Senior Vice President, Rights and Justice

Reports to: Executive Vice President, Policy

Staff reporting to this position: Team leads for Criminal Justice Reform, Disability Justice Initiative, Gun Violence Prevention, Immigration, LGBTQI+, and Racial Equity and Justice

Department: Rights and Justice

Position classification: Exempt, full time; Nonunion - Level 10

Minimum compensation: $190,000

Work site: Hybrid (on-site two days per week, Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

The Senior Vice President for Rights and Justice will lead in executing American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans, through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country. This leader will be a creative and analytical thought partner with team leads, invoking American Progress’ mission to change the country’s approach to rights, justice, and equity, including by seeing and executing on points of connectivity with the organization’s five crosscutting priorities:

• Building an economy for all
• Restoring social trust and strengthening democracy
• Advancing racial equity and justice
• Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
• Strengthening health

This position requires developing, communicating, and moving toward implementing policy ideas that provide a new way forward for a range of equity challenges in an increasingly diverse America. The Senior Vice President will enhance the existing work planned by each team, ensuring that the department’s work connects with American Progress’ crosscutting priorities and clear departmentwide annual objectives with measurable outcomes, with particular focus on implementing effectively significant U.S. economic and energy investments with an equity lens; advancing democratic accountability; and bolstering safe and just communities. They will be expected to coordinate policy analysis and substantial research and writing for the department, while also working regularly on relevant ideas and issues with other American Progress departments. The Senior Vice President will also manage the department’s budget and relationships with outside stakeholders, including ally organizations, policymakers, and the media.

This leader will have the opportunity to further build and manage a dynamic, high-performing department. They will think strategically about turning ideas into action, working within their department and collaborating across American Progress, as well as in coalition with other organizations in this space. This leader will be expected to raise funds commensurate with the strategy and build-out plans aligned with the organization’s crosscutting priorities and to support the Rights and Justice department. The ideal candidate will have a strong command and understanding of rights, equity, and justice issues, with particular expertise in racial equity challenges; facility with government institutions at the local, state, or federal level; senior executive or legislative branch experience; and relationships with key players in the field.

Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day management for the Criminal Justice Reform, Disability Justice Initiative, Gun Violence Prevention, Immigration, LGBTQI+, and Racial Equity and Justice team leads. Collaborate with them, as well as the functional advocacy and communications leads, to develop the department’s policy agenda and lead or participate actively in American Progress’ crosscutting priority efforts.
• Work with the Executive Vice President for Policy to set the strategic direction for justice, equity, and rights policy, including the development of crosscutting efforts and fundraising strategies.
• Manage the department budget and, in coordination with the Executive Vice President for Policy and the Development department, fundraise to support American Progress’ crosscutting work and meet the Rights and Justice department’s work plan.
• Represent the department with the public, media, and other outside groups and individuals.
• Promote department and team priorities and products both inside and outside the organization.
• Assist colleagues and guide the department in crafting timely policy reports and rapid-response documents to ensure relevant participation in policy debates with an eye toward shaping outcomes.
• Keep American Progress staff updated on news and events related to relevant policy debates in Congress and/or the administration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.
• Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Knowledge and senior experiential expertise, as well as a proven track record.
• Skills and extensive experience with managing peers or otherwise senior staff and actively participating in cross-team and cross-organizational efforts.
• Significant knowledge of federal policymaking and experience working with Congress and federal agencies, as well as established relationships with policymakers, advocates, and community leaders inside Washington, D.C., and in the states.
• Excellent presentation and written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills; quantitative skills are a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic, long-term plans and implement them successfully.
• Strong political instincts and experience working with coalitions.
• Experience with fundraising and managing budgets.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

American Progress offers full and competitive benefit packages. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union and has a minimum salary of $190,000.

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and the levels of community spread and adjust plans as needed for in-office work. Any changes to our current hybrid work policy will be communicated at the time of hire. Updates will be posted on American Progress’ Jobs page.