---
title: 'Policy Director & Counsel, Voting and Fair Representation at Common Cause'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/policy-director-counsel-voting-and-fair-representation-common-cause-lower-48-dcxf73an1029'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-07'
---

# Policy Director & Counsel, Voting and Fair Representation at Common Cause

- **Company:** Common Cause
- **Location:** Lower 48, United States
- **Compensation:** $117k–$138k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** remote
- **Posted:** 2026-11-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-07
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/commoncause/e517ee6a-c71d-4b54-9b3c-4cd9b31aea1d

## Job description

We are looking for a Policy Director & Counsel, Voting & Fair Representation to join our work to advance state, multi-state and federal policy wins on voting rights, election administration, and fair representation issues. This role will take ownership of issues within the Voting & Fair Representation pillar—from ideation through execution. The Policy Director & Counsel will collaborate with departments and teams across the organization, providing strategic guidance and legal analysis, conducting research to strategically support our issues, and amplifying our issues externally. This role is ideal for a proactive thinker who thrives on anticipating what’s next in the democracy landscape and translating research and analysis into actionable strategies. This is a full-time role reporting to the Senior Policy Director & Counsel, Voting & Fair Representation; the position is open to remote candidates in the lower 48 United States, though candidates who can work in our Washington, DC office at least two days per week will receive preference. Priority will be given to candidates who apply by November 15, 2026. We hope our new Policy Director & Counsel will start in January 2027.

Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Team Management Lead development of proactive state, multi-state, and federal policy and legal strategies on issues within the Voting & Fair Representation pillar, anticipating emerging threats and opportunities and charting paths to advance our agenda

You will thrive in this role if you have:

- Experience leading successful state-level or national public advocacy campaigns related to voting and/or fair representation

- Experience with the legislative process within at least one state, and ideally also at the federal level (including policy research and analysis, policy development, legislative drafting, legislative advocacy and lobbying, and policy implementation)

- Experience with shaping impact litigation strategies and working with outside counsel teams

- A strong commitment to Common Cause’s nonpartisan mission and to advancing civil rights through our pro-democracy agenda

- A track record of working collaboratively with others, with the ability to build rapport, trust, and credibility with multiple stakeholders with diverse interests

- Innovative and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to navigate through ambiguity to achieve goals, and a resourceful approach to solve problems

- Ability to navigate organizational and power dynamics, respectfully navigate conflict while maintaining your values, and influence others to adopt changes to meet common goals

- Ability to compel action through both written and verbal communication, including distilling complex concepts for a broad audience, and to differentiate communications as needed for various audiences; ideally you have experience speaking to the media

- Ability to manage and meet deadlines for multiple short- and long-term priorities at once, with high attention to detail; strong organization skills, and the ability to manage your time independently

- A commitment to equity in the goals of your work and in how you work with others

- Openness to feedback and awareness of your own strengths and areas for growth

- Familiarity with office productivity tools including Microsoft Office, Slack, and Zoom

The following is required:

- Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and membership in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

- Demonstrated subject-matter expertise in issues related to this pillar

- Have managed at least one staff member, intern and/or fellow

- Experience taking policy ideas from concept through execution, including drafting proposals, conducting legal analysis, building support, and implementing reforms

- Demonstrated knowledge of the unique aspects of our national political dynamic, and knowledge of leaders and decision-makers within at least one state and ideally also at the federal level, with a preference for candidates who have built relationships with these stakeholders

- Experience managing coalitions or groups that represent stakeholders with diverse interests to achieve a goal

- Ability to travel up to 6 times per year for team and/or all staff retreats

- Per our nonpartisan policy, Common Cause staff members may not currently be in elected office (or running for office); on the Steering Committee or Finance Committee for any political candidate; or affiliated with the leadership of a political party

Additional information about this role:

- This position is classified as supervisory and therefore not included in the union-represented collective bargaining unit.

- Common Cause is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time; please note that if hired, you will be asked to produce documentation for authorization to work in the US

Common Cause is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status, as well as applicants who have been previously incarcerated.

Common Cause (501(c)(4)) and Common Cause Education Fund (501(c)(3)) are nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots affiliate organizations dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create an open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.

Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Common Cause has members and supporters living in every congressional district in the United States, and offices in 23 states around the country.

