Senior Counsel, Advocacy

About The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights:

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a 501(c)(4) organization, is the premier coalition of more than 240 national organizations that promotes and protects civil and human rights in America. The Leadership Conference has coordinated federal strategy and action, including national lobbying and regulatory efforts on behalf of every major civil rights law since 1957.

To learn more about The Leadership Conference, please visit www.civilrights.org.

The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, builds public will for federal civil rights policies that promote and protect civil and human rights in the US. Founded in 1969 as the education and research arm of The Leadership Conference, the Education Fund’s campaigns empower people and advocates to push for progressive change in the US.

To learn more about the Education Fund, please visit www.leadershipconferenceedfund.org.

The Opportunity:

The Leadership Conference is seeking a Sr. Counsel, Advocacy to join our Advocacy & Programs Department. Reporting to the VP, Advocacy, the ideal candidate will advance civil rights and social justice policy for the nation. This position works in collaboration with interdepartmental disciplinary teams and with national coalition partners to formulate, coordinate, and lead legislative and agency strategies to pursue transformative policy change to further civil rights.

This position is an individual contributor and is a part of the collective bargaining unit.

Candidate Profile:

• Coordinate the development of strategy on advocacy and policy for priority issues of The Leadership Conference.
• Develop relationships with congressional staff to expand the reach and influence of The Leadership Conference.
• Research and draft legal memoranda on federal bills and proposed administrative rules and regulations affecting priority issues of The Leadership Conference.
• Convene and preside at meetings of civil and human rights organizations to address timely public policy issues and reach consensus on priority issues.
• Represent The Leadership Conference at workshops, conferences, and in the media
• Assist in the development of informational materials, including reports, press releases, statements, and related materials, to educate policymakers, the press, and the public on coalition priority issues.
• Willingness to spend at least 20% of their time lobbying the federal government, which requires registration as a federal lobbyist as defined under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) and compliance with quarterly reporting requirements.
• Perform other duties as necessary and related.

 In addition, strong candidates will offer:

• A minimum of 7 years of public policy and advocacy experience is required, and Capitol Hill or in nonprofits is preferred.
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience. A Juris Doctorate or related Master’s or advanced degree is preferred.
• Proven commitment to civil and human rights with a passion for the issues represented by The Leadership Conference.
• An understanding of law, public policy issues, and the strategies and tools needed to achieve policy change using legislative, administrative, and regulatory processes
• Ability to build relationships and capacity among a diverse set of coalition partners to work collaboratively and independently within a broad cross-section of organizations.
• Strong commitment to civil and human rights and social justice issues with an ability to work strategically and effectively across disciplines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. The Leadership Conference reserves the right to amend duties, responsibilities, and requirements as necessary to meet organizational needs.

Compensation & Benefits:

Our most valuable resource is the people who make up The Leadership Conference. Regardless of your position at The Leadership Conference, your efforts will impact meaningful work that positively affects individuals and communities nationwide.

The target salary range for this position is $117,639 – $154,352.

The range provided is the minimum and maximum salary. The Leadership Conference, in good faith, believes that at the time of this posting, it is willing to pay the advertised salary for the position. Exact compensation is commensurate with experience and reflects internal comparisons.

Salaries are just one component of The Leadership Conference’s total compensation package. The Leadership Conference is committed to supporting our staff’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for you, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including fifteen (15) federal holidays, as well as biweekly organization-specific holidays, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and transit benefits. You’ll also have access to professional development assistance and an Employee Assistance Program.

The Leadership Conference has formally recognized a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 2 – AFL-CIO. The Leadership Conference and the Union, guided by a CBA, work together in good faith and are motivated by a shared history and commitment to this organization.

In-Office Work Policy:

The Leadership Conference has implemented a hybrid In-Office Work Policy in three phases. As of September 1, 2025, the first phase requires staff members to work in person from the office at least 2 days per month. As of January 1, 2026, the second phase requires staff members to work in person from the office at least 1 day per week or 4 days per month. The final phase begins on April 1, 2026; staff members will be required to work in person from the office at least 2 days per week or 8 days per month.

All positions are subject to the In-Office Work Policy summarized above. (A more detailed description of the policy – to include how in-office workdays are to be scheduled – is available upon request from People & Culture.)

Please note that staff members are exempt from working in person if they have received medical accommodation or if their position is designated as temporarily or permanently remote.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace

The Leadership Conference is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race/ethnicity; color; religion; national origin; citizenship or immigration status, subject to the obligation to comply with any applicable requirements of federal immigration law; sex (including pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, false pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, intersex traits and other sex characteristics, and sex stereotypes); age; marital status; personal appearance (including size and weight); family responsibilities; political affiliation; disability; matriculation; genetic information; veteran status; credit information; housing status; socioeconomic status; source of income; criminal legal involvement, unless for a legitimate business reason that is permitted under applicable law; union membership or activities; status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking; and any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

To apply, please visit our Career Center and submit your resume and cover letter. Cover letters are required and should be attached.