Policy Counsel

We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

Founded in 1981 in partnership with whistleblowers, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that works to expose waste, corruption, abuse of power, and other instances where the government fails to serve the public. We champion reforms to achieve a more effective, ethical, and accountable federal government that safeguards constitutional principles. POGO has an over $7 million annual budget that supports a staff of over 45 employees.

POGO’s policy team is looking for a talented Policy Counsel to take a leading role in advancing POGO’s advocacy campaigns and provide legal guidance and support to the policy team. The Policy Counsel reports directly to POGO’s Director of Public Policy.

We encourage potential applicants to apply even if they only have experience or familiarity in some of the areas described below. We fully recognize that many great candidates will not have experience in all of the areas we list, or may have relevant experiences and skills that we have not listed or considered.

Responsibilities include:

• Proactively assist the Director of Public Policy in organizing and executing advocacy campaigns based on POGO’s policy recommendations, including setting short term and long-term policy goals related to the campaigns
• Identify, develop, and maintain relationships with key allies, opponents, and other targets for advocacy (particularly in civil society, on Capitol Hill, and in Executive Branch agencies).
• Actively and independently monitor relevant and emerging policy issues to determine what new developments warrant further advocacy.
• Identify, develop, refine, and present policy positions available for POGO to take on emerging issues—based on POGO’s mission, the organization’s previous work, and your independent legal, policy, and legislative research.
• Analyze legislative text to recommend whether POGO should offer an organizational endorsement and/or offer suggestions to improve the language.
• Draft model legislative text, hearing questions, oversight letters, agency public comments, testimony, op-eds, and other articles across a broad range of good government policy areas.
• Represent POGO in coalitions and at meetings with Executive Branch officials and Congressional staff.
• Work closely with the rest of the policy team to ensure effective information sharing.
• Other duties as needed or required.

Qualifications include:

• A law degree (J.D.) from an accredited law school is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of policy experience including positions in Congressional offices or committees, federal agencies, or corporate advocacy and lobbying—or demonstrated equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience participating in advocacy campaigns with an increasing level of autonomy and decision-making responsibility.
• Familiarity with legislative text and the processes surrounding its creation and implementation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work on internal teams, across external organizations, and independently when necessary.
• Demonstrated commitment to working in a nonpartisan manner with diverse stakeholders and policy makers.
• Demonstrated track record of working independently and taking initiative to solve problems and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.

Compensation, benefits, and other information:

This full-time position is located in Washington, DC and includes the listed benefits. Limited travel required for meetings outside DC (less than 5% of time).

• Competitive nonprofit salary starting at $80k.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b) employee investment plan available, with employer retirement contribution through a SEP IRA once eligible.
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Metro SmartTrip benefits participation available.
• Paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave.

No phone calls please. Resume and cover letter required for consideration.

POGO is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We encourage all interested and qualified individuals to apply.