Role Title: Advocacy Advisor, US Domestic
Contract Type: Regular
Reporting To: Director, US Policy
Program/Department/Unit Name: Programs
Location: Washington, D.C. or New York
Team Name: Programs, US
Role Purpose
The Advocacy Advisor will support OSF’s advocacy on U.S. domestic policy issues. The Advocacy Advisor will have significant experience with the US Congress and Executive Branch and experience working on a range of domestic policies. Collaborating closely with colleagues in Programs, and Communications, as well as relevant outside partners and US government officials, the Advisor will support the work of the US team advocating for OSF priorities in Congress. The Advisor will ensure coherence, rigor, and innovation across various priorities and lead collaborative work to develop organizational messaging narratives on issues of importance to OSF’s mission.
Key responsibilities
Handle OSF work on potentially a wide range of domestic policy issues, from civic engagement and labor to economic and tech issues.
Develop strategies and materials to move US policy on OSF priorities, including but not limited to position papers, letters, background memoranda, legislation, amendments, congressional letters, talking points, hearing questions, congressional record statements, and op-eds.
Represent OSF’s leadership at high-level policy events and processes. Develop and manage key relationships with intergovernmental institutions, governments, senior policymakers, legislative staff and Members, and economic, political, social and cultural leaders.
Maintain and build a network of external stakeholders including but not limited to partners, grantees, relevant NGOs, think tanks, and subject-matter experts.
Solicit, vet, and recommend consultancies and grants and evaluate grantee organizations.
Interpret the US political environment and serve as a resource for other OSF opportunities whilst contributing to multi-program efforts in relevant areas.
Maintain a network of relationships with high-level officials in the US government and other key players within the policy community.
Develop and manage tools, tactics and partnerships for direct engagement with US officials, and advise leadership accordingly.
Travel as required.
Other Duties as required.
People Responsibilities (Total Team/DRs)
None
Key internal relationships
Director US Policy; Geographic Lead, Opportunities; Leadership/EO
Key external relationships:
US government, US Congress, Think Tanks, Core NGO partners
The ideal candidate
Educated to bachelor’s degree-level (or equivalent).
Prior employment with the US Congress and/or Executive Branch, with significant experience working in US Congress and/or the Executive Branch.
Proven track record of advocacy and policy development/management experience with a minimum of 3 key issues of rights and economic issues, and across different committees and government agencies.
Substantial practical experience in policy and/or advocacy, including working on a variety of different policy issues and having a high level of expertise and experience on at least two of these issues: immigration, labor, and technology.
Experience working in, or closely with, NGOs on advocacy strategies with the US Congress.
Deep experience working with non-governmental organizations that encourage civic engagement.
Excellent knowledge of the U.S. political process and policy formulation infrastructure, specifically the role of Congress and the Executive Branch.
Strong understanding of the media and civil society and how they interact with Congress and the Executive Branch.
Strong knowledge of at least three key areas of US domestic policy (voting rights, labor, etc.) and experience with other domestic policy issues.
Knowledge of how to develop and implement a strategic, organized and/or sustained effort to influence decisionmakers and those who influence them to enact or shape specific laws, public policies, practices, norms and/or attitudes in support of open society.
Demonstrates commitment to OSF’s core values of humility, commitment, collaboration, respect, inclusivity and integrity.
What we offer
Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact, from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.
Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.
The salary range for this role in the US is US: $181,600-208,300. The final offer is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set and level of experience.
Who we are
Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.
Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.
Additional information
Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities
Competitive rates of pay apply.
Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.