Defensive Work

New York Civil Liberties Union Foundation•New York, NY

2d•$99,500 - $122,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The NYCLU seeks an experienced and innovative Policy Counsel to lead a broad docket focused on enhancing First Amendment protections, free speech, privacy and technology protections, and defensive work for the organization’s legislative program. Potential issues include local and state speech regulations, limitations on the right to protest, rights of journalists and whistleblowers, government regulation of personal data, the intersection of First Amendment rights and technology, and other civil liberties issues addressed by the legislature. The Policy Department implements and monitors legislative and policy initiatives across New York that implicate constitutional rights and liberties. It drafts and supports legislation advancing constitutional freedoms and opposes laws, rules, and policies that compromise them. The work includes advocacy in Albany and before the New York City Council and other municipal bodies, as well as rulemaking and implementation efforts. Counsel will use research, written analysis, lobbying, collaboration across departments, public education, testimony, campaign management, strategic communications, and coalition building to advance their docket. The successful candidate will develop and manage campaigns in collaboration with the Policy, Legal, Field Organizing, and Communications Departments, and will work collaboratively with external partners. The Counsel reports to the Policy Director. The Senior Policy Counsel title is reserved for candidates with at least six years of experience in legal or policy advocacy and the interest and ability to supervise Policy team projects and devise strategies and tactics for civil rights advocacy. The position is regular, full-time, exempt, and represented by Local 2320. NYCLU staff currently work in a hybrid model, with some required in-person days. The role is based at 55 Broadway, New York, NY.

Requirements

J.D. degree.
At least 3 years of experience in legal or public policy advocacy, focused on First Amendment rights.
Initiative, vision, and ability to develop and implement short- and long-term policy strategies using a broad range of political and legal tactics.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for a variety of audiences.
Excellent research and analytical skills.
Fluency in the vocabulary of free-speech issues and general civil liberties concerns.
Ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives and manage multiple issues in a fast-paced environment.
Strong project and time management skills, organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Demonstrated creative problem-solving, strategic flexibility, and sound judgment.
Ability to develop allies and work collaboratively and diplomatically.
Strong commitment to diversity and an approach that values and respects differences in race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socioeconomic circumstances.
Willingness to travel within New York State for speaking events, meetings, and conferences.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the New York State Legislature and/or local New York legislative bodies.
Demonstrated experience engaging and working with and/or on behalf of underrepresented communities.
Experience working at the intersection of First Amendment rights and privacy and technology.
At least 6 years of experience in legal or policy advocacy, with interest and ability to supervise Policy team projects and devise strategies and tactics for civil rights advocacy, for consideration at the Senior Policy Counsel title.

Responsibilities

Devise and manage short- and long-term campaigns to advance the organization’s mission in coordination with Legal, Field Organizing, and Communications.
Conduct legislative and administrative advocacy, including developing legal and policy positions on local and state legislation, agency actions, proposed rules, directives, and ballot measures.
Draft and edit legislation and model policies; prepare testimony, comments on proposed rules and regulations, and local and state advocacy materials; provide testimony and share expertise with policymakers.
Build and maintain relationships with organizations, including those led by impacted individuals, public interest groups, government officials, community stakeholders, and academics; engage them in the organization’s work and collaborative projects.
Foster positive working relationships with state and national ACLU staff.
Serve as a spokesperson and resource for the NYCLU in the press, internal discussions and strategy development, and NYCLU publications.
Monitor legal and policy developments on civil liberties issues in New York and nationwide.
Supervise fellows, support their professional development, and communicate clear expectations and feedback.
Support the NYCLU’s internal and external commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.