Careers

Position Summary

The Joseph Rainey Center for Public Policy is entering an exciting phase of growth, national visibility, and strategic expansion. To support this momentum, the Rainey Center seeks a highly organized, self-motivated, and pragmatic Vice President of Policy to lead the organization's legislative education and policy initiatives. This role requires a tactician who is deeply familiar with state legislative process, committee dynamics, and policy implementation, not simply policy domain expertise.

This position will be the primary architect of how the Rainey Center translates its policy research into actionable model policy and practical solutions for our “Leadership Alliance for a More Perfect Union” (LAMP) network. Because our network of lawmakers is primarily state-based, the VP of Policy will focus heavily on equipping LAMP members with well- researched model legislation, technical assistance, and procedural insights needed to advance common-sense policies in state houses across the country.

The Rainey Center is fostering the next generation of common-sense policy leadership, working with private-sector leaders, high-level government officials, and members of the academic community towards a responsible and sustainable future. This role is central to ensuring that our vision is practically designed, rigorously researched, and effectively delivered to lawmakers.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy Strategy & Execution: Develop and lead the Rainey Center’s overarching policy roadmap in partnership with the CEO and COO,blending public opinion and academic research with practical, real world state policy implementation.
• LAMP Network Technical Assistance: Serve as the primary policy and procedural advisor for members of the LAMP network; conduct regular check-ins to provide technical support, briefing materials, and context on state house dynamics.
• Model Legislation & Analysis: Oversee the development of model policy, state-level policy memos, and non-partisan legislative analysis; translate complex ideas into clear, accessible material for state lawmakers.
• Stakeholder & Coalition Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with allied policy organizations, industry leaders, and academic experts to inform research and expand the reach of our model solutions.
• Fundraising Support: Provide guidance to Rainey Center’s VP of Development for achievable work products, including attending such meetings with the senior team where appropriate.
• Briefings & Education: Structure and deliver policy briefings, panel discussions, and educational workshops for the LAMP network; prepare Rainey Center leadership and lawmakers with briefing materials for hearings and policy convenings.

Skills & Qualifications

• Seven or more years of experience in policy analysis, legislative affairs, government relations, or public policy, ideally within the think tank or legislative space.
• Bonus points for direct experience serving as state house legislative staff, state policy advisors, or working directly within state-level policy environments.
• Deep understanding of state legislative processes, such as committee structures, procedural mechanics, and policy drafting.
• Demonstrated success in drafting model policy, authoring actionable policy memos, and educating decision-makers.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities seamlessly.
• High degree of professionalism, maturity, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and comfort interacting directly with elected officials and diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.

Compensation & Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $125,000 to $160,000, commensurate with experience.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with an opportunity for a company profit sharing after one year
• Discretionary Time Off (DTO) policy with no specific number of days, including sick leave and Federal holidays
• Employer subsidized cell phone

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@raineycenter.org with the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line. The Rainey Center accepts applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

The Rainey Center is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, relationship structure, sexual orientation, genetic information, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, or any other protected characteristic under federal or District of Columbia law.

We are unable to sponsor work visas for this position. Applicants must be able to provide proof of legal authorization to work in the United States upon hire.