Policy & Advocacy Strategist

ACLU FOUNDATION OF TEXAS INC•, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The L3 Strategist plays a leadership role within the Policy & Advocacy Department focused on a wide array of challenges to civil liberties in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and in Texas. The strategist develops and coordinates local advocacy campaigns, creates opportunities for supporters to join those campaigns, and builds support for Border and Immigrant Rights, Voting Rights, and all our priority issues through local and state-level advocacy. The L3 Strategist should be able to work with a high degree autonomy while maintaining a high degree of communication with their supervisor and other key stakeholders. The position reports to the Policy & Advocacy Co-Director and relies on close and frequent communication. The team works at the local, state, and federal levels, in close collaboration with other departments within the ACLU of Texas and ACLU National.

Requirements

At least five years of experience working in community organizing, political campaigns, and/or public policy research and advocacy
at least two years of experience building relationships with BIPOC and/or immigrant communities and identifying and addressing barriers to access to social systems or other opportunities for these communities
track record of achieving policy change through organizing and/or advocacy with public officials.
Familiarity with the environment for civil liberties in Texas, especially as related to voting rights and censorship in schools.
Strong project management skills; ability to complete policy-related projects in complex or adversarial environments.
Demonstrated ability to produce sophisticated policy-related written work products.
Solid computer skills, including intermediate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and communications tools.
Flexible schedule and ability to work non-traditional hours as needed.
Some travel required.
Demonstrated commitment to civil liberties.

Nice To Haves

Graduate-level education in public policy
Prior project management experience
Experience interacting with the media and representing mission-driven organizations to the media

Responsibilities

Participates as a leader in strategy development, budgeting, and overall team development for the Policy & Advocacy Department. Responsibilities may include helping lead department wide projects outside of their specific issue area focus.
Works closely with cross-departmental colleagues to develop campaign goals, strategies, and plans across an array of XXX issues in Texas, through a racial justice lens.
Plays a lead role in executing plans to achieve campaign objectives, including by coordinating across multiple departments and managing a dynamic team.
Brings an organizing mindset to policy change.
Maintains policy knowledge of XXX, and the key influencers and organizations that shape the issue in Texas.
Works closely with BIPOC and immigrant communities to achieve goals for policy change.
Builds and maintains relationships with counterparts in other organizations and coalitions across; travels to participate maintain relationships and support coalition work
Exerts influence at the state and local and levels through relationships with like-minded organizations, the media, grassroots groups, offices of elected officials, and elected officials themselves.
Able to exert influence in adversarial contexts. This includes travel statewide and travel to Austin for legislative advocacy.
Produces high-standard written products for internal and external audiences, based on original research and analysis.
Represents the organization in coalitions, groups of parents and students, the media, the Texas state legislature, and with other officials and forums.