Senior Counsel, Federal Public Policy
The Senior Counsel, Federal Public Policy at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is a pivotal role within the organization's government affairs team, reporting directly to the Vice President of Public Policy. This position focuses on providing legal counsel on federal legislation and policies concerning ADF's core issues, including free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family. The role involves monitoring and engaging with a comprehensive federal legislative portfolio, coordinating with internal experts to analyze federal legislation, conducting in-depth legislative reviews, and regularly meeting with and presenting to Congressional staff and policy allies to advance ADF's policy priorities within the federal government.
Key responsibilities include drafting federal legislation and policies related to ADF's core issues, reviewing, tracking, and reporting on a large federal legislative portfolio of bills affecting ADF's issues and strategic priorities, and developing and implementing strategies to promote and incorporate ADF's legislative priorities into federal legislation, including appropriations and funding legislation. The Senior Counsel will also build and facilitate effective working relationships with key government officials, Congressional offices, and policy allies, work with issue area experts within ADF to develop analysis, position papers, and summaries of legislation affecting ADF's core issues, and conduct research and prepare reports analyzing the latest court precedent that impacts ADF's federal legislative priorities. Additionally, the role involves providing frequent in-person, virtual, and written presentations and testimony on proposed legislation, advocating and coordinating support for ADF's positions on federal governmental policies and legislation in conjunction with the government affairs team and ADF, speaking publicly to Congressional offices, the media, and before crowds, traveling to meet with and educate lawmakers on policies and legislation, and working collaboratively within the ADF team and with external allies.
The minimum qualifications for this position include a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, an active license in at least one U.S. state bar, and the capability of meeting admission requirements in the relevant jurisdiction within one year. Candidates should have at least five years of experience in public policy advocacy, governmental relations/affairs, or legislative work at the federal level. Preferred qualifications include over ten years of legal experience, experience with federal legislative processes and procedures, experience with policy and constitutional issues related to free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family, and proven legislative advocacy skills, including demonstrated advanced verbal and written communication skills.
At Alliance Defending Freedom, the compensation for this role is competitive with top non-profit law firms, with a salary range of $196,000 to $229,000 annually. The benefits package includes 100% covered medical and dental insurance, medical and dependent care reimbursement, paid disability, long-term care, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% company match. The organization prioritizes work-life balance with paid time off and 12 paid holidays each year.
Alliance Defending Freedom is a non-profit legal organization dedicated to protecting religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. The organization builds alliances among attorneys, ministry leaders, pastors, and organizations, pursues strategic victories in law and culture, and supports a network of more than 4,800 attorneys who advocate for religious freedom and the right to live out the Gospel.