Counsel

Democracy Defenders Action, a 501(c)(4) organization

Full time, Exempt, Remote

Organizational Overview

The Democracy Defenders family of organizations (a c3, c4, legally separate PAC, and The Contrarian) is a leader in the fight against authoritarianism, working strategically in the courts and court of public opinion to restore American democracy by: upholding the rule of law, safeguarding free and fair elections, and fighting corruption. 

Role Purpose

The Counsel leverages their legal research, writing, and analysis skills to support a portfolio of accountability, transparency, and ethics in government initiatives, playing a key role in all aspects of DDA’s 2027 government reform agenda. As a member of the Policy, Oversight, and Ethics (POE) department, the Counsel will report to the Deputy Director for Anticorruption and Ethics and work closely with senior department members on various matters, cultivating expertise across a spectrum of pro-democracy, anti-authoritarian issue areas and tactics.

To best protect, strengthen, and rebuild our democracy, it is critical that DDA’s staff reflects the diversity of backgrounds and experiences represented in the democracy we seek to defend. Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Chief Counsel and Director for Anticorruption and Ethics (department director), the Deputy Director for Anticorruption and Ethics (direct manager), and senior department members, identify, track, and respond to potential corruption, unethical activities, and misconduct by government officials. 
• Prepare administrative complaints, regulatory comments, and Freedom of Information Act requests, including complaints under the criminal conflict of interest laws, the Hatch Act (political activity), and the federal appropriations laws.
• Assist in POE’s legislative and policy reform initiatives in coordination with relevant POE team leads, including conducting research and drafting letters, preparing senior leadership for hearings and meetings, and preparing talking points and testimony.
• Assist in producing high-quality written content, including policy reports, op-eds, summary documents, and more, in both long-term and rapid-response scenarios. 
• Review financial disclosure reports and ethics documents for individual violations of law, potential conflicts of interest, and overall trends that may point to vulnerabilities in government programs. 
• Provide subject matter expertise and research support on corruption-related litigation (as directed by Counsel in our Litigation and Rapid Response depts).
• Translate matter updates and impact for the Communications and Fundraising departments, connecting specific matters to our larger pro-democracy and anti-authoritarianism effort. 
• Work closely with organizations and principals across the political spectrum and coordinate mission-aligned working groups.  
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing with a state bar in the United States, with the ability to waive into the DC bar if necessary.
• 2 - 8 years of legal work in one or more of the following areas: administrative law, constitutional law, privacy and data security laws, election law, federal civil service laws, or public records laws.
• Familiarity with congressional or executive oversight, investigative, or regulatory complaint procedures or comparable private sector procedures.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent legal writing, analytical, and research abilities.
• Sound judgement and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Proven ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize effectively, and collaborate with various stakeholders. 
• Unwavering commitment to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy; Experience (professional, volunteer, or otherwise) advancing democracy, election integrity, and the rule of law. 
• Commitment to diversity and inclusivity and an ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. 
• Willingness to perform weeknight and weekend work as needed. 
• Willingness to travel occasionally for meetings in DC or conferences. 

Role and Compensation Details 

• This role is ideally based in the Washington DC/DMV area. Candidates who are available for in person tasks and meetings will be given preference, but we are open to this role being remote for the right candidate. 
• The Oversight Counsel sits in our Policy, Oversight, and Ethics department and reports to the Deputy Director, Anticorruption and Ethics. 
• This role primarily supports Democracy Defenders Action and Democracy Defenders Fund. 
• The salary range for this position is $85,000 - 140,000, commensurate with experience. 
• DDA provides a comprehensive benefits package including 20+ days of PTO, 12 holidays, health insurance (100% paid for employee and 50% paid for family), 401K with match, tech and home office stipends, coworking space access, and recurring teambuilding opportunities. 

If you are unsure about applying, we encourage you to make a case as to why you are a compelling candidate. A human reviews all application materials, and we are eager to hear from candidates who may not meet all of the qualifications, who possess transferable skills, and who have non-traditional work histories.

Democracy Defenders Action is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Application Instructions 

To apply, include a resume, and in lieu of a cover letter, respond briefly (300 words or less) to the below prompts. We will not consider answers created with generative AI.