Associate Director of Policy and Advocacy

Priority application deadline will be September 18th, 2026 at 5pm PT.Applications received by the priority deadline will receive first consideration. Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. About UnCommon LawUnCommon Law fights to ensure that all people incarcerated for violent crime have access to effective legal representation and opportunities for healing. Through our unique, trauma-informed model of advocacy, we provide the space currently missing in the system for healing, accountability, and safe pathways home from prison. In developing new self-narratives, the people we serve are able to more effectively disrupt violence inside and outside prison and become leaders who change negative societal narratives about those incarcerated for violent crime. Our groundbreaking approach is changing policy and outcomes, driven by the voices and experiences of system-impacted communities. UnCommon Law's values include accountability, audacity, authenticity, collaboration, community, empathy, imagination, joy, liberation, and sustainability.

Conduct direct lobbying and legislative education with members of the California Legislature, legislative staff, executive agencies, and other decision makers. Represent UnCommon Law in legislative hearings, agency meetings, stakeholder discussions, and public forums Monitor relevant legislative and administrative policies in California and track legislative and regulatory deadlines to ensure timely organizational responses Coalition Leadership & External Partnerships (25%)Lead the California Alliance for Parole Reform (CAPR) Policy Working Group, including developing and executing collaborative policy advocacy strategy Facilitate CAPR coalition meetings and collaborative advocacy efforts in coordination with the Director of Policy and Advocacy Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, impacted community members, researchers, and state-wide government agencies Support community education efforts related to parole and criminal justice system reformPolicy Research & Communications (20%)Conduct legal, legislative, and policy research supporting organizational advocacy Develop policy briefs, white papers, fact sheets, issue analyses, reports, testimonies, talking points, comment letters, and educational materials Translate complex legal and policy issues into accessible communication materials for diverse audiences Work with the Policy and Communications teams to develop policy messaging and rapid response materials Monitor emerging research, best practices, and policy developments affecting parole and criminal legal reformPolicy Operations & Internal Coordination (15%)Develop and maintain systems for tracking legislation, regulations, state budget, and administrative developments regarding parole release Provide timely and accessible policy updates to UnCommon Law staff and stakeholders Coordinate legislative and regulatory advocacy work across teams, remaining in close partnership with the litigation and communications teams as needed Manage advocacy timelines, policy calendars, and internal work plans Support grant reporting and other organizational needs related to policy work Supervise interns, fellows, consultants, or law clerks as assigned Maintain relationships with policy consultants and external lobbyists as applicable ExperienceRequired Experience 4-11+ years of legislative, policy, or legal advocacy experience Experience in post-conviction advocacy, indigent defense, public defense, criminal legal reform, or related practice areas Strong understanding of and experience navigating legislative and regulatory processes, including lobbying and legislative advocacy (within California strongly preferred) Experience building relationships and working effectively with policymakers, legislative staff, government agencies, and other key stakeholders Experience analyzing legislation and regulations and drafting legislation, legislative amendments, or related policy proposals Strong written communication skills, with experience translating complex legal and policy issues for diverse audiences Preferred Experience J.D. or equivalent legal training (strongly preferred) Familiarity with California parole law and the Board of Parole Hearings Experience producing policy and/or legal research or quantitative analyses Experience working in coalition with impacted community members and community-based organizations Experience supervising interns, fellows, or junior staff Skills & Attributes Excellent legal and policy analysis Strong writing skills, with experience writing for diverse audiences Exceptional writer capable of producing clear, persuasive policy materials for varied audiences Able to synthesize complex legal issues into practical advocacy recommendations Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple legislative priorities simultaneously Skilled facilitator and relationship builder who works effectively across coalitions Comfortable engaging directly with legislators, agency officials, advocates, media, and impacted communities Collaborative, organized, and adaptable in a fast-paced advocacy environment Deep commitment to racial equity, healing, and the dignity of people impacted by incarceration Commitment to trauma-informed, community-centered advocacy Benefits & Support 100% Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and we cover 75% for dependents Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) of $200/month and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for employees and dependents Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) support Flexible time off policy and UCL closes for two weeks from late December to early January each year Retirement plans 13 paid holidays12 days of sick leave