Application Guide

How to Apply for Advocacy Manager

at Equal Rights Advocates

🏢 About Equal Rights Advocates

Equal Rights Advocates (ERA) is a pioneering national civil rights organization with a 50-year legacy of advancing gender justice through litigation, policy, and direct services. Its intersectional approach and dual 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) structure offer a unique blend of impact advocacy and political engagement, making it an inspiring place for those committed to systemic change.

About This Role

As Advocacy Manager, you will drive ERA's legislative and policy agenda at state and federal levels, focusing on gender equality and economic security. This role is impactful because you'll shape laws, build coalitions, and mobilize communities to protect and expand rights for women, girls, and gender-expansive people, particularly those from marginalized communities.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might include monitoring legislative hearings, drafting a policy brief on economic security, meeting with coalition partners to align on a campaign strategy, and preparing testimony for an upcoming committee hearing. You'll also coordinate with ERA's legal and communications teams to ensure policy messaging is consistent and impactful.

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🎯 Who Equal Rights Advocates Is Looking For

  • A seasoned policy advocate with 5+ years of experience in gender justice, economic security, or civil rights, with a proven track record of moving policy at the federal or state level.
  • Someone who has worked in or with Congress or a state legislature, understands legislative processes, and can effectively engage lawmakers and regulators.
  • A strategic coalition-builder who can strengthen partnerships and mobilize diverse stakeholders around gender justice campaigns.
  • An excellent communicator and project manager, able to synthesize complex issues into compelling advocacy materials, testimony, and talking points.

📝 Tips for Applying to Equal Rights Advocates

1

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific policy wins, especially those related to gender justice or economic security—quantify results where possible.

2

Demonstrate your understanding of ERA's intersectional approach by discussing how you've addressed overlapping forms of discrimination in your advocacy.

3

Mention any experience with 501(c)(4) entities or electoral advocacy, as ERA's affiliated entity is actively engaged in lobbying and campaigns.

4

Showcase your coalition-building skills: provide examples of how you've brought diverse groups together to achieve a policy goal.

5

Research ERA's current campaigns (e.g., pay equity, reproductive justice, Title IX) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your commitment to gender justice and alignment with ERA's intersectional, inclusive mission.", 'Highlight specific policy achievements that demonstrate your ability to advance legislation at the federal or state level.', 'Show your experience with coalition work and community mobilization, particularly in partnership with marginalized communities.', 'Express enthusiasm for working across both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) activities, including lobbying and campaign engagement.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review ERA's current campaigns and recent victories (e.g., pay equity, Title IX protections, reproductive justice) on their website.
  • → Understand the structure of ERA's 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities and how they coordinate advocacy.
  • → Read ERA's annual reports or policy briefs to grasp their legislative priorities and impact.
  • → Look into the key state and federal lawmakers ERA has worked with or targeted in recent years.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you successfully moved a policy through a state or federal legislature. What strategies did you use?
2 How do you approach building and maintaining coalitions, especially with organizations that have differing priorities?
3 What is your understanding of intersectional gender justice, and how would you apply it to ERA's advocacy?
4 How would you handle a situation where a lawmaker is opposed to your policy goal?
5 Can you discuss a current policy issue affecting gender equality and how you would develop an advocacy strategy around it?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference ERA's specific mission or current work.
  • Focusing only on litigation or direct services without demonstrating strong policy advocacy experience.
  • Ignoring the 501(c)(4) component—failing to show comfort with lobbying and campaign activities can be a dealbreaker.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Equal Rights Advocates!

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