Defensive Work

New York Civil Liberties Union Foundation•New York, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The NYCLU seeks an experienced and innovative Policy Counsel to lead a broad docket focused on strengthening First Amendment protections, free speech, privacy, and technology protections, while providing defensive support for the organization’s legislative program. Areas of work may include advocacy concerning restrictions on protest, the 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 advances affirmative legislation and opposes laws, rules, and policies that compromise those freedoms. The department’s work includes advocacy during the state legislative session in Albany, engagement with the New York City Council and other municipal bodies, and rulemaking and implementation efforts. This work involves research and analysis, lobbying and engagement with lawmakers and agency officials, collaboration with the Legal, Field Organizing, and Communications teams, public education and testimony, campaign management, strategic communications, and coalition building. The successful candidate will develop and implement strategies to advance their docket in a collaborative organization. The Counsel will work closely with Policy, Legal, Field Organizing, and Communications colleagues and will report to the Policy Director. The Senior Policy Counsel title is reserved for counsel with at least six years of experience in legal or policy advocacy and the interest and ability to supervise Policy team projects and develop strategies and tactics for civil rights advocacy.

Requirements

J.D. degree.
At least 3 years of experience in legal or public policy advocacy, with a focus 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 at once in a fast-paced environment.
Strong project and time management skills, including organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Demonstrated creative problem-solving, strategic flexibility, and good 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.

Responsibilities

Devise and manage short- and long-term campaigns to advance the NYCLU’s mission in coordination with the Legal, Field Organizing, and Communications departments.
Engage in legislative and administrative advocacy, including developing legal and policy positions on legislation, agency actions, proposed rules, directives, and ballot measures.
Draft and edit legislation and model policies, testimony, comments on proposed rules and regulations, and local and state advocacy materials.
Write and 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 partners in NYCLU work, implement collaborative projects, and foster positive working relationships with state and national ACLU staff.
Serve as a key NYCLU spokesperson and resource in the press, internal discussions and strategy development, and NYCLU publications.
Monitor legal and policy developments on civil liberties issues nationally and in New York.
Supervise fellows, support their professional development, and communicate transparent expectations and feedback.
Actively support the NYCLU’s internal and external commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.