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience working in a virtual and unionized environment.
Successful candidates will welcome the opportunity to work in a racially‑ and gender‑diverse environment and to contribute to a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Working at Lambda Legal requires a demonstrated awareness of and commitment to the concerns of the breadth of the communities that Lambda Legal serves. Prior work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and/or people living with HIV is highly desirable. Experience working with other historically marginalized communities (in a professional or volunteer capacity) is also desirable.
All employees at Lambda Legal are expected to adhere to ethical conduct in all interactions and tasks, ensuring a positive and respectful workplace environment.
Our Values Integrity at Heart:
We center integrity in everything we do. We must model what we seek in the world, which begins with all of us, extends to each other, and reaches the entire organization. We recognize we are imperfect in an imperfect world, and we value progress over perfection. We continually strive to unpack and do what is right, in our public advocacy and with our colleagues - even more so when things are challenging. We strive to be honest, respectful, and accountable for our actions. When we stumble, we work to course‑correct and support each other. We owe it to ourselves, to each other, and to those most marginalized in our society, to be the change we wish to see in the world.
A Just Future:
United by a collective commitment to a just world. We are One Lambda Legal, united by a collective commitment to creating a just future for LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV. We believe in the rule of law and the ability to use our legal system to achieve justice and equity for the communities we serve.
... (additional values statements truncated for brevity) ...
Why Work at Lambda Legal? You get to do meaningful, life‑changing work at a national level for LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV. Lambda Legal also proudly offers competitive benefits for our team. We understand that our staff’s dedication and effort are instrumental in achieving our mission. Highlight of the benefits we offer include:
Medical benefits that begin on your start date
Dental, Vision, and Life insurance (effective 30 days from your start date)
Short & Long‑Term Disability plans (effective 30 days from your start date)
403(b) Retirement Plan (employer contribution and matching program begins after 90 days of employment)
Paid Time Off:
Paid Vacation (15 Days)
Sick Leave (12 Days)
Personal Leave (3 Days)
Religious Observance Leave (3 Days)
Bereavement and Bereavement Anniversary Leave
Floating Holiday (1 Day)
12 paid holidays and 5 early office closures
Flexible Spending Account (FSA / DC FSA) and Commuter Benefits
Health Reimbursement Account
$50 monthly mobile phone reimbursement
Annual professional development fund
Summer Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Premium subscription to the Calm App
Paid sabbatical after 7 years of service at Lambda Legal (4 weeks for non‑exempt positions and 8 weeks for exempt positions)
Read more about Lambda Legal's work on our blog and Instagram.
Lambda Legal believes in creating a more equitable playing field for applicants and values the depth of relevant skills built through successful education, work, and life experiences. If your background and skills are a close match for this position, you are strongly encouraged to apply.
Lambda Legal is committed to further building and maintaining a staff that reflects the full range of LGBTQ+, HIV‑affected and allied communities, and is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. Lambda Legal encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship or immigration status, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and gender‑diverse people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, people living with disabilities, protected veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals living with HIV are all encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Deputy Legal Director for Policy
Department:
Legal
Office Location:
Washington, D.C. is preferred, but we are open to candidates located in any of the following states or major metro areas where Lambda Legal has an office: New York, NY (Headquarters), Atlanta, GA (Southern), Chicago, IL (Midwest), Dallas, TX (Southern Central), or Los Angeles, CA (Western).
Work Type Designation:
Hybrid
Reports to:
Chief Legal Advocacy Officer
Union Status and Grade:
Non-union
Annual Salary Range:
$200,000 - $230,000 annually. The salary for this role will be determined by a candidate's years of relevant experience related to the position, as well as their geographic region.
Travel:
Up to 30%
FLSA Status:
Exempt / Full-Time
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Yes
Who We Are Lambda Legal is a national advocacy organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work. Since 1973, Lambda Legal has used impact litigation and other advocacy tools to decriminalize same-sex relationships; challenge discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV in the workplace, in the home, in schools, in health care, and in the military; and protect LGBTQ+ families, including by winning and defending marriage equality. Our clients are not charged for legal representation or advocacy, and Lambda Legal receives no government funding. Headquartered in New York City, Lambda Legal also has regional offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and Washington, DC.
