Policy Counsel

• Lead state-based legislative and administrative agency advocacy to ban extreme sentences for children, including coordinating coalitions, drafting legislation, and negotiating with stakeholders.
• Maintain subject matter expertise on judicial, legislative, and regulatory trends in extreme sentencing of youth and provide technical assistance to local partners.
• Partner with Communications Department to develop strategic messaging and advocacy tools, and support federal advocacy efforts.

This role directly contributes to ending extreme sentences for children in the U.S., ensuring meaningful review opportunities and pathways to freedom, and elevating the leadership of those directly impacted by the criminal legal system.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent required.
• 3-5 years (Policy Counsel) or 5+ years (Senior Policy Counsel) of demonstrated success in leading community-based policy reform efforts, including coalition building and legislative advocacy.
• Experience drafting legislation, regulations, legislative testimony, or public comments.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; experience with legal research platforms and bill tracking software.

Regular, full-time, exempt position. Remote or hybrid in Washington, DC. Travel up to 2-3 times a month during legislative sessions. All required home-office technology, equipment, supplies, and business travel paid by CFSY. Salary not specified.

The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY) advocates to ban extreme sentences for children in the United States, ensure meaningful review opportunities for children in the criminal legal system, and create opportunities for those directly impacted by extreme sentencing to thrive and lead.