Policy Counsel

POLICY COUNSEL

The National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) and the National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund (NIRH Action Fund), advocacy groups that fight for just and equitable access to reproductive health care, are seeking a full-time Policy Counsel to work with the organization for a calendar year to help them in building political power for reproductive freedom.

This is a benefits eligible, full-time, non-exempt position that will require 35 hours of work, with flexibility, during normal business hours, Monday to Friday 10 AM to 6 PM. The annual salary for this position is between $96,000 to $101,500 commensurate with experience.

WHO WE ARE

The National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) and the National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund (NIRH Action Fund) are advocacy groups that fight for just and equitable access to reproductive health care and build political power for reproductive freedom. For decades, our strategy has been to go on the offensive, at the state and local level, so we have a long track record of passing laws that are safeguarding and advancing access.

In states and cities across the country, we launch campaigns, change policy, and elect candidates who champion our cause, all by working hand-in-hand with reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations; health care providers; and other groups invested in this fight. We partner in communities where change is needed and where we can make a difference. At the national level, we engage in groundbreaking public opinion research, proactive policy initiatives, and innovative advocacy campaigns to help reshape the national conversation about reproductive freedom. 

Our approach to advocacy, policy, and politics strives to center the people who are most impacted by barriers to care, historically underserved, and often under-represented — Black women and Black communities, Indigenous and other communities of color, low-income people, and immigrants. 

We don’t just push back against restrictions on reproductive autonomy; we fight for a society in which everyone has the freedom and ability to control their reproductive and sexual lives. 

THE ROLE

Reporting to Vice President for Policy and Research the Policy Counsel will provide legal research and policy analysis to advance NIRH’s policy agenda to advance proactive reproductive rights and justice policies. This person will play an integral role with our state and local level initiatives, supporting state and local partners to develop and support proactive reproductive rights and justice policies. This staff person will be joining a team that’s engaged in shifting its social justice framework to center racial equity as a core priority, as NIRH staff and board have committed to racial equity and have been engaged in a multi-year process to adopt a racial equity lens across the organization.

This is a remote position. However, applicants located in the Washington DC Metro area are strongly encouraged to apply.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Policy Counsel’s primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing legal and policy guidance in support proactive legislation and administrative policy work;
• Preparing analyses of state ballot initiatives, legislation, and regulations;
• Writing public education materials for state advocacy campaigns and about state legislative trends;
• Drafting advocacy materials;
• Assisting in providing technical assistance to state and local advocates;
• Assisting in identifying impacts of policy proposals and policy change;
• Tracking and analyzing reproductive rights ballot initiatives and legislation in states and localities around the country;
• Speaking about reproductive rights; and
• Supporting the other teams, including Programs and Partnerships, Political and Legislative Affairs, and Communications staff on additional legislative and advocacy projects as needed.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• J.D. degree required
• 3+ years relevant work experience
• Capable of analyzing complex legal issues
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Legislative, coalition, and/or political experience preferred
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Familiarity working as a team player.
• Experience and comfort with speaking regularly in front of diverse audiences.
• Ability to travel throughout the country for meetings and conferences.
• Deep commitment to progressive social justice goals, preferably with experience working on reproductive justice, health or rights.

NIRH/NIRHAF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at NIRH/NIRHAF will be based on merit, qualifications, abilities, and on the needs of NIRH/NIRHAF. This organization does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status or other military status, alienage or citizenship status, genetic carrier status, AIDS, AIDS-related complex or HIV status, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State or local law.