State Policy Counsel, Policy & Government Affairs

ABOUT THE JOB

The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time three-year term-limited positionof State Policy Counsel in theNational Political Advocacy Department of the ACLUs National office inWashington DC. This is ahybrid rolethat has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight(8) days per month. This is a three-year term-limited position and may be eligible forremote work in the United States.

The National Political Advocacy Department builds power to achieve an accountable representative democracy. We have ambitious goals across freedom of speech privacy Reproductive Freedom Democracy and Voting Rights Systemic Equality Immigration Trans Justice Criminal Justice and other core issues in order to protect and expand civil rights and civil liberties and advance the freedom equality ability to prosper and humanity of all People.

Our department conducts analysis develops policy crafts world class campaigns and situates the ACLU to have impact across legislative administrative and electoral levers. We are policy experts lawyers community organizers lobbyists campaign strategists electoral specialists program managers and more. We partner across the ACLU to drive national efforts and support and amplify the priorities of our affiliates. We work to center principles of equity diversity inclusion and belonging in our approach.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).

WHAT YOULL DO

Reporting to theState Policy Counsel theDeputy National Director of Policy & Government Affairs.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

• Lead policy and strategy development of Firewall for Freedom materials for state and municipal policy makers. The Firewall for Freedom is a comprehensive set of policy proposals for state and municipal policymakers to defend civil rights and liberties from a hostile federal government
• Draft and coordinate the drafting of model state or municipal legislation ahead of state legislative sessions and on an ongoing basis
• Identify needs for new or supplemental materials related to Firewall for Freedom project including developing novel ideas and approaches to solving problems in addition to sourcing existing policy ideas and approaches to civil liberties challenges
• Provide supplemental policy and advocacy expertise to policy counsels on an as-needed basis including engaging partner organizations and policymakers in support of ACLU goals and advocacy priorities
• In coordination with NPADs Policy & Government Affairs and State Campaigns Teams serve as a resource and provide guidance to affiliates on state policy and legislative efforts
• Together with senior leadership evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives and outreach efforts to inform future strategies
• In close collaboration with policy and state campaign leads present on the Firewall for Freedom and other state-based work to organizational partners and in coalition spaces
• Demonstrate an ability to be flexible and adjust priorities as necessary to adapt to changing external environment
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned
• This position requires flexibility in work scheduleincluding the ability to work nontraditional hours

FUTURE ACLUERS WILL

• Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
• Center and embed the principles of equity inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
• Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts

WHAT YOULL BRING

The ACLU seeks a highly skilled individual who brings a deep understanding of and passion for civil rights and civil liberties issues and has a track record of driving successful policy outcomes in particular at the state and municipal level.

This leader will be a strong collaborator experienced in policy development and advocacy. They will be familiar with building leading and working within coalitions and with internal and external partners. The successful candidate will naturally connect and build strong relationships with others demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively. They will bring creative problem solving and excellent research writing and analytical skills. The successful candidate will be comfortable representing ones organization and bring public speaking experience.

This leader will be effective working in a fast-paced environment can handle multiple tasks simultaneously is able to work efficiently and quickly and is reliable in their delivery against deadlines and is composed under pressure.

Setting Strategy & Executing for Results

• Proven ability to identify and set policy priorities through iterative processes
• Decisive in strategic planning but aware of a changing environment and maintains a needed level of flexibility and adaptability
• Experience supporting or crafting policymaking and setting appropriate strategies
• Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; capacity to adapt nimbly and lead others through complex situations
• A leader who is viewed by others as having a high degree of integrity and forethought in their approach to making decisions; acts in a transparent and consistent manner while always taking into account what is best for the organization

Leading and Working with Teams

• A creative flexible well-organized and reliable person who can handle and prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities and manage a demanding schedule; a team player who is able to work independently jointly and under pressure; willing to learn; a self-starter and finisher
• Able to effectively advance work and projects across teams while maintaining strong relationships
• Able to persevere in the face of challenges and exhibit a steadfast resolve and relentless commitment to higher standards
• Self-reflective and aware of their own limitations; leads by example and drives the organizations performance with an attitude of continuous improvement by being open to feedback and self-improvement
• The willingness to make mistakes in pursuit of ambitious game-changing goals while possessing the ability to accept responsibility and learn from those mistakes with a sense of humor and humility.

Relationships and Influence

• Outstanding relationship builder who uses influence effectively in a variety of settings both within the organization and with external constituencies including public officials trade associations and other relevant parties
• Ability to work in a matrixed and federated environment; strong conflict management skills; ability to bring consensus around a common purpose and deliver collaborative solutions

COMPENSATION