Associate Director/Director, Gun Violence Prevention

The Associate Director or Director will assist the Senior Director for Gun Violence Prevention to advance American Progress’ agenda toward reducing gun violence. This position will manage a broad gun violence prevention policy portfolio, including by conducting policy research and analysis and writing on gun violence and related issues, such as the intersection of gun violence with criminal justice reform and racial equity. The Associate Director or Director will also help build relationships with external stakeholders, including allied organizations, policymakers, and the media.

The work of the Gun Violence Prevention team and the Rights and Justice department is driven by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all 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. This position will support efforts to achieve meaningful outcomes by connecting gun violence prevention policy with 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 ideal candidate will think strategically about turning ideas into action. In addition to possessing strong research, writing, and analytical skills, the ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and the ability to interact well with high-level policy professionals, both internally and externally. Familiarity with the issue of gun violence and key players in the field is preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Represent American Progress with the public, media, policymakers, and other external groups and individuals.
• Conduct original research and analysis on gun violence prevention policy questions.
• Develop, implement, and manage products—including reports, issue briefs, and articles—to elevate American Progress’ gun violence agenda in ways that increase opportunities to improve policy outcomes.
• Work collaboratively across American Progress and within the Rights and Justice department on the intersection of gun violence and other issues.
• Build and maintain relationships across the gun violence prevention policy community, including with local, state, and federal legislators; gun violence prevention advocates; and allied nongovernmental and policy organizations.
• Provide policy expertise and perform direct technical assistance for policymakers, including mayors’ offices, city councils, governors’ offices, state legislators, prosecutors, law enforcement, and local coalitions.
• Present American Progress’ work through presentations and meetings with policymakers, coalitions, and other thought leaders.
• Analyze federal and state legislative proposals, administrative policies, and regulatory changes.
• Participate in efforts to craft timely policy reports and rapid-response documents to ensure relevant participation in policy debates.
• Coordinate and help plan meetings and events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; an advanced degree in public policy, public health, or a related field is a plus.
• Established relationships with policymakers, advocates, stakeholders, and community leaders within Washington and across the country are a plus.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, including the ability to write in a variety of formats, such as op-eds, talking points, and memos.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically to advance a policy goal.
• Ability to understand policy issues and to communicate them effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well as part of a team and with other organizations.
• Ability to perform under tight deadlines and manage many moving pieces and concurrent projects.
• Excellent presentation and oral communication skills.
• Strong political instincts and experience working with coalitions.
• 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 Associate Director position has a minimum salary of $77,000, and the Director position has a minimum salary of $92,000.

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 office work policy will be communicated at the time of hire. Updates will be posted on American Progress’ Jobs page.