How to apply for National Advocacy Director

About DC Vote

DC Vote is the leading national organization fighting to secure full congressional representation and statehood for the 700,000 residents of Washington, DC. Unlike many advocacy groups, DC Vote is singularly focused on this historic civil rights issue, driving a multi-year campaign to make statehood undeniable and achievable at the next window of opportunity. Working here means joining a growing, highly collaborative team dedicated to advancing democracy, voting rights, and equality in a way that impacts a wide range of policy areas from economic justice to climate.

About the role

As the National Advocacy Director, you will be the primary driver of DC Vote's engagement with national partners and Capitol Hill, leading coalition coordination and direct lobbying efforts. You will convene allies, participate in coalition tables, and lead Hill meetings alongside the Executive Director, ensuring that DC statehood remains a top priority for national advocacy organizations and lawmakers. This role is impactful because you will directly shape the strategy and execution of a campaign that could finally grant full representation to DC residents after decades of disenfranchisement.

A typical day

A typical day might involve leading a strategy call with coalition partners, preparing for and attending Hill meetings with congressional staff, and coordinating with the Executive Director on advocacy priorities. You might also spend time drafting advocacy materials, tracking relevant legislation, and representing DC Vote at coalition tables or public events. The role is fast-paced and relationship-driven, requiring constant communication and strategic thinking.

Who DC Vote is looking for

• Proven experience in national advocacy or Capitol Hill lobbying, with a strong network of contacts in Congress and national coalitions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate multi-organization coalitions, including managing diverse stakeholders and driving consensus around advocacy goals.
• Deep understanding of the legislative process and political dynamics surrounding DC statehood, voting rights, or similar civil rights issues.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to represent DC Vote effectively in high-level meetings and public forums.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific examples of Hill meetings you've led or coalitions you've coordinated, including outcomes and your exact role.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of DC statehood by referencing recent legislative efforts (e.g., H.R. 51, S. 51) and the current political landscape.
• Emphasize your existing relationships with national partners (e.g., NAACP, ACLU, League of Women Voters) and how you would leverage them for DC Vote.
• Address your ability to work remotely while staying connected to DC's advocacy scene, especially if you're outside the DMV area.
• Show your commitment to racial justice and equity, as DC statehood is deeply intertwined with these issues, and DC Vote values a collaborative, inclusive team culture.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your track record of leading successful advocacy campaigns or coalition efforts, specifically at the national level; (2) your familiarity with the DC statehood movement and why you're personally committed to it; (3) your ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse partners and lawmakers; and (4) how you would approach the challenge of making statehood a priority in a polarized Congress.

Research before applying

• Review DC Vote's website, recent press releases, and annual reports to understand their campaign strategy, key victories, and current priorities.
• Research the history of the DC statehood movement, including past legislative efforts (e.g., the 2021 House vote) and the arguments for and against statehood.
• Identify the key national organizations and coalitions that DC Vote partners with, such as the Coalition for DC Statehood, and understand their roles.
• Look up the professional backgrounds of DC Vote's leadership, including the Executive Director, to understand their priorities and working style.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach building and sustaining a broad national coalition for DC statehood, including engaging organizations that may not have it as a top priority?
• Describe a time you led a Hill meeting or lobbying effort that resulted in a concrete win. What was your strategy, and what did you learn?
• What is your understanding of the current legislative and political landscape for DC statehood, and what opportunities or obstacles do you foresee in the next two years?
• How would you work with the Executive Director and other DC Vote staff to ensure alignment between national advocacy and grassroots organizing?
• Can you share an example of how you've navigated disagreements within a coalition or with partners to achieve a common goal?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being vague about your advocacy experience—avoid generic statements like 'I have lobbied Congress' without specific bills, meetings, or outcomes.
• Ignoring the importance of coalition-building—this role is heavily collaborative, so failing to demonstrate your ability to work with diverse partners is a major red flag.
• Showing a lack of knowledge about DC statehood—candidates who don't understand the issue's history, current status, or key players will not be taken seriously.
• Focusing only on national politics without connecting to the local impact on DC residents—DC Vote is centered on the rights of the 700,000 people in DC, so showing empathy and understanding of their struggle is crucial.