Make a difference with us! At Alliance Defending Freedom, we believe God has brought you here for His purpose—to stand for truth and defend the God-given right to live and speak it. Together, we protect religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. Review our Statement of Faith to ensure we’re a fit for you.
Location: Washington D.C.
Team Overview
The Senior Counsel, Federal Public Policy will serve on the government affairs team that manages ADF’s legislative and public policy work. This position will report to the Vice President of Public Policy. It will focus on providing legal counsel on federal legislation and policies regarding all of ADF’s core issue areas, including free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family. The role requires monitoring and engaging with a comprehensive federal legislative portfolio, coordinating with issue experts within ADF to analyze federal legislation, conducting in-depth legislative review and analysis, and regularly meeting with and presenting to Congressional staff and policy allies to advance ADF’s policy priorities within the federal government.
Key Responsibilities
- Draft federal legislation and policies related to free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family.
- Review, track, and report on a large federal legislative portfolio of bills affecting ADF’s issues and strategic priorities.
- Develop and implement strategies to promote and incorporate ADF’s legislative priorities into federal legislation, including appropriations and funding legislation.
- Quickly develop a working knowledge of new legislation and its impact on ADF’s core issue areas.
- 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 issue areas.
- Conduct research and prepare reports analyzing the latest court precedent that impacts ADF's federal legislative priorities.
- Provide frequent in-person, virtual, and written presentations and testimony on proposed legislation, including ADF’s position on legislation and its legal implications.
- Advocate and coordinate support for ADF’s positions on federal governmental policies and legislation in conjunction with the government affairs team and ADF.
- Speak publicly to Congressional offices, the media, and before crowds.
- Travel to meet with and educate lawmakers on policies and legislation.
- Work collaboratively within the ADF team and with external allies.
Minimum Qualifications
- J.D., active license in at least one U.S. state bar, and capable of meeting admission requirements in relevant jurisdiction within one year.
- 10+ years of legal experience
- 5+ years in public policy advocacy, governmental relations/affairs, or legislative work at the federal level.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with policy and constitutional issues related to free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family.
- Proven legislative advocacy skills, including demonstrated advanced verbal and written communication skills.
Pay & Benefits
At Alliance Defending Freedom, we offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and growth. Our benefits include 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. We prioritize work-life balance with paid time off and 12 paid holidays each year.
Want to Know More About ADF?
This salary range is reflective of a position based in Washington, D.C. This range is a good faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and office location.
Skills Required
- J.D. degree
- Active license in at least one U.S. state bar
- Capable of meeting admission requirements in the relevant jurisdiction within one year
- At least 5 years of experience in federal public policy advocacy, governmental relations or affairs, or legislative work
- At least 10 years of legal experience
- Experience with federal legislative processes and procedures
- Experience with policy and constitutional issues involving free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, sanctity of life, and marriage and family
- Demonstrated legislative advocacy skills and advanced verbal and written communication skills
What We Do
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is a nonprofit legal organization that works to protect religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, parental rights, and marriage and family. It 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.
