Associate Director for State Policy

Associate Director for State Policy

Reports to: Policy Director

Direct reports: State and Local Policy Attorneys

Hours: Full-time, exempt

Location: Within the continental US

About GIFFORDS

For more than three decades, GIFFORDS has been on the front lines of the movement to create a safer America. Founded in the aftermath of tragic mass shootings, GIFFORDS combines legal expertise, policy advocacy, and political action to reduce gun violence. We work with diverse coalitions to advocate for evidence-based solutions such as universal background checks, Extreme Risk Protection Orders, and community violence intervention programs. Our work is crucial in addressing the epidemic of gun violence, which costs the U.S. an estimated $557 billion annually.

Position Summary

GIFFORDS is seeking an experienced policy attorney to serve as the Associate Director for State Policy. This role is pivotal in expanding our state and local legislative and policy initiatives. You will provide legislative and policy expertise to support GIFFORDS’ efforts to reduce gun violence across the country. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a high-profile national movement and address America's gun violence epidemic.

This is a full-time position based in the contiguous US, requiring up to 20% travel. Occasional weekend and evening event support is also expected. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Duties and Responsibilities

Legislative and Regulatory Work

• Represent GIFFORDS’ interests in the legislative process by analyzing bills, researching, reviewing, and commenting on proposed legislation.
• Collaborate with research, litigation, and community violence intervention teams to integrate their expertise into legislative advocacy.
• Identify and track state bills affecting gun laws and policy using bill tracking systems.
• Identify, research, and describe opportunities for executive and regulatory actions to enhance gun safety and develop new policy solutions.
• Prepare and deliver written and oral testimony and public comments on legislative and regulatory proposals.
• Draft internal and external memos, fact sheets, and letters of support for state and local legislative priorities.

Team Leadership and Management

• Supervise junior attorneys and team members to achieve team and individual goals.
• Ensure high-quality, mission-critical work within the state and local policy team.
• Collaborate with the Policy Director and Chief of Staff to define strategic goals and long-term policy priorities.
• Strengthen internal systems and follow GIFFORDS’ best practices for team management and support.
• Promote an inclusive, trauma-informed, and equity-centered team culture.

Public Education and Scholarship

• Oversee the development and maintenance of accurate policy information for GIFFORDS’ website, reports, and social media.
• Supervise junior attorneys and collaborate with other teams on policy content.
• Oversee research into novel firearms policy issues, including statutory and regulatory analysis.

Cross-Team and External Engagement

• Represent the organization and promote priorities in legislative hearings, meetings with public officials, coalition spaces, and conferences.
• Ensure policy is integrated into broader organizational strategies by working closely with government affairs, research, community violence intervention, litigation, and communications teams.
• Partner with the development team on grant proposals and donor engagement related to policy work.
• Support the communications team by responding to media inquiries on firearm laws and policies.
• Manage projects through organizational approval processes.
• Support the implementation of new gun laws through outreach, trainings, and publications.

Required Knowledge, Skills + Experience

• J.D. from a U.S. law school.
• Admitted to practice law in DC, CA, NY, or another state with the ability to be admitted in one of those jurisdictions.
• 7+ years of legal, policy, or legislative practice, with 3+ years analyzing bills and working with legislators or policy advocates on gun violence prevention strongly preferred.
• 2+ years of experience supervising junior policy staff.
• Exceptional attention to detail, writing, and editing skills.
• Strong management and supervisory skills.
• Strong commitment to gun violence prevention.
• Capacity to analyze and interpret legislative text and policy for legal and non-legal audiences.
• Strong presentation and public-speaking skills.
• Strong work ethic and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Spirit of collaboration and inclusiveness.
• Ability to resolve disagreements professionally and respectfully.
• Commitment to trauma-informed practice and respectful work with survivors.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse partners.
• Highly organized, solutions-oriented, and able to work independently.
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism.
• Flexible attitude and a growth mindset.

Valued Non-Essential Knowledge, Skills + Experience

• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Experience working for a state or local legislator or government agency.
• Knowledge about criminal justice reform or 3D printing technology.
• Ability to decipher and explain public health research and data related to gun violence.
• Experience speaking to the media.
• Ability to facilitate constructive discussion of difficult issues.

Salary + Benefits

Salary Range: $128,720 - $141,150 annually, commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Competitive benefits package including employer-funded health, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; 401k plan with 4% employer match; cell phone and Wi-Fi stipend; 25 days of PTO annually; paid week closure at year-end; and 10 paid federal holidays.

Applying + Interview Process

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter (max 400 words) outlining three specific ways you are a good fit for this position. Our interview process includes a phone interview, Zoom interview, skills assessment, final interview, reference checks, and background check. We ask candidates to refrain from using AI tools in their applications.

Key skills/competency

The Associate Director for State Policy at GIFFORDS will leverage expertise in legislative analysis, policy development, team management, and advocacy. Key skills include legal research, statutory interpretation, regulatory affairs, public speaking, coalition building, and a strong commitment to gun violence prevention. The role demands exceptional writing, editing, and organizational abilities, with a focus on data analysis, strategic planning, and fostering an inclusive team environment. Proficiency in collaborating with diverse stakeholders and navigating complex policy landscapes is essential.