We believe that serving the full breadth of the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities requires cultural competency and enthusiasm for diversity of all kinds. To be successful, we must approach our work with an understanding that discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status is not the only obstacle to achieving full formal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV; rather, we recognize the intersectional nature of discrimination, specifically including biases based on race, religion, national origin, gender, disability, education, and class. Considering this reality, we prioritize a proactive commitment to counteracting these biases and their compounding effects in the work we do, but also in how we work together as an organization.
Deputy Legal Director for Policy The Deputy Legal Director for Policy (DLDP) leads Lambda Legal’s national policy strategy, shaping and advancing a long‑term vision for how policy advocacy drives durable gains for LGBTQ+ and HIV civil rights. This role is responsible for articulating a forward‑looking policy framework that identifies priority issue areas, strategic geographies, and the appropriate mix of proactive and defensive advocacy across federal, state, and local levels.
Working in close partnership with litigation, public education, and organizational leadership, the DLDP ensures that policy initiatives are strategic, integrated, and focused on areas where Lambda Legal’s legal expertise, partnerships, and positioning can achieve meaningful impact. The DLDP translates this strategy into action by guiding a policy team engaged in legislative and regulatory advocacy, policy analysis, coalition building, and cross‑departmental collaboration, while remaining responsive to urgent threats affecting our communities.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in LGBTQ+ and HIV civil rights, a sophisticated understanding of and significant experience with federal and state policymaking and regulatory processes, and strong people and strategic leadership skills. This role requires the ability to exercise influence through partnership, set clear priorities in complex environments, and strengthen Lambda Legal’s strategic policy impact nationwide.
What you’ll do
Policy Strategy & Leadership
Lead development and execution of Lambda Legal’s national policy strategy and initiatives across federal, state, and local levels.
Conduct regular and comprehensive analyses to identify opportunities and threats, including major political, legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments.
Partner with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams to integrate policy with litigation and education strategies.
Recommend short‑ and long‑term policy priorities that balance long‑term progress, urgent needs, and resource constraints to maximize policy outcomes for the communities we serve.
Government Affairs & Policy Advocacy
Oversee Lambda Legal’s federal policy strategy through targeted legislative and regulatory engagement with Congress, federal agencies, and national partners.
Develop and advance policy strategies in select states and localities aligned with the national priorities.
Oversee regulatory advocacy, including analysis of federal rules and drafting and review of public comments and written advocacy.
Build and sustain relationships that advance Lambda Legal’s policy strategy, including peer organizations, community partners, elected officials, government stakeholders, and national coalitions.
Provide strategic recommendations to inform organizational responses in fast‑moving policy environments.
Represent Lambda Legal in high‑level convenings, briefings, and collaborative spaces.
People Leadership & Team Management
Supervise and mentor policy attorneys and staff via performance management, coaching, and professional development to support growth and excellence.
Lead the policy team’s budgeting and resource planning to maximize impact.
Foster an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative team culture grounded in curiosity, self‑awareness, and respect.
Collaborate with program teams and the Communications, Development and Finance & Operations departments to advance organizational priorities.
External Engagement & Thought Leadership
Serve as a public‑facing policy leader for Lambda Legal, including in media, conferences, and legislative settings, and strategically deploy policy team members as appropriate.
Oversee the development of policy briefs, reports, and research that advance LGBTQ+ policy goals and inform public discourse.
Partner with internal teams to ensure timely, accurate legal analysis and messaging for campaigns, communications, and educational initiatives.
Who you are With the understanding that no one person will offer every desired skill and characteristic outlined below, compelling candidates will offer much of the following:
Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
A minimum of 10 years of experience in policy or advocacy work, with significant experience in federal and/or state legislative or regulatory processes (including direct experience working on Capitol Hill or equivalent engagement) and senior leadership responsibilities including management experience of complex teams.
