American Oversight

Who We Are: American Oversight (AO) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog that advances truth, accountability, and democracy by enforcing the public’s right to government records. We use multiple tools, backed by aggressive litigation, to fight attacks on democratic institutions, threats to civil rights and liberties, abuses of power, and the erosion of government transparency. We expose and disrupt these attacks — and the officials and networks behind them — by forcing the government to turn over records officials would rather keep secret. Since our founding in 2017, American Oversight has worked on issues that touch nearly every aspect of American life. Our team has: - Secured a court order to preserve records in the 2025 “Signalgate” scandal, and spurred a related investigation by the Department of Defense inspector general that found Secretary Pete Hegseth had put troops’ lives in danger and violated federal recordkeeping laws - Forced DOGE to implement a records preservation policy to ensure long-term accountability for its chaotic actions - Revealed the Trump-sanctioned pressure campaign on the Ukrainian government by forcing the Trump administration to turn over records initially withheld from Congress - Unmasked sham “audits” of the 2020 election in Wisconsin and Arizona, which used taxpayer money to undermine state elections - Exposed the Trump administration’s unprecedented use of personal data to target immigrant communities and remove people from state voter rolls We are committed to fighting threats to democracy at the federal, state, and local levels, using time-tested and innovative tools to expose misconduct, defend against attacks on marginalized communities, and demand accountability. For more information, please visit our website: www.americanoversight.org About the Role: American Oversight seeks a Counsel or Senior Counsel to join our team to lead and support high-impact litigation advancing government accountability and transparency. This role focuses on high-impact, records-based and other transparency-driven litigation and legal strategies to expose corruption, challenge abuses of power, and hold those who threaten democratic institutions to account. Level will be determined based on experience, with expectations scaling in independence, leadership, and strategic ownership. Responsibilities (including but not limited to): - Litigate high-impact transparency and government accountability cases in federal and state courts, including matters under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), state open records acts, state and federal open meetings laws, open courts doctrines, and other relevant authorities. - Serve as lead or supporting counsel across a diverse docket of federal and state cases, shaping litigation strategy and managing day-to-day case execution. - Draft pleadings at the trial and appellate levels, including complaints, motions, briefs, and amicus filings. - Conduct discovery where permitted, including written discovery, depositions, and evidentiary hearings. - Present oral arguments in federal and state courts, including appellate courts. - Develop and advance a strategic litigation docket, including identifying and pursuing new cases and innovative advocacy approaches. - Oversee and partner with local counsel nationwide on state-based litigation. - Develop and maintain expertise in FOIA and state open records laws. - Partner with American Oversight’s investigations team to design records-driven strategies and shape public records requests to maximize strong legal leverage and evidentiary value. - Negotiate with federal, state, and local agencies to advance pending records requests and drive timely compliance through follow-up and escalation. - Draft non-judicial advocacy materials including demand letters, administrative complaints, and other tools for demanding accountability. - Collaborate with American Oversight’s communications and investigations teams to translate legal findings into clear, compelling public-facing materials, including reports, blog posts, and other advocacy content. - Represent American Oversight in meetings with partners, coalitions, and external stakeholders, consistent with 501(c)(3) requirements. - As assigned, on a rotating basis, manage AO’s legal intern program, including hiring, supervision, and enrichment opportunities. - Other duties as assigned. Minimum Requirements: Counsel - J.D. and admission to practice in at least one state (D.C. eligibility required). - 4+ years of litigation experience (civil or criminal), including drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs. - Excellent legal analytical, research, and writing skills. - Demonstrated interest in government accountability and public interest advocacy. - Ability to manage multiple priorities, operate with increasing independence, and exercise sound judgment. - Experience working in and/or desire to contribute to workplaces with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Senior Counsel - J.D. and admission to practice in at least one state (D.C. eligibility required). - 10+ years experience, including significant experience leading civil litigation in federal and/or state courts, with primary responsibility for discovery, motions practice, dispositive briefing, and court appearances. Demonstrated knowledge of FOIA and state open records law, state open meetings laws and/or other transparency laws