Senior Director, Voting Rights and Redistricting

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve our systems of democracy and justice. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, curb the role of big money in politics, strengthen checks and balances, and defend civil liberties. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

The Brennan Center seeks a dynamic leader to elevate and drive the Voting Rights and Elections Program to build a movement that upholds a robust, participatory, and inclusive democracy at this critical moment. The senior director will shape and oversee a wide-ranging program to protect and expand voter participation and voting rights through cutting edge research and publications, litigation, legislative and policy advocacy, media and communications, and public education. The senior director will manage, coach, and grow a high-performing team of lawyers, research professionals, and support staff to assist in these endeavors. Representing the Brennan Center internally and externally, the senior director will communicate and engage with the media, policy makers, donors and others to ensure broad visibility, driving movement-building with current and future partners. Finally, the senior director will be an instrumental leader in determining the future growth strategy for the Voting Rights and Elections Program, bringing new ideas and innovation.

Note: This is a hybrid position. Staff are currently working from home 2 days a week. 

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and direct the Brennan Center’s voting rights, redistricting, and representation work to achieve high-impact programmatic and organizational objectives; be  a principal architect and leader of our work to create a robust and inclusive democracy through the protection and expansion of voting rights and representation.
• Identify additional and innovative ways the program, the organization, and the voting rights and redistricting fields can best protect and expand the right to vote and to fair and equal representation, and partner with other leaders in this field to make them a reality.
• Protect and enhance the credibility, authority, and visibility of the program’s research and analysis.
• Represent the Brennan Center as a highly visible and vocal advocate fighting for the protection and expansion of voting rights and representation among partners, stakeholders, donors, supporters, policymakers, the media, and the general public.
• Work closely and partner internally across program areas, the Office of the President, and the Board of Directors to promote and advocate for the work of ensuring all Americans have an equal voice in our elections.
• Working closely with our Communications Department, be a strong voice and advocate for our work in the media. Develop public-facing advocacy initiatives, and ensure broad visibility of our work. Proactively make the connection between our work and the causes of racial justice and democracy.
• Partner with our Development Department to raise funds for the program and help shape the funding environment. Make the case to donors and funders of the critical nature of this work.
• Manage the Program’s budget and financial health to operate within the approved budget, ensure maximum resource utilization, and long-term growth of the organization.
• Mentor junior staff at all levels to foster professional growth and peak performance.
• Establish and maintain relationships with a diverse group of partners and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance the organization’s mission.

Pivotal Experience & Expertise

Relevant Sector Experience: Substantial legal experience, a J.D., and admission to the New York State Bar (or ability to be admitted); familiarity with administrative law, civil rights law, and/or federal civil and appellate litigation; experience working with civil rights, immigrant rights, government or community-based organizations in a legal or non-legal capacity

Communications: Ability to be persuade and influence legislators, policy makers, and the public through writing and speaking to articulate the protection and promotion of voting rights and an equal voice in our elections

Stakeholder Engagement: Developed communication and relationship-building skills; ability to leverage those skills to influence policy makers, community and advocacy organizations, unlikely allies, donors, academics, members, the media, and the general public  to impact legislative outcomes

Strategy & Vision: A track record of developing a strategy and vision or new ideas within an organization; forward-thinking ability with entrepreneurial foresight and vision to grow a program and execute; brings systemic, big-picture thinking that can be focused on democratic institutions, systems, and issues; ability to drive ground-breaking research agenda; and an informed voice for racial equity

Culture Impact

Equity Commitment: Demonstrated commitment working to eliminate systemic marginalization and promote inclusion and anti-racist practices. A commitment to continuing the Brennan Center’s racial justice journey and to one’s own reflection and continual learning.

Collaborative Relationship-Builder: Demonstrated ability building relationships, networks, and partnerships; the ability to attract, develop, and retain a strong, diverse team; an individual who demonstrates transparency and authenticity in engaging with others.

Ownership/Patience: Ability to make decisions effectively with a sense of urgency, while maintaining the highest levels of integrity and ethics; ability to get projects off the ground and to bring them to completion in a timely manner; operates with the patience necessary to work within a dynamic, intellectually rigorous, youthful, and mission driven environment

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace.  We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true-self and feel a strong sense of belonging.   As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion.  In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range assigned for this position is $205,000-$230,000. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s qualifications and internal equity considerations.  Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.

To Apply:

The Brennan Center has engaged Heidrick & Struggles for this search, and applications (resume and cover letter) should be emailed directly to BrennanCenterVotingDirector@heidrick.com. Applications will not be accepted via our website.

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. To this end, Brennan Center

• Welcomes applicants with disabilities and applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities, sexual orientations, and national origin or citizenship, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• Hires diverse candidates and works to improve our recruitment practices to allow for such
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and
• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.