Familiarity with state‑level legislative processes and experience supporting state or local adoption of policy.
Deep knowledge of civil rights advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and everyone living with HIV, including policy landscapes and current strategies.
Proven ability to set strategic priorities, manage complex projects, and juggle competing deadlines.
Exceptional collaboration and coalition‑building skills, with experience navigating challenging stakeholder dynamics.
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, including experience drafting comment letters, bill language, or policy reports.
High degree of emotional intelligence and commitment to equity, inclusion, and community‑centered advocacy.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to synthesize and manage large volumes of information.
Strong political judgment and ability to act quickly in fast‑moving policy environments.
Ability to uphold and advance Lambda Legal’s organizational values.
Demonstrated commitment to issues pertaining to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging).
Experience leading multi‑stakeholder coalitions or convenings.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience working in a virtual and unionized environment.
Successful candidates will welcome the opportunity to work in a racially‑ and gender‑diverse environment and to contribute to a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Working at Lambda Legal requires a demonstrated awareness of and commitment to the concerns of the breadth of the communities that Lambda Legal serves. Prior work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and/or people living with HIV is highly desirable. Experience working with other historically marginalized communities (in a professional or volunteer capacity) is also desirable.
All employees at Lambda Legal are expected to adhere to ethical conduct in all interactions and tasks, ensuring a positive and respectful workplace environment.
Our Values Integrity at Heart:
We center integrity in everything we do. We must model what we seek in the world, which begins with all of us, extends to each other, and reaches the entire organization. We recognize we are imperfect in an imperfect world, and we value progress over perfection. We continually strive to unpack and do what is right, in our public advocacy and with our colleagues - even more so when things are challenging. We strive to be honest, respectful, and accountable for our actions. When we stumble, we work to course‑correct and support each other. We owe it to ourselves, to each other, and to those most marginalized in our society, to be the change we wish to see in the world.
A Just Future:
United by a collective commitment to a just world. We are One Lambda Legal, united by a collective commitment to creating a just future for LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV. We believe in the rule of law and the ability to use our legal system to achieve justice and equity for the communities we serve.
... (additional values statements truncated for brevity) ...
Why Work at Lambda Legal? You get to do meaningful, life‑changing work at a national level for LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV. Lambda Legal also proudly offers competitive benefits for our team. We understand that our staff’s dedication and effort are instrumental in achieving our mission. Highlight of the benefits we offer include:
Medical benefits that begin on your start date
Dental, Vision, and Life insurance (effective 30 days from your start date)
Short & Long‑Term Disability plans (effective 30 days from your start date)
403(b) Retirement Plan (employer contribution and matching program begins after 90 days of employment)
Paid Time Off:
Paid Vacation (15 Days)
Sick Leave (12 Days)
Personal Leave (3 Days)
Religious Observance Leave (3 Days)
Bereavement and Bereavement Anniversary Leave
Floating Holiday (1 Day)
12 paid holidays and 5 early office closures
Flexible Spending Account (FSA / DC FSA) and Commuter Benefits
Health Reimbursement Account
$50 monthly mobile phone reimbursement
Annual professional development fund
Summer Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Premium subscription to the Calm App
Paid sabbatical after 7 years of service at Lambda Legal (4 weeks for non‑exempt positions and 8 weeks for exempt positions)
Read more about Lambda Legal's work on our blog and Instagram.
Lambda Legal believes in creating a more equitable playing field for applicants and values the depth of relevant skills built through successful education, work, and life experiences. If your background and skills are a close match for this position, you are strongly encouraged to apply.
Lambda Legal is committed to further building and maintaining a staff that reflects the full range of LGBTQ+, HIV‑affected and allied communities, and is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. Lambda Legal encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship or immigration status, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and gender‑diverse people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, people living with disabilities, protected veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals living with HIV are all encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr