Policy Counsel or Strategist

About the role

The ACLU of Arizona is seeking a Policy Counsel or Strategist who will develop and execute the organization's policy and legislative agenda in support of the ACLU of Arizona’s priorities. They will work collaboratively across departments, using an integrated advocacy approach that utilizes policy advocacy, litigation, organizing, and communications to maximize the impact of our work. The person in this role also works closely with various allied organizations and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Advance ACLU-AZ priorities through research, analysis, and direct engagement with elected officials and government stakeholders
• Develop and execute advocacy plans to further ACLU-AZ policy goals
• Maintain deep knowledge of civil rights and liberties issues at the local, state, and federal levels, and the key influencers and organizations that shape those issues in Arizona
• Monitor, research, and analyze state and local legislation and policy proposals related to the ACLU of Arizona’s advocacy campaigns and public policy goals
• Lobby members of the Arizona legislature and local officials to advance organizational policy goals
• Draft written materials including legislative testimony, memoranda, policy papers and reports, talking points and fact sheets, advocacy letters, know-your-rights guides, and public commentary
• Coordinate and collaborate with ACLU of Arizona and national ACLU colleagues to build and implement strategies that use a combination of litigation, organizing, communications, electoral and other approaches, where appropriate
• Build and maintain relationships with government officials, agency decision-makers, lobbyists, and community stakeholders
• Represent the ACLU of Arizona in various community settings, working groups and stakeholder groups; help build and lead coalitions with diverse stakeholders to advance shared policy goals, and work in partnership with other organizations
• Communicate with ACLU of Arizona communications staff to serve as an occasional spokesperson for the organization including through media interviews, op-eds and articles and provide support and guidance on communications strategies related to policy issues
• Maintain well-organized and up-to-date files and records
• Track information and provide timely, clear reports on policy advocacy or other organizational activities, and complete and execute work plans

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to civil rights and civil liberties and ACLU of Arizona’s mission
• 3- 5 years of experience working in public policy advocacy at state or local levels
• A J.D. is required for consideration for the Policy Counsel position. A graduate degree in public policy or a related field is preferred but not required for consideration for the Policy Strategist position
• Excellent policy analysis and research skills, as well as written and oral advocacy skills including the ability to articulate complex issues and communicate them effectively to a variety of audiences
• Experience with legislative procedures, bill drafting, policy development and analysis is a plus
• Experience developing advocacy plans, setting goals and tactics to advance policy priorities
• Familiarity with the Arizona political landscape, state and local government issues, and legislative process is strongly preferred
• Ability to proactively build and cultivate effective relationships across the political spectrum
• Experience working in coalition, including developing shared plans, coordinating communications, and managing dynamics among partner groups
• Demonstrated commitment to centering the voices and leadership of directly impacted people and communities
• Ability to keep organized in a fast-paced environment, to manage several projects simultaneously and adjust to frequently changing demands while maintaining strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment with support and collaboration from the supervisor
• Willingness and ability to work irregular hours, attend evening and weekend meetings, and travel in- and out-of-state