preferred. - Internal candidates may be considered with fewer years of experience. - Excellent legal analytical, research, and writing skills. - Demonstrated interest in government accountability and public interest advocacy. - Demonstrated ability to independently manage a litigation docket and lead complex cases. - Strong track record in litigation strategy, persuasive writing, oral advocacy, and decision-making. - Ability to manage multiple priorities independently, exercising strong judgment. - Experience working in and/or desire to contribute to workplaces with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Desired Qualifications: - Experience mentoring and/or supervising junior attorneys, student interns, or postgraduate fellows. - Familiarity with pro-democracy issues, including but not limited to voting rights, election administration, civil rights and civil liberties, or threats like abuse of power, corruption, or undue influence. - Experience with the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), state open records laws, or government ethics laws. Compensation: The salary range for this position is $118,000–$170,000, based on post-J.D. experience, qualifications, and internal leveling. Benefits: - Remote-first work environment - Medical, dental and vision insurance - Generous paid time off - Paid office closure from Christmas Eve to New Years’ Day - 403(b) with up to 4% employer match - Flexible scheduling policy aligned with core business hours - Summer Fridays - Up to $100/month reimbursement for internet services and personal device - Professional development stipend - $400/yr home office stipend - Commuter benefits Location: This position is based in the United States, with a preference for candidates in the Washington, DC area (remote will be considered). Must be available to work East Coast business hours, with evening and weekend work as needed. Timeline: Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by Friday, May 15 to ensure priority consideration of your application. Following May 15, we will continue to review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace: At American Oversight, we value and strive to hire, develop, and grow a diverse and inclusive team. We are an equal opportunity employer, and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals to apply for opportunities at American Oversight even if they do not have any of the desired qualifications.

This position is actively accepting applications. American Oversight is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog that advances truth, accountability, and democracy by enforcing the public’s right to government records. We use multiple tools, backed by aggressive litigation, to fight attacks on democratic institutions, threats to civil rights and liberties, abuses of power, and erosion of government transparency. We expose and disrupt these attacks – and the officials and networks behind them –by forcing the government to turn over records officials would rather keep secret. Since our founding in 2017, American Oversight has worked on issues that touch nearly every aspect of American life. Our team has: - Secured a court order to preserve the records in the 2025 “Signalgate” scandal, and spurred a related investigation by the DOD inspector general that found Secretary Hegseth had put troops’ lives in danger and violated federal recordkeeping laws - Forced DOGE to implement a records preservation policy to ensure long-term accountability in the wake of its chaotic actions - Revealed the Trump-sanctioned pressure campaign on the Ukrainian government by forcing the Trump administration to turn over records initially withheld from Congress - Unmasked sham “audits” of the 2020 election in Wisconsin and Arizona of the 2020 election, which used taxpayer money to undermine state elections - Exposed the Trump administration’s unprecedented uses of personal data to target immigrant communities and remove people from state voter rolls We are committed to fighting threats to democracy at the federal, state, and local levels, using time-tested and innovative tools to expose misconduct, defend against attacks on marginalized communities, and demand accountability. For more information, please visit our website: www.americanoversight.org About the Role Reporting to the Vice President, Litigation and Investigations, American Oversight is seeking a Director of Investigations to join its team. The Director of Investigations will lead American Oversight’s Investigations Team — managing a team of investigators and senior investigators, advising executive leadership, and collaborating across departments to help develop and execute high-impact investigations that surface critical insights and inform the organization’s broader litigation strategy. The Director will play a central role in shaping investigative approaches — including methods that enhance and go beyond public records work — to uncover government misconduct, reveal behind-the-scenes influence and decision-making, and expose the disproportionate impact of policies and practices on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and other marginalized communities. What You Will Do - Set and drive the strategic direction of American Oversight’s Investigations Team — ensuring the organization is positioned to respond to current events and emerging threats to government accountability, and to proactively advance its mission through innovative investigative