Job Description

BACKGROUND

Government Accountability Project is the world’s leading international whistleblower protection and advocacy organization. The organization was created in 1977 at the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) in response to several whistleblowers, such as Daniel Ellsberg, who came to IPS about White House, FBI and Pentagon scandals. Since that time, Government Accountability Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has served as a lifeline to employees of conscience and has helped them release critical information that serves the public interest and the common good. A non-partisan public-interest organization, we litigate whistleblower cases, help expose wrongdoing to the public, and actively promote government and corporate accountability. Since its founding, Government Accountability Project has helped over 8,000 whistleblowers, defending them in the court of law and the court of public opinion, while crafting and refining whistleblower protection laws through legislative channels at home and abroad. Since its inception, Government Accountability Project’s advocacy efforts have shaped both public interest and legislative agendas, and created opportunities for lawmakers to strengthen and clarify the free-speech rights of courageous employees across a broad spectrum of industries. FIC’s mission and long-term objective is to enhance overall food integrity by facilitating truth telling. For over a decade, this unique program has been strategically working to alter the relationship of power between the food industry and consumers, protect the rights of those who speak out against the practices that compromise food integrity, and empower food integrity whistleblowers and citizen activists.

FOOD AND PUBLIC HEALTH COUNSEL POSTION OVERVIEW

In this position, the Food and Public Health Counsel works as part of the Advocacy Team, in coordination with the Litigation, Communications, and the Legislation & Congressional Affairs teams, to devise and execute campaigns in furtherance of Government Accountability Project’s mission by applying the organization’s methodology of representing whistleblowers and ensuring their disclosures promote government and corporate accountability. The Food and Public Health Counsel serves as counsel of record for whistleblower clients, working under the supervision of the Director of Advocacy Campaigns to evaluate the legal needs, risks, and options of whistleblower clients through Government Accountability Project’s campaign methodology and then to execute a protective and effective strategy, ranging from drafting whistleblower disclosures and/or retaliation complaints, working with civil society partners, participating in coalition meetings, and developing press and education materials to advance the issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Report to the Director of Advocacy Campaigns, and the Litigation Director and Deputy Litigation Director for litigation matters.

• Serve as Counsel of Record for whistleblower clients making disclosures and/or retaliation complaints in administrative tribunals.

• Perform initial intake interviews with prospective clients.

• Serve as client liaison in a trauma-informed manner. 

• Work with and advise whistleblowers regarding their goals and legal rights, risks and options to make disclosures. 

• Keep current with developments in the fields of whistleblowing, food systems, public health, and other issue areas in response to strategic priorities and immediate or emerging threats.

• Conduct investigations, perform legal research, and draft client complaints and public disclosures.

• Maintain organized and up-to-date client files. 

• Participate in coalition and partnership building. 

• Work collaboratively with all staff across the organization to serve and reinforce Government Accountability Project’s whistleblower methodology. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

• Passion for the mission of the Government Accountability Project and supporting whistleblowers.

• Demonstrated interest in issues of public interest.

• Subject matter expertise in public health, food systems, ,and/or employment law, or comparable experience required. 

• Masters in Public Health ideal

• Demonstrated experience executing effective advocacy campaigns or comparable experience required. 

• Active member in good standing of the bar of a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, or an application for admission is currently pending. 

• Ability to synthesize complex information, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, work both autonomously and in teams, and meet tight deadlines. 

• Superb writing and communications skills. 

• A self-motivated team player with excellent interpersonal skills. 

SALARY

Salary range is $95,000-$105,000 per year, depending on experience.

BENEFITS

Government Accountability Project offers a generous benefits package, including fully employer-paid health insurance for employee and family, $100k life insurance, and a 5% retirement account match after six months of employment. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Government Accountability Project is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an equitable, inclusive culture. Government Accountability Project encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, or marital, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

We are accepting applications for this position until September 15, 2025, which we will review on an ongoing basis. Qualified applicants will be promptly contacted and interviewed. Incomplete applications and applications sent through third-party websites will not be accepted.

Please submit a cover letter and resume in one PDF to Katie Goff-Eldredge with the subject line "Food and Public Health Counsel Position" to katherineg@whistleblower.org.

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