Application Guide

How to Apply for State Engagement Senior Policy Counsel

at Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)

🏢 About Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)

The Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) is a leading nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to promoting democratic values by shaping technology policy and architecture. What makes CDT unique is its focus on preserving an open, innovative, and free internet while addressing critical issues like privacy and net neutrality through evidence-based policy work. Someone might want to work there to directly influence state-level legislation on internet freedom and digital rights in a mission-driven environment.

About This Role

As State Engagement Senior Policy Counsel, you'll lead CDT's state-level advocacy on internet policy, focusing on privacy and net neutrality legislation across various states. This role is impactful because you'll shape laws that affect millions of Americans' digital rights, working to prevent fragmented state regulations that could undermine a free and open internet nationwide.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing newly introduced state privacy bills, preparing testimony for a state legislative committee hearing, coordinating with coalition partners on advocacy strategy, and briefing CDT colleagues on developments across multiple states. You'll likely spend significant time communicating with state policymakers and stakeholders to advance CDT's positions on internet freedom issues.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of experience in state-level policy advocacy, specifically with internet, privacy, or telecommunications legislation
  • Demonstrates deep knowledge of net neutrality debates and privacy policy frameworks (like state consumer privacy laws)
  • Can translate complex technical concepts about internet architecture into persuasive arguments for policymakers
  • Has established relationships with state legislators, attorneys general offices, or state regulatory bodies

📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)

1

Highlight specific state-level policy wins in your resume, especially related to internet freedom, privacy, or net neutrality

2

Mention any experience working with bipartisan state coalitions, as CDT often engages across party lines

3

Reference CDT's recent state-focused work (like their analysis of state privacy laws) to show you've done your homework

4

Emphasize your ability to work remotely while maintaining relationships with state policymakers across different time zones

5

Include examples of how you've educated non-technical audiences about internet policy issues

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for preserving an open internet and how it aligns with CDT's mission", "Specific examples of state-level policy work you've led or contributed to", 'How you approach building consensus among diverse stakeholders on contentious tech policy issues', 'Your strategy for tracking and influencing multiple state legislative sessions simultaneously']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → CDT's recent state policy work and testimony (available on their website)
  • → The organization's stance on specific state privacy laws like California's CCPA/CPRA or Virginia's VCDPA
  • → CDT's partnerships with other organizations in state-level coalitions
  • → Recent state net neutrality legislation and how CDT has engaged with it

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach advocating for net neutrality protections in a state legislature that's historically opposed to regulation?
2 What's your assessment of the current patchwork of state privacy laws and how should CDT engage with this trend?
3 Describe a time you had to explain a complex technical internet concept to state legislators with limited tech background
4 How do you prioritize which state bills to focus on when multiple states are considering similar legislation simultaneously?
5 What relationships would you leverage in your first 90 days to advance CDT's state policy goals?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on federal policy experience without demonstrating state-level expertise
  • Taking extreme positions that don't acknowledge the need for practical, bipartisan solutions
  • Failing to show understanding of how state policy differs from federal advocacy in strategy and execution

📅 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 Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)!

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