strategies. - Oversee high-impact investigations from design to execution, guiding the team in turning complex information into actionable insights and making strategic decisions about when to launch, adjust, or close investigations. - Collaborate with the legal, communications (editorial and media relations), and partnerships departments to identify, design, and lead high-impact investigations that align with American Oversight’s strategic priorities and help inform litigation efforts. - Ensure the quality, accuracy, and strategic alignment of all investigative work by reviewing and approving internal and external outputs, including content supporting litigation and public education. - Identify and implement tools, systems, and processes that improve the efficiency, coordination, and impact of investigative work across the team. - Provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and professional development to investigators and senior investigators, ensuring they have the resources and direction needed to excel. - Set clear goals and expectations, develop metrics to assess team performance, and cultivate a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and high-impact investigative work. - Represent American Oversight in high-level external engagements — including briefings, convenings, and coalition meetings — to elevate the visibility and credibility of the organization’s investigative work. - Other duties as assigned. What You Will Bring - 10+ years of experience conducting and leading progressively complex investigations — including in fields such as, but not limited to, investigative research, investigative journalism, congressional oversight, or a related field — with 3+ years of experience overseeing teams, managing and directing the investigative work of others, and mentoring early-career investigators in a formal leadership capacity. - Proven track record of leading high-impact or high-profile investigations that have advanced public accountability, informed litigation, or driven policy or institutional change. - Proficiency with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and/or state-level public records laws, as well as experience using open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools and techniques to support or lead investigations. - Genuine interest in American Oversight’s mission of government accountability and transparency, and a demonstrated commitment to public interest advocacy. - Exceptionally strong skills in the following areas: - People Management: Leads a high-performing team through clear direction, mentorship, and support. Fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture and aligns individual growth with organizational goals. - Project Management: Leads multiple investigative projects with varying scopes and timelines. Balances long-term planning with rapid response, ensuring timely, high-quality execution. - Communication: Communicates complex ideas, information, and findings clearly and confidently — both orally and in writing — tailoring language to suit diverse audiences and contexts. Produces well-organized, error-free work that reflects strong subject-matter expertise and professionalism. - Accountability: Takes ownership of team performance and deliverables. Sets clear expectations, addresses challenges proactively, and upholds high standards of integrity and professionalism. - Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment where priorities can shift quickly. - Proven ability to think strategically, exercise sound judgment, and act with entrepreneurial initiative in fast-paced, evolving environments. - Experience working in and/or desire to contribute to workplaces with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. - Strong technology skills with an aptitude to learn quickly, ramp up on, or test new platforms or technology (e.g., AirTable). Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and file-sharing platforms (Dropbox). Desired Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. - Experience working in a remote-first or hybrid nonprofit or mission-driven organization, particularly one focused on government accountability or civil rights, where investigations inform litigation, advocacy, or public education efforts. - Demonstrated ability to use strategic communications to amplify investigative outcomes and increase public awareness and impact. We encourage individuals to apply even if they do not have any of the desired qualifications. What We Offer: American Oversight offers its employees a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes 80% of health, dental, and vision premiums paid by the organization, a retirement plan with a matching contribution, and remote office reimbursements for personal devices and wireless connectivity. Location: This is a remote position and may require occasional travel to American Oversight’s Washington, DC office for team meetings and staff retreats. Our office in Washington, DC is an optional workspace. Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000 (commensurate with experience) Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace: At American Oversight, we value and strive to hire, develop, and grow a diverse and inclusive team. We are an equal opportunity employer, and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals to apply for opportunities at American Oversight even if they do not have any of the desired qualifications.