## About Common Cause

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit organization that advocates for democracy reforms, including voting rights, campaign finance limits, and government accountability, through public education, litigation, and legislative action.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Nonprofit 501(c)(3)/(c)(4))
- **Headquarters**: Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- **Founded**: 1970
- **Founders**: John Gardner

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Non-profit organizations / Democracy & Government Reform
- **Target customers**: General public, activists, policymakers, and communities across the United States (B2C and B2G)
- **Mission**: “To uphold the core values of American democracy—creating open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promoting equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empowering all people to make their voices heard in the political process.” [commoncause.org](https://www.commoncause.org/about-us/)

## Products & Services
Common Cause operates as an advocacy and service organization rather than a product company. Its major offerings include:
- **Advocacy Campaigns**: Grassroots mobilization and lobbying at federal, state, and local levels to pass pro-democracy legislation (e.g., voting rights, ethics reforms).
- **Litigation**: Legal action in courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, on issues such as fair redistricting, campaign finance, and government transparency.
- **Election Protection**: Recruiting and training volunteers to monitor polling places and assist voters on Election Day.
- **Research & Public Education**: Producing reports, policy analyses, and educational campaigns (via the Common Cause Education Fund) to inform the public and decision-makers.
- **State & Local Offices**: On-the-ground teams in over 25 states that tailor national strategies to local needs.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not applicable (nonprofit)
- **Key Metric – Annual Revenue**: $7.6 million (most recent data) [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/common-cause)
- **Key Metric – Total Funding**: Not applicable; funded through donations and grants (not disclosed)
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: Not applicable; key partners include elected officials from both parties, coalition partners in democracy reform, and a network of 1.5 million supporters.
- **Growth Signals**:
  - 156 employees (+5.5% year-over-year, +13 people) [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/common-cause)
  - 1.5 million supporters nationwide [commoncause.org](https://www.commoncause.org/about-us/)
  - Active offices in 25+ states
  - LinkedIn followers: 14,015 (monthly growth +1.9%, yearly +35.8%)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Nonpartisan credibility**: Works across the political spectrum, building trust and enabling bipartisan wins.
- **Deep historical track record**: Founded in 1970, Common Cause has played a role in landmark achievements such as lowering the voting age to 18, banning “soft money” in campaigns, and creating the Office of Congressional Ethics.
- **Grassroots power**: 1.5 million members and supporters provide a massive, distributed network for rapid mobilization.
- **Legal and policy expertise**: In-house litigation and policy teams with a history of impactful Supreme Court and state-level cases.
- **State-level infrastructure**: Over 25 state offices with on-the-ground specialists who understand local dynamics.

## Strategic Focus
- **Defending the right to vote**: Fighting voter suppression and expanding access to the ballot.
- **Limiting big money in politics**: Advocating for campaign finance reform and transparency.
- **Holding officials accountable**: Pushing for stronger ethics rules, anti-corruption measures, and fair redistricting.
- **Racial equity and inclusion**: Embedding equity across all programs and internal operations, with a stated commitment to “a truly representative and inclusive government.” [commoncause.org](https://www.commoncause.org/about-us/)

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-driven environment**: Direct impact on strengthening democracy at every level of government.
- **Comprehensive benefits** (from [commoncause.org](https://www.commoncause.org/our-benefits/)):
  - 97% of employee medical premiums covered (100% vision/dental); 75% family coverage.
  - 401(k) with employer match.
  - Generous PTO: up to 20 days vacation, 3 personal/floating days, plus all major holidays (up to 35 days off annually including holidays).
  - 16 weeks paid parental leave for new parents (plus up to 16 weeks unpaid medical/family leave).
  - $1,000 professional development stipend per fiscal year.
  - $1,000 child/petcare stipend annually for work-related travel.
  - $100/month internet stipend for remote work.
  - Birthday gift from SugarWish.
- **Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)**: Five active ERGs – Advocates for Disability & Neurodiversity Awareness (ADNA), Black ERG, Latine ERG, LGBTQIA+ ERG, and North African, Middle Eastern, Asian/Pacific Islander, Desi (NOMADs) ERG. [commoncause.org](https://www.commoncause.org/careers/)
- **Remote/hybrid policy**: Remote-friendly with a monthly internet stipend and WFH support; headquarters in Washington, DC with offices nationwide.
- **Culture**: Rated 3.8/5.0 on LinkedIn (47 reviews); work-life balance 3.4, compensation 3.5, career opportunities 3.0. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/common-cause)

## Sources
1. [Common Cause Careers Page](https://www.commoncause.org/about-us/careers/)
2. [Common Cause Benefits Page](https://www.commoncause.org/our-benefits/)
3. [Common Cause About Page](https://www.commoncause.org/about-us/)
4. [Common Cause Homepage](https://www.commoncause.org/)
5. [Common Cause LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/common-cause)

## Other roles at Common Cause

- [Senior Policy Manager, Anticorruption and Accountability](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-policy-manager-anticorruption-and-accountability-common-cause-lower-48-s4tktr21h9ch) — Lower 48, United States
- [Policy Director and Counsel, Media and Technology](https://feeny.ai/job/policy-director-and-counsel-media-and-technology-common-cause-lower-48-tass886b0b72) — Lower 48, United States
- [State Director, Wisconsin](https://feeny.ai/job/state-director-wisconsin-common-cause-wisconsin-tgfj5yfpjcah) — Wisconsin
- [Senior Director, Individual Giving](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-director-individual-giving-common-cause-washington-2trppers7qns) — Washington, DC
- [Legislative Director, CA](https://feeny.ai/job/legislative-director-ca-common-cause-sacramento-z35zy2bsnh0r) — Sacramento, CA