Description
The Open Society Foundations (OSF) work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to criticism, whose laws and policies are open to debate and correction, and whose political institutions are open to the participation of all people. We seek to strengthen justice and the rule of law; broaden respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities; encourage pluralism and a robust diversity of opinion; deepen democratic practice and participation; expand economic equity; support effective governance; and invest in individuals, public and private organizations, and social movements that advance these goals.
We are a global network of foundations committed to local knowledge and national expertise. Our network includes national foundations, regional foundations, and other geographic programs operating in more than one hundred countries. In addition to making grants to organizations and individuals, the Open Society Foundations engage in policy advocacy, legal advocacy and litigation, program-related investing, and public communications, as well as providing direct assistance to governments. The Open Society Foundations are the global philanthropies of George Soros.
OSF is looking for a talented Advocacy Director to develop and support issue advocacy strategies on a wide range of U.S. domestic policy issues. We are looking for someone with significant expertise in issue advocacy campaigns related to civil rights and economic and social justice.
OSF’s DC Advocacy Program and its lobbying affiliate, the Open Society Policy Center, are located in Washington D.C. They conduct and support advocacy on a wide range of domestic and foreign policy issues. This position reports to the Deputy Director, who directs domestic policy advocacy.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop and evaluate complex policy advocacy strategies and lead sophisticated advocacy campaigns.
- Create original policy recommendations and advance them using established contacts with key decision-makers within the U.S. government and influential organizations.
- Author, co-author, and edit policy reports, memos, issue briefs and other documents on complex issues related to subject of expertise.
- Regularly represent OSF as lead expert at meetings in Washington, D.C., and globally.
- Maintain a broad network of relationships with high-level officials in the U.S. government and other key players within the policy community.
- Lead and manage major advocacy coalitions and work closely with leaders of other organizations and OSF grantees.
- Craft persuasive advocacy messages and author high-quality written materials for a range of audiences.
- Develop advocacy and grantmaking budgets and manage consultants in area of expertise.
- Solicit, vet and recommend consultancies and grants and evaluate grantee organizations.
- Read and analyze complex statutes and draft legislative language for bills and amendments.
- Contribute original content for op-eds, blogs, and websites, represent OSF in the media, provide direction to communications staff on media strategies, and develop relationships with key reporters.
- Interpret the U.S. political environment and serve as a policy expert and resource for other OSF programs and make significant contributions to multi-program efforts in area of expertise.
Co-supervise a Policy Associate and may supervise a Research Assistant or Law Clerk
Qualifications include:
- At least 10-15 years of experience in a senior role working for government, non-profits, or political campaigns.
- Demonstrated experience and effectiveness with most of the job duties.
- Significant experience with issue advocacy campaigns.
- Policy expertise in civil rights, government accountability or economic justice issues.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills.
- Experience directing or funding 501(c)4 activities is a plus.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience/education.
Application instructions:
Please apply via our website: https://osfglobal.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/enUS/OSF/job/Washington-DC/Advocacy-Director_JR-0001034
Please include a cover letter and resume (both required), and upload as one document when submitting an application. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
We are strengthened by the diversity of our colleagues across the Open Society Foundations. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations so that colleagues with disabilities are able to fulfill the essential functions of the job.