Who We Are: American Oversight (AO) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog that advances truth, accountability, and democracy by enforcing the public’s right to government records. We use multiple tools, backed by aggressive litigation, to fight attacks on democratic institutions, threats to civil rights and liberties, abuses of power, and the erosion of government transparency. We expose and disrupt these attacks — and the officials and networks behind them — by forcing the government to turn over records officials would rather keep secret. Since our founding in 2017, American Oversight has worked on issues that touch nearly every aspect of American life. Our team has: - Secured a court order to preserve records in the 2025 “Signalgate” scandal, and spurred a related investigation by the Department of Defense inspector general that found Secretary Pete Hegseth had put troops’ lives in danger and violated federal recordkeeping laws - Forced DOGE to implement a records preservation policy to ensure long-term accountability for its chaotic actions - Revealed the Trump-sanctioned pressure campaign on the Ukrainian government by forcing the Trump administration to turn over records initially withheld from Congress - Unmasked sham “audits” of the 2020 election in Wisconsin and Arizona, which used taxpayer money to undermine state elections - Exposed the Trump administration’s unprecedented use of personal data to target immigrant communities and remove people from state voter rolls We are committed to fighting threats to democracy at the federal, state, and local levels, using time-tested and innovative tools to expose misconduct, defend against attacks on marginalized communities, and demand accountability. For more information, please visit our website: www.americanoversight.org About the Role: AO is seeking a full-time Summer Editorial Intern to join its team. Reporting to the Senior Content Manager, the Summer Editorial Intern supports the Editorial team in many respects, primarily by regularly monitoring the news, managing our library of government records, and participating in valuable projects that advance AO’s mission. Editorial Interns will receive practical experience working in a nonprofit environment. This position is an ideal opportunity for individuals interested in public policy, investigative journalism, and public archives. The Summer Editorial Intern is expected to work full-time hours (max. 35 hours per week) and will coordinate with their supervisor to determine their weekly work schedule. This internship’s term is 10 weeks, from June to August (subject to change). The exact start and end dates will be determined when a candidate is selected for this internship. What You Will Do: - Assist the Senior Content Manager with assessing and organizing AO’s collection of government records for our public-facing online archive. - Identify and track news coverage related to AO’s priority issues and create a daily review of relevant stories from key outlets. - Collaborate with other editorial team members by helping with various writing or social media tasks deemed appropriate for the position. - Learn about the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and state open records laws, and gain first-hand experience learning how they can advance an organization’s mission. - Attend and participate in Editorial and all-staff meetings, with regular opportunities for cross-team collaboration. - Other relevant duties as assigned. What You Will Bring: - An enthusiastic interest in journalism, communications, public archives, and government transparency and accountability. - Comfort with the daily news cycle and the ability to make judgments on which stories might be most relevant or useful to AO’s mission. - Sharp attention to detail, dependable organizational skills, and an interest in projects that involve public record archives and file management. - Strong writing, research, and oral communication skills. - Basic computer proficiency and familiarity with common software such as Microsoft 365. - High degree of professional ethics and integrity. Desired Qualifications: - Commitment to public interest advocacy and government accountability. - An interest in learning how to use archival and journalism tools to preserve historical records. - A demonstrated history of related coursework or other relevant experience as a student, recent graduate, or entry-level worker. - Prior experience working collaboratively within a team. We encourage individuals to apply even if they do not have any of the desired qualifications. Location: American Oversight is a remote-first organization, however our interns must work from one of the following locations: CA, DC, DE, FL, KY, MA, MD, NC, NY, PA, VA, or WI. Our office in Washington, DC is an optional workspace. Compensation: $20.80 per hour. This rate is subject to adjustment based on the needs or restrictions of other external funding received by the intern, if any. If you would prefer to structure this as a clinical externship for academic credit, we will be happy to assist in completing any necessary paperwork from your school. Application Deadline: To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter with your application. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply by 9am on March 30, 2026 to ensure consideration of their application. Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace: At American Oversight, we value and strive to hire, develop, and grow a diverse and inclusive team. We are an equal opportunity employer, and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals to apply for opportunities at American Oversight even if they do not have any of the desired qualifications.

• Review and research current events to spot potential legal issues and to identify opportunities to uncover state and federal government malfeasance or unethical conduct. • Collaborate with our research team to craft, review, and revise draft federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and state open records requests. • Draft FOIA and state open records act administrative appeals. • Draft court pleadings, including complaints, motions, and briefs or brief sections. • Conduct legal research to support litigation strategy. • Observe litigation proceedings or meetings, such as court hearings, depositions, or conferences with opposing counsel. • Contribute to reports and other editorial content for AO’s website based on the findings of investigations. • Attend and participate in regularly scheduled legal team and all staff meetings.