Application Guide
How to Apply for State Policy Manager
at Brady United Against Gun Violence
🏢 About Brady United Against Gun Violence
Brady United Against Gun Violence is a leading national organization dedicated to ending the gun violence epidemic through policy change and grassroots mobilization. Unlike many advocacy groups, Brady centers racial and social equity in its mission, recognizing that gun violence disproportionately impacts communities of color. Working here means joining a passionate team committed to saving lives and advancing justice.
About This Role
As State Policy Manager, you will lead Brady's legislative advocacy in priority states, directly engaging with lawmakers and coordinating with grassroots partners to advance gun violence prevention policies. This role is impactful because state-level action is critical in the absence of federal progress, and your work will shape laws that protect communities.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with monitoring state legislative calendars and tracking bill movements, then drafting testimony or talking points for an upcoming hearing. Afternoon could involve a call with grassroots advocates in a priority state to align on strategy, followed by a meeting with a legislator's staff to discuss a bill amendment. You'd also coordinate with Brady's federal and communications teams to ensure messaging consistency.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Brady United Against Gun Violence Is Looking For
- Experienced in state policy advocacy with at least three years of work in a legislative, campaign, or think tank setting, specifically analyzing and influencing state-level legislation.
- Skilled at building relationships with legislators and staff, and comfortable with direct lobbying and coalition coordination.
- A strong writer who can quickly produce testimony, reports, and talking points that resonate with diverse audiences.
- Deeply committed to equity and centering communities of color, with an understanding of how gun violence intersects with racial justice.
📝 Tips for Applying to Brady United Against Gun Violence
Tailor your resume to highlight state-level advocacy wins, especially in gun violence prevention or related fields like criminal justice reform.
In your cover letter, mention specific states where you have experience or connections, and reference Brady's priority states (e.g., PA, MI, NV) if possible.
Demonstrate your commitment to equity by discussing how you've partnered with or elevated voices from communities of color in past policy work.
Showcase your ability to track multiple bills simultaneously by providing an example of managing a legislative portfolio.
Include a writing sample that is policy-focused, such as a testimony or bill analysis, not a generic op-ed.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your direct experience with state legislative advocacy and relationship-building with policymakers.', "Connect your personal motivation to Brady's mission and your commitment to ending gun violence through an equity lens.", 'Highlight a specific example where you successfully advanced a policy goal through coalition work or grassroots engagement.', "Mention your familiarity with Brady's existing campaigns or policy priorities, showing you've researched their current work."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Brady's current state legislative priorities and campaigns on their website, especially in key states like Pennsylvania and Michigan.
- → Read Brady's 'Equity and Justice' page to understand how they integrate racial equity into their work.
- → Look up recent Brady reports or testimony on state legislation to understand their policy positions and communication style.
- → Familiarize yourself with the gun violence prevention landscape, including partner organizations like Everytown and Moms Demand Action.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid a generic application that doesn't mention gun violence or state policy specifically—this role requires deep domain knowledge.
- Don't overlook the equity requirement; failing to address how you center communities of color can hurt your candidacy.
- Don't neglect to show direct experience with state-level legislative processes; federal experience alone may not suffice.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Brady United Against Gun Violence!