Policy Strategist

ACLU•Newark, NJ

About The Position

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) seeks a creative, strategic champion of civil rights and liberties to join our team as a policy strategist. The policy strategist will work collaboratively across the organization and alongside allied community partners, using strategic policy advocacy tactics to advance bold and impactful change in areas such as privacy and technology protection, racial justice, criminal legal reform, democracy and voting rights, and immigration. The ideal candidate has strong policy research and analysis skills, a deep understanding of advocacy tactics to influence policymakers and elected officials, and a commitment to advancing civil rights and liberties for all New Jerseyans.

Requirements

At least two years of experience in public policy advocacy and research at state or local levels.
Demonstrated commitment to civil rights and civil liberties consistent with the mission and goals of ACLU-NJ.
Excellent policy analysis, research, and written and oral advocacy skills, including the ability to articulate complex issues and communicate them effectively to various audiences.
Experience with legislative procedures, bill drafting, policy development, and analysis.
Ability to proactively build and cultivate effective relationships across the political spectrum.
Familiarity with the New Jersey political landscape, state and local government issues, and the legislative process.
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 stay organized in a fast-paced environment, 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, especially during the legislative session, and to attend occasional evening and weekend meetings.
Experience using relevant technical tools and knowledge-sharing resources, e.g., legislative tracking tools, databases, etc.
Comfortability producing qualitative and quantitative data analytics.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (or another language spoken by New Jersey communities).
Existing relationships with members of the New Jersey congressional delegation, members of the NJ legislature, or their staff.
Experience working on civil rights, criminal justice reform, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ rights, or voting rights campaigns.
Experience with federal agency advocacy or administrative rulemaking processes.
Experience using legislative tracking tools.

Responsibilities

Advance ACLU-NJ’s legislative and public policy agenda at the federal, state, city, and county levels.
Research and analyze laws and policies affecting New Jersey communities.
Develop and implement lobbying and advocacy strategies with the legislature, governor’s office, and other government bodies.
Track legislation and support advocacy during legislative and special sessions, including testimony, briefing materials, policy recommendations, and meetings with policymakers.
Build bipartisan relationships and use data to inform policy priorities.
Develop advocacy materials, including testimony, policy papers, fact sheets, talking points, letters, guides, and public commentary.
Build and maintain relationships with government officials, community leaders, allied organizations, legislative staff, agencies, and lobbyists.
Represent ACLU-NJ in community groups, coalitions, working groups, and stakeholder meetings.
Partner with the community engagement team to involve members and volunteers in legislative advocacy.
Support communications on priority legislation and campaigns, including social media, website updates, action emails, bill summaries, talking points, and videos.
Occasionally serve as an organizational spokesperson through media interviews, op-eds, and articles.
Represent ACLU-NJ at public forums, conferences, meetings, and other external events.
Maintain organized policy records, resources, legislative calendars, and advocacy timelines.
Prepare reports and updates on legislative developments, advocacy activities, and outcomes.
Support departmental planning, project management, and administrative needs.
Advance ACLU-NJ’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in advocacy strategies, organizational practices, and community partnerships.
Contribute to department and organization-wide efforts to ensure programs, policies, and engagement practices are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to impacted communities.