Law and Policy Advisor
The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions is a groundbreaking initiative in the field of public health advocacy and science with the Bloomberg School of Public Health Department of Health Policy and Management. The Center combines the expertise of highly respected gun violence researchers with the skills of deeply experienced gun violence prevention advocates. We use a public health approach to conduct rigorous scientific research to identify a range of innovative solutions to gun violence. Because gun violence disproportionately impacts communities of color, we ground our work in equity and seek insights from those most impacted on appropriate solutions. Using the best available science, our Center works towards expanding evidence-based advocacy and policy-making efforts. This combination of expertise creates a unique opportunity to turn public health research into action that reduces deaths and injuries from gun violence.
The Center for Gun Violence Solutions at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is seeking a Law and Policy Advisor (Policy Associate) to provide subject matter legal expertise and support to the Law and Policy team. This role will help lead the Center’s legislative advocacy work and will be responsible for coordinating engagement with with state and local gun violence prevention organizations and policymakers. This role will assist in building and maintaining relationships with policymakers, academics, organizations, and community partners related to gun violence prevention advocacy. This role will also be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and making recommendations related to state and federal legislation and policy. This role will assist with drafting, reviewing, and editing Center for Gun Violence reports, amicus briefs, and law review articles.
This position will report to the Director of Law and Policy at the Center for Gun Violence Solutions.
Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist in managing and executing state policy strategy for priority states.
- Coordinate with members of the Center for Gun Violence Solutions to advance advocacy efforts.
- Draft and analyze legislation, regulations, legislative testimony, legal reports, and other advocacy materials.
- Engage with policymakers to provide technical assistance on priority policy issues.
- Assist in tracking and monitoring priority bills during legislative sessions.
- Conduct racial equity policy impact assessments.
- Keep up to date on relevant court cases, and the legal implications of current events.
- Collaborate and build coalitions with nonprofit, political, academic, and community partners to realize shared goals.
- Provide legal expertise, knowledge, and assessment of equity considerations for policy on state and federal levels.
- Coordinate with Communications team on policy campaigns, including drafting opinion pieces, press statements, and other outreach materials.
- Assist in drafting, reviewing and editing amicus brief and law review articles.
- Contribute to and participate in additional initiatives of the department and institution as requested.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree required.
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in related field (i.e. policy and advocacy, government administration, policy analysis or legislative relations).
- Advanced degree in a related field may substitute for required experience and additional experience may substitute for education, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
- Two years of legal and/or legislative experience.
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
- Membership in good standing to a bar association in the United States.
- Excellent written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient with Westlaw or LexisNexis.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
Classified Title: Policy Associate
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Law and Policy Advisor
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PE
Starting Salary Range: $73,300 - $128,300 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid: On-site 1-2 days a week
Department name: 60011826-HPM-Center for Gun Violence
Personnel area: School of Public Health