Counsel, Reproductive Rights & Health

The Position

The National Women’s Law Center seeks a Counsel to join the Reproductive Rights and Health with a focus on contraceptive access issues. The Counsel will support the team’s projects to improve access to contraceptives through legislative and regulatory work at both the federal and state levels. The Counsel will also lead projects designed to bridge federal and state work, through supporting state groups in federal advocacy efforts, connecting state groups and federal policymakers with one another, and facilitating opportunities for state groups to showcase their innovative and proactive work.

The Organization

The National Women’s Law Center fights for gender justice—in the courts, in public policy, and in our society—working across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls.

We use the law in all its forms to change culture and drive solutions to the gender inequity that shapes our society and to break down the barriers that harm all of us—especially women of color, LGBTQ people, and low-income women and families.

For almost 50 years, we have been on the leading edge of every major legal and policy victory for women. Find out more at NWLC.org.

Responsibilities

  • Conducting legal and policy analysis of federal legislative and administrative proposals, including their specific impact on state program and policies;
  • Drafting written materials, including legislative testimony, talking points, letters, regulatory comments, and other materials;
  • Legal and policy research;
  • Working with federal and state policymakers and advocates, including facilitating connections and partnerships between the federal and state levels;
  • Providing support to state-based advocates and partners;
  • Working in close coordination with key Center staff, including others on the Reproductive Rights and Health team, the Research Team, and the Communications Team, to strategically and collectively further the Center’s work;
  • Contributing to the Reproductive Rights and Health team’s broader work;
  • Representing the Center at coalition meetings and at public events, conferences, and meetings;
  • Travel to states (when conditions allow) to meet with state-based advocates and partners (travel estimated to be approximately 5-10% of time).

Qualifications

The candidate must possess:

  • A law degree and admission to a state bar with ability to waive into the DC Bar if not already admitted;
  • A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience working on advocacy, research, policy formulation, or analysis.
  • Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills;
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with and build trust with key stakeholders, especially federal policymakers and state advocates;
  • Outstanding time management and organizational skills, with careful attention to detail;
  • Demonstrated ability to perform well independently with grace under pressure in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment;
  • Collaborative and collegial approach, and an ability and desire to work in a team-based environment, and an orientation to the work that recognizes and values the contributions of all team members;
  • Demonstrated commitment to centering diversity and equity in executing key responsibilities;
  • A commitment to the mission of the Center, including improving access to contraception and abortion.

Additional preferred skills and knowledge:

  • Experience with administrative law and the regulatory process;
  • Knowledge of reproductive rights, health, and justice issues;

Key Relationships

The Counsel will report directly to the Director of Birth Control Access and will work closely with other staff focused on contraceptive access, as well as other members of the Reproductive Rights and Health Team. May have supervisory opportunities with interns.

Compensation & Benefits

A minimum salary of $78,453 will be provided to the successful candidate who has at least 2 years of experience directly relevant to this role, consistent with the National Women’s Law Center’s compensation framework.

The Center offers a comprehensive benefits package, and four weeks of annual vacation.

NWLC is a non-profit organization whose headquarters and staff are based in Washington, D.C., with our office located in historic Dupont Circle. However, due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, all NWLC staff are temporarily working remotely. We continue to monitor public health guidance and keep safety, science, and flexibility top of mind as we evaluate what reopening looks like for our team.

Classification

NWLC recognizes a staff bargaining unit, NWLC United, affiliated with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union/IFPTE Local 70, a union for non-profit workers. This position is included in NWLC’s bargaining unit. Specific employment terms are subject to collective bargaining.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please forward a resume and cover letter outlining your interests and qualifications. Resumes should include exact start and end dates (month and year) of employment. Please send application materials via e-mail to: [email protected] and include the position title in the subject line. Electronic submissions are preferred. Applications accepted until position is filled.

The National Women’s Law Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and values a diverse workforce.  We strongly encourage and seek applications from people with disabilities; people of all gender identities and sexual orientations; people of color; and veterans. 

Reasonable Accommodations

If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email us at [email protected].