Legislative Associate Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

POSITION TITLE: Jean & Jerry Moore Southwest Counsel
REPORTS TO: VP, Policy Counsel 
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None 
LOCATION: ADL Office in Houston or Austin
GRADE/CLASS: Grade H, Exempt, PSA-eligible 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION 

ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism, and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to ensure a just and inclusive society for all. 

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS 

The Jean and Jerry Moore Southwest Counsel will play a central role in shaping and implementing ADL’s local, state and national legislative and policy agenda using evidence-based legal approaches and tactics.  As a legal, legislative, and policy subject matter expert on ADL’s national advocacy priorities, the SW Counsel will work in close coordination with external experts and ADL’s national and regional teams to ensure that the policy and advocacy approaches ADL supports are legally sound, effective, and impactful. 

Primary: 

• Lead the development and implementation of legal and policy strategies in pursuit of ADL policy priorities, consistent with ADL research; 
• Monitor and analyze federal and state legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments that affect the safety of the Jewish community; 
• Partner with ADL’s national and regional teams, including COE, CAR, the federal affairs team, the state and local advocacy team, regional offices, the litigation team, and other experts to provide real-time policy responses to incidents and trends; 
• Draft legislation, regulations, memoranda, position papers, public comments, and advocacy materials; 
• Collaborate with national security, law enforcement, and civil society partners to shape effective, constitutionally informed responses to threats; 
• Serve as a spokesperson or expert representative in public fora, during legislative briefings, and through media engagements as appropriate;
• The SW Counsel will also support shaping ADL’s policy agenda in Texas. 

This job description provides a general overview of the role and its key responsibilities. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and ADL reserves the right to assign additional tasks as needed. 

Skills: 

• Exceptional legal research, analysis, and writing skills; 
• Strong public speaking and coalition-building capabilities. 

Attributes: 

• Passionate about ADL’s mission and driven to combat antisemitism in all forms.; 
• Open-minded and solutions-oriented with the ability to understand diverse perspectives; 
• Strategic thinker and effective advocate who can build consensus and advance complex policy goals; 
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to lead initiatives and respond to emerging challenges;  
• Collaborative, strategic, and responsive under pressure. 

Work Experience: 

• Demonstrated experience in policy, litigation, or advocacy roles. 
• Government, nonprofit, or legislative experience preferred but not required. 
• Experience with online harm, content moderation, and/or technology regulation is highly desirable. 

Education: 

• J.D. degree required. 

Work Environment: 

• Flexibility to work extended hours and travel occasionally as required. 
• Must be able to engage in prolonged computer and desk work. 
• Willingness to travel to regional offices, national convenings, or public events, including some weekends. 
• ADL is a hybrid environment; this role may require 3 days in the office. 

Compensation: 

• This position has a salary range of $90,000 to $125,000. This salary range is reflective of a position based in Houston, Texas. Please note that actual salaries are commensurate with experience and reflect the budget for a given position, and since ADL has a location-based compensation structure, there may be a different range for candidates in other locations.For an overview of our total rewards package, please visit https://www.adl.org/about/careers. 

ADL aims to create a working environment where every employee can thrive professionally.  Our mission-driven work is best accomplished in an environment that supports belonging. ADL values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. ADL is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, promotions and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment shall be maintained in a manner which does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or military status, or in violation of any applicable Federal, state or local laws.  

ADL will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation to support the interview process, please contact the People & Culture department attalentacquisition@adl.org.  

ADL will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable State, Local, and Federal laws.  

The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job, nor is it to be interpreted as a contract for employment.