Senior Strategist, Federal Advocacy, Advocacy & Partnerships

The Senior Strategist, Federal Advocacy is a key member of Vera’s Advocacy & Partnerships department and serves as a strategist and advocate focused on advancing Vera’s federal policy priorities and defending against federal actions that threaten them. The Senior Strategist develops and executes federal advocacy strategies to advance legislation, federal budget and appropriations priorities, administrative policies, and other federal policy changes aligned with Vera’s goals.

The Senior Strategist monitors and analyzes the federal political and policy environment, identifies opportunities to advance Vera’s priorities, develops strategies to influence federal decision-makers, and builds relationships with congressional offices, federal agencies, national advocacy organizations, and other key stakeholders. This role will work closely with movement and coalition partners to build power and advance shared federal policy goals.

At a moment when federal policymakers are pushing a return to failed “tough-on-crime” policies, Vera’s role is to bring the data, evidence, and solutions about what works into federal policy debates, particularly with government and grasstops stakeholders. Vera’s February 2026 platform, A New Federal Paradigm for Safety, Accountability, and Justice, reflects the kind of popular, evidence-based federal solutions Vera champions, organized around six planks: strong, accountable policing; ending the overdose crisis; supporting strong mental health and deescalating crisis; tackling gun violence; safe streets and good quality of life; and a fairer, more accountable justice system. On immigration, Vera works to hold federal immigration enforcement accountable, expand access to deportation defense and universal legal representation for people facing deportation, and push back against the expansion of DHS’s power.

The Senior Strategist will serve as a lead strategist on assigned federal policy priorities, helping determine when and how Vera should engage in federal legislative, appropriations, regulatory, and administrative processes. The role requires strong political judgment, an understanding of federal policymaking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to move complex advocacy campaigns forward in a dynamic environment.

What qualifications are we looking for?

Required:

Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of relevant experience. In lieu of degree requirement, applicable work or life experience may be considered.

Demonstrated experience working on criminal justice, immigration, public safety, or related public policy issues.

At least 3 years of experience planning and leading federal advocacy campaigns. Including managing complex campaigns and projects from strategy development through implementation.

Experience developing and implementing advocacy strategies involving multiple stakeholders, decision-makers, and advocacy partners.

Demonstrated ability to analyze political and policy developments and translate them into advocacy strategy.

Experience developing advocacy materials, including legislative recommendations, talking points, policy briefs, testimony, congressional materials, and other advocacy communications.

Preferred:

3+ years of issue advocacy and community organizing experience.

Experience building and/or leading coalitions in partnership with national, grasstops, and grassroots organizations.

Experience working directly with congressional offices, congressional committees, federal agencies, or other federal policymakers.

Experience with federal appropriations, budget advocacy, or fiscal policy.

Experience developing or advancing federal legislation, regulations, executive actions, or administrative policy.

Experience working on criminal legal system or immigration policy at the federal level.

2+ years of electoral political experience and organizing experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you’ll bring:

Strong knowledge of federal advocacy strategy, policymaking, and power building.

Demonstrated understanding of Congress and the federal legislative process, including congressional committees, legislative vehicles, hearings, and congressional decision-making.

Demonstrated understanding of the federal budget, appropriations, and administrative processes.

Strong understanding of congressional decision-making, committee structures, legislative strategy, and federal appropriations.

Strong political and strategic judgment, including the ability to identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, assess political dynamics, and adapt advocacy strategies as circumstances change.

Ability to develop and maintain relationships with congressional offices, federal agencies, coalition partners, and other external stakeholders.

Ability to research, synthesize, and communicate complex policy and political information clearly and effectively.

Excellent writing, oral communication, and presentation skills.

Ability to issue-spot and problem-solve across federal policy and advocacy strategy, including proactively and creatively developing tactics, resources, and tools.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple activities in a fast-paced environment.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a national team while independently managing responsibilities and external relationships.

Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative and politically dynamic environment.

A deep commitment to Vera’s mission to end mass incarceration, fight for immigrant rights, bring dignity to people behind bars, and help build safe, thriving communities.

Salary: $105,000-110,000