Senior Policy Specialist

Application Deadline: June 3, 2022 or until filled

Job Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Washington DC area (incumbent must be able to engage in regular, in person advocacy and lobbying in DC but may work from a remote office for daily activities)

About Us: Freedom Network USA (FNUSA) is the nation’s largest alliance of organizations and individual advocates working with survivors of all forms of human trafficking to ensure that trafficked persons have access to justice, safety, and opportunity. FNUSA advocates for a human rights-based approach to human trafficking at the federal level, including advocacy with federal agencies and lobbying in Congress. FNUSA has a work atmosphere where everyone’s opinions and ideas are valued. We are committed to healthy work-life balance and offer everyone opportunities to learn, experiment, and grow.

Position Summary: The Senior Policy Specialist will support the diverse legal and policy work of FNUSA, including lobbying on the reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims’ Protection Act, appropriations, and other federal legislation; advocacy with federal agencies including comments on regulations and policy efforts; and training and technical assistance on legal and policy issues. This is a full-time, non-exempt position, and reports to the Executive Director.

Essential Job Functions:

Advocacy

• Represent FNUSA in collaborative spaces (in person and online)
• Analyze changes in regulations, policies, and grant funding by key federal agencies (especially DOJ, HHS, DOL, EEOC, DHS)
• Draft comments and written analysis on federal policy issues in collaboration with the Executive Director
• Engage directly with federal agency officials (in person and online)
• Coordinate input and concerns from FNUSA members on federal policy issues, propose strategies for effective policy change to the Executive Director and FNUSA members
• Review and recommend sign on letter requests from allies to the Executive Director
• Manage FNUSA’s amicus brief efforts by reviewing drafts, drafting edits, and making recommendations to the Executive Director
• Share policy collaboration opportunities with FNUSA members
• Provide written analysis of policy issues for FNUSA members and general public
• Track impact and policy change

Lobbying- Federal

• Represent FNUSA in collaborative spaces (in person and online)
• Lead the FNUSA Policy Working Group to refine and revise the FNUSA policy agenda annually
• Develop relationships with members of Congress, and engage in direct lobbying on relevant legislative issues including the reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, annual appropriations, and other matters relevant to human trafficking
• Review draft legislation and provide feedback to policymakers in collaboration with the Executive Director
• Share efforts and coordinate input with FNUSA members
• Track impact and policy change

Skills and Qualifications

• 4 years of experience with policy work (required) and lobbying (preferred). This requirement can be met through a relevant degree and 2 years of professional experience or 4 years of professional experience.
• Experience working on policy related to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, or other forms of trauma preferred
• Strong research and writing skills
• Ability to work independently
• Organization and ability to prioritize among multiple tasks

Work Environment: FNUSA has become a fully remote organization. Employees can choose to work from home or to have FNUSA provide a co-working office space near them.

COVID 19 Vaccine Requirement: All employees who wish to, or are required to by the nature of their position, attend in-person work meetings or events, will be required to be vaccinated from COVID 19. Accommodations will be granted only where they do not cause undue hardship to the organization.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• The position requires the ability to work on a computer for all or part of the work day. The person in this position must be able to communicate via phone, video calls, and email.
• This position requires the ability to work set, core hours, Monday through Friday.
• This position requires regular travel in DC for advocacy and lobbying activities, depending on COVID safety guidelines.
• The position requires the ability to attend events that may encompass all or part of the work day.

Compensation: The salary range is $55,000 - $60,000 depending on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and retirement. The final salary offer will be contingent upon an organizational compensation analysis and equity review. In order to counter pay inequality and uphold internal parity, compensation is non-negotiable for all employees. To learn more about our compensation policy and view our compensation chart, please click here.

How To Apply: To apply please send resume, cover letter, and 2-3 page legal writing sample to info@freedomnetworkusa.org with “Senior Policy Specialist” in the subject line by June 3, 2022.

Survivors of trafficking are strongly encouraged to apply. Lived experience is evaluated as equivalent to work or educational experience by FNUSA for this position.

Freedom Network USA is an equal opportunity employer. FNUSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, gender identity or presentation, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion, immigration status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability in employment. We will provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities so they can participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.