Director/Senior Director, LGBTQI+ Policy

This role will be driven by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country. The work will also include a focus on identifying and executing points of connectivity among LGBTQI+ issues and the organization’s five crosscutting priorities:

• Building an economy for all
• Restoring social trust in democracy
• Advancing racial equity and justice
• Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
• Strengthening health

The Director or Senior Director will lead day-to-day operations for American Progress LGBTQI+ policy efforts, such as by designing and implementing strategic plans, leading coalition engagement, managing staff, and collaborating with colleagues within the Rights and Justice department and across American Progress. This leader also may help raise funds to support the department and American Progress’ institutional priorities. The ideal candidate will think strategically about translating ideas into action and have a strong command and understanding of LGBTQI+ rights and equity, appreciation for matrixed organizations, executive and/or legislative branch experience, and relationships with key players in the field.

Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day leadership of American Progress’ LGBTQI+ work and serve as a thought leader within the LGBTQI+ movement.
• Develop an LGTBQI+ policy, research, and communications agenda, and actively participate in connecting this work with American Progress’ crosscutting priorities.
• Work with the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Rights and Justice department and other leaders organizationwide to set the strategic direction for American Progress’ priorities related to LGBTQI+ issues, including the development of crosscutting efforts.
• Maintain relationships within the Rights and Justice department and throughout American Progress, including with the Executive, Advocacy and Outreach, Communications, and Development departments.
• Work closely with other policy experts at American Progress to find areas of collaboration and define shared messages and policy strategies.
• Assist in fundraising to meet the department’s work plan.
• Oversee the production and distribution of a variety of written products, including reports, issue briefs, columns, and op-eds, that advance LGBTQI+ rights and equity and translate research findings for a broader audience.
• Assist colleagues and guide the team in crafting timely policy reports and rapid-response documents to ensure relevant participation in policy debates.
• Promote LGBTQI+ priorities and work products both inside and outside the organization.
• Represent American Progress, the Rights and Justice department, and the LGBTQI+ team with the public, media, and other external groups and individuals.
• Build and maintain key relationships across the LGBTQI+ movement, including with allied organizations and policymakers.
• Keep American Progress staff updated on news and events related to relevant policy debates in Congress and/or the presidential administration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. An advanced degree or Juris Doctor is preferred.
• Seven to 10 years of political, government, or nonprofit management and operations experience for the Director role; at least 10 years of experience for the Senior Director role.
• Knowledge and experiential expertise as well as a proven track record working on LGBTQI+ issues are required. An advanced degree is a plus.
• Knowledge of federal and state policymaking and litigation strategies; experience working with Congress and federal agencies; and established relationships with policymakers, advocates, and community leaders within Washington, D.C., and in the states.
• Excellent presentation, written, and oral communication skills.
• The ability to translate complicated issues into compelling messages for target audiences and to identify creative solutions to address complex challenges.
• Strong analytical skills; quantitative skills are a plus.
• Deep knowledge of LGBTQI+ policy. Familiarity with U.S. history is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic, long-term plans and implement them successfully.
• Strong political instincts and experience working with coalitions.
• Significant experience managing a team.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union. The Director position has a minimum salary of $92,000, and the Senior Director position has a minimum salary of $125,000.

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and the levels of community spread and adjust plans as needed for in-office work. Any changes to our current hybrid work policy will be communicated at the time of hire. Updates will be posted on American Progress’ Jobs page.