Policy Counsel

Reporting to Vice President for Policy and Research, the Policy Counsel will provide legal research and policy analysis to advance NIRH’s policy agenda to advance proactive reproductive rights and justice policies. 


About National Institute for Reproductive Health

The National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) and the National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund (NIRH Action Fund) are advocacy groups that fight for just and equitable access to reproductive health care and build political power for reproductive freedom. We launch campaigns, change policy, and elect candidates, all by working hand-in-hand with reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations in states and cities across the country. We work in the communities where the need is great and we can make a difference, so the fabric of reproductive freedom is harder to tear apart. 

The National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) and the National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund (NIRH Action Fund), advocacy groups that fight for just and equitable access to reproductive health care, are seeking a full-time Policy Counsel to work with the organization for a calendar year to help them in building political power for reproductive freedom.

This is a benefits eligible, full-time, non-exempt position that will require 35 hours of work, with flexibility, during normal business hours, Monday to Friday 10 AM to 6 PM. The annual salary for this position is between $96,000 to $101,500 commensurate with experience.

THE ROLE

Reporting to Vice President for Policy and Research, the Policy Counsel will provide legal research and policy analysis to advance NIRH’s policy agenda to advance proactive reproductive rights and justice policies.  This person will play an integral role with our state and local level initiatives, supporting state and local partners to develop and support proactive reproductive rights and justice policies.  This staff person will be joining a team that’s engaged in shifting its social justice framework to center racial equity as a core priority, as NIRH staff and board have committed to racial equity and have been engaged in a multi-year process to adopt a racial equity lens across the organization.

This is a remote position. However, applicants located in the Washington DC Metro area are strongly encouraged to apply. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Policy Counsel’s primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Providing legal and policy guidance in support proactive legislation and administrative policy work; 
  • Preparing analyses of state ballot initiatives, legislation, and regulations;
  • Writing public education materials for state advocacy campaigns and about state legislative trends;
  • Drafting advocacy materials;
  • Assisting in providing technical assistance to state and local advocates;
  • Assisting in identifying impacts of policy proposals and policy change; 
  • Tracking and analyzing reproductive rights ballot initiatives and legislation in states and localities around the country;
  • Speaking about reproductive rights; and
  • Supporting the other teams, including Programs and Partnerships, Political and Legislative Affairs, and Communications staff on additional legislative and advocacy projects as needed.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

  • J.D. degree required 
  • 3+ years relevant work experience
  • Capable of analyzing complex legal issues
  • Strong legal research and writing skills
  • Legislative, coalition, and/or political experience preferred
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Familiarity working as a team player.
  • Experience and comfort with speaking regularly in front of diverse audiences.
  • Ability to travel throughout the country for meetings and conferences.
  • Deep commitment to progressive social justice goals, preferably with experience working on reproductive justice, health or rights.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Employer subsidized medical, dental and vision insurance.
  • Employer paid Life insurance.
  • Generous time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick days and personal days.
  • 401k with employer match.
  • Flexible Spending Account for transit, healthcare and dependent care. 
  • Employee Assistance Program. 
  • Employer paid supplemental short-term and long-term disability.
  • 12 weeks paid parental leave.

TO APPLY

Email a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “Policy Counsel” in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. All applications must be received via email.

NIRH/NIRHAF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. 

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at NIRH/NIRHAF will be based on merit, qualifications, abilities, and on the needs of NIRH/NIRHAF. This organization does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status or other military status, alienage or citizenship status, genetic carrier status, AIDS, AIDS-related complex or HIV status, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State or local law.

EEO statement

The National Institute for Reproductive Health and NIRH Action Fund is an equal opportunity employer. NIRH and NIRH Action Fund strives to build and support an equitable work community that attracts, develops, and retains exceptional people. As a member of the reproductive freedom movement, NIRH aims to foster leadership and raise the voices of historically marginalized people, including but not limited to Black people and people of color, indigenous/native peoples, LGBTQ and gender non-conforming people, disabled/differently abled people, immigrants, and low-income people. We strongly encourage candidates of these and other diverse backgrounds to apply.

Equity Statement

NIRH and NIRH Action Fund staff and board have committed to racial equity, and as such have been engaged in a multi-year process to adopt a racial equity lens across the organizations. We are a reproductive health and rights organization that incorporates reproductive justice values into our work. We recognize the interconnectivity of identities, such as race, socio-economic status, immigration status, ability, and sex, including sexual orientation, and gender identity, and how they interact with systems of oppressions to shape and impact a person’s freedom and ability to control their reproductive and sexual lives. As a result, this person will join an organization that’s currently engaged in shifting its institutional framework.