Job Description
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
ABOUT THE JOB
The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time position of Director, Policy & Government Affairs – Justice Division in the National Political Advocacy Department of the ACLU’s National office. This is a hybrid role that requires in-office presence two days per week or eight days per month.
The National Political Advocacy Department builds power to achieve an accountable, representative democracy. We have ambitious goals across reproductive freedom, democracy and voting rights, systemic equality, immigration, trans justice, criminal justice, and other core issues to protect and expand civil rights and civil liberties.
Our department conducts analysis, develops policy, crafts world‑class campaigns, and positions the ACLU to have impact across legislative, administrative, and electoral levers.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Director, Policy & Government Affairs – Justice Division will report to the National Director of Policy & Government Affairs.
YOUR DAY TO DAY
Lead and manage a team charged with charting the course for the ACLU’s federal policy agenda on criminal legal reform and other civil rights and civil liberties issues.
Lead the Division in developing novel goals, strategy, and vision, and the strategic plans necessary to advance key policy priorities.
Identify areas of work to be prioritized by the Division, creating an annual slate of policy priorities that drive core work.
Provide strategic advice and counsel to the National Director and other leadership in policy engagements, lobbying strategy, and shaping policy agendas.
Develop strategy for and direct policy and lobbying efforts in specific issue areas at the federal level and support similar efforts at state and local levels.
Identify funding opportunities and maintain relationships with funders.
Manage Justice Division budget and grantmaking process.
Participate in the leadership team of the Policy & Government Relations vertical to ensure effective relationship management, coordination on Capitol Hill, and alignment across divisions.
Work in partnership with National and State Campaigns leadership to achieve legislative and administrative victories that advance civil liberties and civil rights.
Collaborate with Legal Department staff on policy advocacy directed toward Congress or the Executive Branch and provide advice to affiliates on state and local policy.
Serve as a principal policy, legal, and/or subject matter expert and advocate; represent the Division and department in meetings of ad hoc lobbying and policy coalitions.
Direct the Division’s work on the development and execution of accurate and persuasive written explanations of the ACLU’s position on proposed federal or state policy.
Manage and cultivate relationships with policymakers in Congress and the Executive branch; testify as an expert at legislative hearings and agency meetings; identify and prepare expert witnesses and testimony.
Lobby elected officials, their staff, and other public officials to support ACLU positions on pending legislation and policy initiatives.
Provide strategic guidance on lobbying efforts and testimony to be delivered by ACLU state affiliates before legislative or regulatory bodies at state and local levels, in collaboration with affiliate leadership.
Work with Communications staff and other stakeholders to provide expert commentary to media, participate in media briefings, and draft and contribute to op‑eds and other publications.
Serve as a spokesperson for the ACLU on substantive areas of expertise.
Engage in fundraising and donor cultivation.
Develop staff capacity to work collaboratively, grow issue expertise, and refine policy and lobbying skills; lead trainings and provide mentorship.
Lead efforts to recruit staff and strengthen the division and department.
Provide subject matter expertise, advice, and support to colleagues in other divisions as they develop and execute state/local campaigns.
Demonstrate flexibility and adjust priorities as necessary to adapt to changing external environment.
Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned.
FUTURE ACLU'ERS 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 a commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives.
Be committed to working collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
The ACLU seeks a highly‑skilled individual with a deep understanding of and passion for criminal legal reform policy, and other civil rights and civil liberties issues. This leader must have extensive experience leading legislative and administrative advocacy, a track record of driving successful policy outcomes, and experience building, leading, and working within coalitions.
The candidate will naturally connect and build strong relationships, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively. They will bring excellent research, writing, and analytical skills and public speaking experience.
They will be a strong manager with experience leading teams in collaborative environments and operating efficiently in a fast‑paced setting, managing multiple tasks, and meeting deadlines reliably.
SETTING STRATEGY & EXECUTING FOR RESULTS
Proven ability to identify and set policy priorities.
Decisive in strategic planning but aware of a changing environment and maintains a needed level of flexibility.
The vision and skills to create and articulate an inspiring vision for the Division.
The ability to set clear and challenging goals while committing the organization to improved performance; tenacious and accountable in driving results.
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 TEAMS
The ability to motivate the team, attract and recruit top talent, delegate effectively, celebrate diversity within the team, and manage performance; widely viewed as a strong developer of others.
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, leading by example and driving the organization’s 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.
Skilled at advocacy, influence, and persuasion; able to convince others to act on information or recommendations based on compelling logic or common best interests.
Deep commitment to actively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fostering an environment of belonging and trust.
COMPENSATION
The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. Consistent with our compensation philosophy, the annual salary for this position is $220,285, reflecting a New York, NY location. Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside the listed location.
BENEFITS
Generous paid time‑off policy.
Comprehensive healthcare benefits including medical, dental, vision coverage, parental leave, gender‑affirming care, and fertility treatment.
401(k) plan with employer match.
Annual professional development funds and internal professional development programs and workshops.
OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values of the ACLU and central to our work to advance liberty, equality, and justice for all. We are committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability.
We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
The ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email benefits.hrdept@aclu.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
The Department of Education has determined that employment in this position at the ACLU does not qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
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Job Tags
Full time, Work at office, Local area, 2 days per week,