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 Law
UnCommon 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.
About the Role
The Associate Director of Policy and Advocacy leads the day-to-day execution of UnCommon Law's legislative and regulatory policy advocacy and will be the primary advocate for advancing these efforts. Working closely with the Director of Policy and Advocacy, this position translates organizational and policy advocacy strategy into legislative campaigns, lobbying, regulatory advocacy, coalition engagement, and policy research. The Associate Director of Policy and Advocacy is responsible for tracking and analyzing legislation and regulations, developing policy positions and advocacy materials, representing UnCommon Law before policy stakeholders and coalition partners, and helping advance statewide efforts to transform California's parole system. This position will work in collaboration with other teams across the organization, including but not limited to our Litigation, Communications, and Development teams. The position requires a strong understanding of California's legislative process, exceptional legal and policy analysis skills, and the ability to communicate complex issues to policymakers, advocates, incarcerated people, and other community members.
This exempt position reports directly to the Director of Policy and Advocacy and offers an annual salary range of $99,000.00 to $118,250.00+ commensurate with experience. As a mission-driven organization, we strive to balance competitive pay with our values. New hires are typically placed between the minimum and midpoint range. Final salary offers are determined based on the candidate’s job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as assessed during the interview process and aligned with our structured salary schedule.
Our office is based in Oakland, CA, and we offer a team-dependent hybrid work model to our employees. This role will require frequent travel to Sacramento, CA, particularly during the legislative session. Applicants who submit cover letters that are not tailored to the position or the organization will not be considered.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Legislative & Regulatory Advocacy (35%)
Lead day-to-day advocacy on UnCommon Law's legislative and regulatory priorities
Analyze proposed legislation, regulations, administrative actions, and relevant case law, and produce analyses and research memos for internal and external audiences as needed
Draft legislation, amendment proposals, regulatory comments, and policy recommendations
Coordinate legislative strategy and implementation with the Director of Policy and Advocacy
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 reform
Policy 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 reform
Policy 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

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No