Technology Policy Advocate/Strategist

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. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to court reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protections in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies and legal arguments. And we fight for them—in the courts, in Congress and the states, and in the court of public opinion. 

Position: 
The Brennan Center seeks a creative policy advocate or strategist to join our Elections & Government team working on issues related to AI safety and elections, election disinformation, and technology policy that strengthens democratic institutions, election security, and encourages participation in the democratic process. The advocate/strategist may also work on the intersection of technology and other democracy issues, such as election administration, voting, and money in politics. 

Election disinformation has long been used to mislead and intimidate voters, particularly voters of color. It has also been used to justify voter suppression and even criminal attempts at overturning the will of the people. In recent years, the amount and power of disinformation has exploded, with another potential spike on the horizon, driven by the availability of generative AI and other technological advances. Such disinformation not only targets voters but also election workers and the elections process itself, as well as public officials. That disinformation has, in turn, resulted in attacks on election administrators and workers, elected officials and other public servants, and has been used to warp understanding of public sentiment and the public interest, justifying policies and actions that do not reflect the public’s concerns and priorities.  

Our AI, disinformation, and elections work entails collaboration with policy makers, researchers, civil rights, voting rights, good government groups, and election administrators. We seek to develop and advance key reforms that will promote an inclusive and healthy democratic discourse and election system—including accurate election information, safety from threats and intimidation associated with disinformation, and new opportunities and risks associated with the intersection of technology and election administration.  

The Brennan Center’s methods include litigation, legislative and policy advocacy, media and communications, legal and empirical research and writing, and public education.  

The Technology Policy Advocate/Strategist will report to the Deputy Director of the Elections and Government Program and will work under the supervision of/in collaboration with mid-to-senior level attorneys. 

Note: Brennan Center employees adhere to a hybrid schedule that is subject to change, with employees currently required to work in the office a minimum of three days per week, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. While most employees follow this in-person schedule, there may be some positions that require additional in-office days. The preferred location for this position is New York City, but qualified candidates who must remain in D.C. will be considered. 

Responsibilities Include:

• Contribute relevant technical and industry expertise to support the Program’s work. 

• Conduct research—legal and factual—in support of policy advocacy, legislative reform, and communications initiatives.  

• Help to advance policy reforms, often in collaboration with coalition partners.  

• If appropriate based on experience, write and speak to legal and non-legal audiences, including occasional opinion pieces and public appearances. 

• Contribute to strategic planning around maximizing our team’s contributions in this space. 

• Contribute to team administration, including recruitment and hiring, and work with communications and development professionals. 

• If appropriate based on experience, supervise and mentor interns and research or program associates. 

 
Qualifications:  
The ideal candidate will offer some combination of the following experiences and qualifications. We recognize that many excellent candidates may not have all these experiences and qualifications and we will provide support for the successful candidate to acquire additional skills. We hope that you will apply as long as you believe you could contribute in our organization and our project. 

• Interest and capacity to tackle relevant technical developments and the ability to apply that knowledge effectively in a nonpartisan law and policy team setting are essential. For candidates who offer this expertise and ability, a J.D. is a plus. 

• Previous work in technology or technology-related fields.   

• Excellent research and analysis skills: accurate, credible, enterprising. 

• Strong ability to convey information clearly and concisely, in writing and verbally, to non-specialist audiences including colleagues and the public and to specialist audiences in the technology field. 

• Experience and/or interest in working with civil rights, voting rights, immigrant rights, or good government organizations in a legal or non-legal capacity.  

• Comfort comprehending and working with social science, technology, and/or technology ethics research and experts.  

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.  

• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment, including the ability to work with diverse constituencies both inside and outside the organization.  

• A commitment to racial equity. 

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.    

Application Process: To apply, please visit <<this link>> and upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, (3) writing sample (up to 10 pages), and (4) contact information for three references.  Applications without all listed materials will not be considered.  Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified.  We prefer applications be submitted through our website. If you have difficulty uploading these items, email [email protected] with “Technology Policy Advocate/Strategist” in the subject line.  

Compensation and Benefits: 
The position title (Advocate or Strategist) will be determined based experience. The salary range is $100,000-$190,000 and has been determined based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s experience, title offered (Advocate or Strategist), 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.

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.  

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors.  As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including having a booster, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption. 

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.