The work of the State Democracy Research Initiative is rooted in the idea that to preserve democracy, we must first understand it. Currently, scholarly and popular discourse on U.S. democracy focuses disproportionately on federal laws and institutions. States often get short shrift, even though they are central to our democratic system. Accordingly, the Initiative aims to foster knowledge of and engagement with state-level institutions throughout the country.
The Initiative is seeking candidates to further our multi-faceted, nonpartisan efforts to advance research and dialogue on pressing questions of public law and democracy in states across the nation. We are currently hiring for the following positions:
STAFF ATTORNEY OR SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Staff Attorney Or Senior Staff Attorney
The Initiative is seeking one or more Staff Attorneys to join our growing team. Staff Attorneys will divide their time between legal research and writing on the Initiative’s research projects; drafting amicus briefs on behalf of scholars in relevant cases across the country; analyzing the legal dimensions of current events for varied audiences; and conducting educational programming for both the public and our students.
Because the Initiative has a national focus, the Staff Attorney position is not limited to candidates who practice law in or reside in Wisconsin. We also seek applications from candidates with strong ties to other states, particularly states facing significant issues in state-level democracy. For candidates based in Wisconsin, we envision an in-person working arrangement with the potential for hybrid work. For candidates based elsewhere, we can accommodate fully remote work.
The ideal candidate will be an outstanding attorney with experience drafting appellate briefs and analyzing complex legal questions at the state level; an excellent writer with comfort writing not just briefs, but also white papers, academic essays, blog posts, or op-eds; and a team player with enthusiasm for working with peers and students alike. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates with varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Full Description and Application Here >>
Program Coordinator
The Program Coordinator will have a varied portfolio of organization, programmatic, and communications-related tasks. A typical day might include drafting the Initiative’s newsletter and social media; coordinating the logistics for conferences or panels; handling recordkeeping and budgeting tasks; scheduling meetings and calls; and interfacing with student researchers. Interested candidates may also elect to take on responsibilities related to monitoring current events and briefing colleagues on issues related to our mission.
The ideal candidate will be exceptionally organized and reliable, excited about the Initiative’s mission, and a team player with enthusiasm for working with peers and students alike. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates with varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.