Policy and Advocacy Director

Job Description: Director of Policy and Advocacy Overview: The ACLU of Alabama is one of the nation’s foremost defenders of civil liberties and civil rights.
We are a part of the American Civil Liberties Union, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization with 51 local affiliates across the country.
Our mission is to protect and advance the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights and the US Constitution by working through public education, legislative advocacy, and litigation.
Based in Montgomery Alabama, the Director of Policy and Advocacy will lead the development and implementation of strategic, multi-faceted campaigns to ensure decision makers in state and local legislative and executive bodies pass laws and adopt policies that advance and defend civil liberties and civil rights and oppose laws, rules and policies that would compromise those freedoms.
This position is a part of the senior leadership team, and as a leader you will have an active role in advancing organizational equity and support building in a culture of belonging that goes beyond diversity and inclusion.
The Director leads the Policy and Advocacy Department in working with a broad range of stakeholders in advocating on shared policy priorities and goals and in engaging, training and mobilizing ACLU members and other constituents to carry out activism in support of campaign objectives.
Roles & Responsibilities Develop overarching vision for the Public Policy program and campaign plans centered in equity to achieve strategic policy goal.
Build trust and strong relationships with community leaders and grassroots organizations led by and centering the voices of directly impacted individuals and communities disproportionately impacted by violations of civil liberties and civil rights; seek their input to help shape ACLU’s priorities.
Lead lobbyist at state legislature, includes analyzing and tracking legislation; drafting amendments and delivering both written and oral testimony; educating and lobbying interim legislative committees and diverse, inclusive working groups.
Develop and execute plan to build trusted relationships with lawmakers, agency decision-makers, staff, lobbyists and other stakeholders by providing clear, persuasive, fact-based analysis and resources; identify opportunities for bipartisan support on ACLU issues.
Direct the advocacy efforts before local decision-making bodies and agencies such as city councils and county commissions.
Create platforms for generating authentic input from people with direct experience with the systems and policies we seek to change and create opportunities for leadership development in our campaigns.
Develop strategies to work in coalition or other partnerships with allied organizations and individuals.
Collaborate with national ACLU and other ACLU affiliates to advance national public policy campaigns and enlist support for local initiatives.
Research policy questions and advise Executive Director in staking out policy positions Develop and implement public education strategies (including materials development and the organization of public events) to promote the ACLU’s public policy goals.
Collaborate on grant management and donor stewardship.
In coordination with the Communications Department, represent the ACLU-AL in the media; collaborate with communications staff in the development of effective messaging strategies.
Experience & Qualifications: An understanding of and enthusiasm for civil liberties and civil rights and personally committed to advancing the ACLU’s values, mission, goals and programs.
Commitment to race and other forms of equity, both internally in our organization and externally in the communities that we serve.
Awareness of, and willingness to engage in, the difficult and transformative work of challenging systems of oppression, institutional and structural racism, and implicit bias.
Ability to participate in, create and sustain inclusive and engaging spaces for all races/ethnicities, genders, ages, classes, and geographies.
At least 3 years of experience in either government service or the non-profit sector with policy or advocacy experience, or as a legislative lobbyist.
Experience with the State Legislature is a plus.
A law degree is a plus but not required.
Excellent research, writing and oral communication skills, including public speaking.
Demonstrated experience engaging and working with and/or on behalf of underrepresented communities is a plus.
Excellent leadership skills.
Vision, initiative, and ability to design new programs and policy strategies utilizing a broad range of tactics, and guide others in their implementation.
Ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information and prepare compelling educational materials.
A demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with coalitions and community groups.
Ability to have courageous conversations internally with colleagues and externally with allies when overcoming differences in opinion.
Ability to work independently and keep organized in a fast-paced environment, manage several projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adjust strategy to frequently changing demands.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, or travel when needed.
Compensation and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience and within the parameters of the ACLU of Alabama: $93,000 - $103,000 (pending on experience).
Benefits include medical and disability insurance, 401(k) and vacation, holiday and sick leave.
Application Process: Please submit a letter of interest, current resume and salary requirements via email to: jobs@aclualabama.
org with “Director of Policy and Advocacy” in the subject field.
The ACLU of Alabama is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, non-binary and transgender individuals.
Any candidates requesting accommodations may either contact us above, or an independent 3rd party at ACLU@rocketcityhr.
com or (256)272-9555 and dialing ext.
9.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this job description restricts the Executive Director's right to assign other duties or responsibilities to this job at any time.
The ACLU of Alabama is an equal opportunity employer.
We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture.
We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status and commits to comply with all applicable equal opportunity and nondiscrimination laws and to refrain from unlawful discrimination.