Counsel, Government Affairs

This position is for an immediate opening and will be based in Philadelphia or Washington, D.C.

FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mix of in-the-office and remote work days for eligible employees. This position is not eligible for full-time remote work.

FIRE is seeking a full-time Counsel, Government Affairs to join its campus legislative team. The Counsel, Government Affairs will work to advance FIRE’s mission by lobbying state and federal legislators and policymakers, researching legislative and regulatory issues related to FIRE’s work, developing and leading reviews of FIRE’s legislative initiatives, and advising FIRE staff and leadership on policy solutions to issues concerning student and faculty rights.

About FIRE

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.

Position Description

The Counsel, Government Affairs will report to and work directly with FIRE’s Lead Counsel for Government Affairs, in addition to lobbying state and federal legislators and policymakers. The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

1. Advocating FIRE’s positions to policymakers in a persuasive and productive manner.
2. Tracking and analyzing state and federal legislation, amendments to legislation, and federal policies, including administrative regulations affecting student and faculty rights.
3. Conducting research for the Legislative and Policy Department.
4. Assisting the organization in developing considered, consistent, and effective approaches to broader policy and legal issues.
5. Assisting the organization in determining organizational responses to proposed legislation, and developing and implementing strategies to support or defeat specific legislation.
6. Leading audits of FIRE’s legislative interventions to help the organization ensure its work is effective on the ground.
7. Providing testimony or recruiting experts to testify in state and federal legislative hearings upon request.
8. Networking and building relationships with key political figures, organizations, and nonprofits to expand FIRE’s legislative and policy agenda.
9. Attending, participating, and speaking on behalf of FIRE at various internal and external conferences and events.
10. Editorial work, including writing and copy editing content for FIRE’s website, and participating in media interviews as needed.

This position involves a moderate amount of travel. Occasional work on weekends and evenings should be expected.

The expected start date for this position will be as soon as possible.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have a good work ethic, be a self-starter, and have the ability to work independently. Most importantly, the candidate must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause. A candidate must also be able to demonstrate:

• Previous lobbying and strong networking experience preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of constitutional and higher education law.
• Strong legal writing, copy-editing, and researching skills.
• Ability to craft, analyze, and articulate legal arguments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with policy makers across the political spectrum.
• Public speaking skills.
• Interpersonal communication.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.

Other preferred qualifications include:

• 1-3 years of lobbying or legislative experience.
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills.

J.D. degree and admission to practice law in at least one state preferred. Excellent candidates with a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university will be considered. Please note that candidates without a J.D. will have the job title of Program Officer, Government Affairs.

Salary and Compensation

The projected salary range is $60,000-$85,000 based upon experience and education level. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for outstanding and excellent work. FIRE also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance for employees; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan.

Applications

Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, a writing sample, salary requirements, and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan, Chief People Officer.

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer.