Policy Director

POSITION OVERVIEW

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire (ACLU-NH), the state’s largest and most influential civil rights organization, seeks a committed and proactive Policy Director to engage key legislators, policy makers, and advocacy organizations in advancing local, state, and federal policies as they relate to the ACLU-NH’s overarching civil rights and civil liberties agenda. The Policy Director will join a passionate and highly engaged team that is actively fighting against unprecedented attacks on civil rights and civil liberties to realize the vision of a fair, equitable, and free New Hampshire that welcomes and celebrates diversity of all kinds. This leadership position offers a meaningful opportunity to impact the most pressing issues in civil liberties policy today.

Reporting into the Executive Director of the ACLU-NH, the Policy Director is a member of the senior leadership team with oversight for the affiliate’s policy agenda and legislative activities. This includes implementing existing policy strategies and advancing identified policy objectives; recommending policy positions, new solutions and approaches to the work; leading and coordinating the organization’s state legislative and executive branch advocacy; and developing priority issue campaigns consistent with organizational priorities.

The Policy Director engages with administrative agencies, local government bodies, and state congressional delegations, and collaborates with other staff on integrated advocacy initiatives and issue campaigns. Working closely with the ACLU-NH Legal Director, Communications Director, Organizing Director, Development Director, and staff at ACLU National, the Policy Director will have a chance to build on collective efforts to challenge laws that infringe on individual freedom, support laws that protect and expand civil liberties, as well as nurture and maintain funder relationships.

Leading candidates will be familiar with the legislative process and federal, state, and local public policy issues, preferably those affecting under resourced communities. Specifically, they will be current with political and legislative issues reflective of the ACLU-NH’s civil liberties portfolio and can recommend strategies, tactics, and co-sponsorships on bills and positions. They will possess exceptional storytelling and public speaking skills with the ability to convey ACLU-NH positions with passion and accuracy; and will work in partnership with staff at other organizations on initiatives that benefit the ACLU-NH’s policy agenda. Excellent writing and editing skills are required as well as exceptional detail orientation and accuracy of research and analysis; adeptness in managing to multiple rigorous deadlines; and aptitude in writing for a policy and press audience.

The ideal candidate will possess strong personal initiative, a collaborative work style, and an ability to produce within a fast-paced environment. They will embody a blend of diplomacy, political savvy, and thoughtfulness when seeking to establish common ground for individuals on both sides of an issue and demonstrate the humility needed to fully absorb the history of civil rights and liberties in New Hampshire and the impact on its people and this country.

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Oversee the ACLU-NH's policy program, including developing priority issue campaigns consistent with organizational priorities, and develop and oversee the advocacy budget.

· Supervise and evaluate the ACLU-NH Policy Advocate.

· Develop and implement the ACLU-NH's legislative agenda. During legislative session this work will require a physical presence in Concord up to three days a week.

· Utilize appropriate strategies and tactics including lobbying members of the legislature and the Governor's office; analyzing and tracking legislation; drafting amendments; and preparing and delivering both written and oral testimony.

· Build trusted relationships with lawmakers, agency decision-makers, staff, the Governor's office, lobbyists, and other stakeholders by providing clear, fact-based analysis and resources; identify opportunities for bipartisan support on ACLU issues.

· Develop strategies, work in partnership with allied organizations and individuals, and build and lead diverse coalitions.

· Coordinate and collaborate with staff to plan and implement effective multi-disciplinary and integrated advocacy policy initiatives, involving a combination of policy, legal, communication, and organizing strategies.

· In conjunction with the Organizing Department, identify, develop, and execute municipal and county policy campaigns to advance civil liberties at the local level.

· Participate in legislative interim activity, attend legislative hearings, and participate in policy-related workgroups, coalitions, and meetings.

· Work collaboratively with other ACLU affiliates to advance national or regional policy priorities.

· Engage with local, state, and national elected officials and candidates on issues pertaining to civil rights and to elevate civil rights in the electoral narrative.

· Respond to media requests on policy or election issues, in coordination with the Communications Director, and represent the ACLU-NH at events, forums, and meetings.

· Prepare written materials in collaboration with the Communications Director including action alerts, talking points, issue briefs, reports, op-eds and website updates.

· Participate in and support equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging work and initiatives.

· Collaborate with Development on the cultivation of key major donors, including participation in certain donor cultivation activities.

· Attend various ACLU functions and handle other projects, as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS

· Understanding of the legislative process, political strategic planning and the ability to build respectful relationships across the political spectrum.

· Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire issue-based expertise as advocacy opportunities present themselves.

· Knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights issues and a commitment to advancing the ACLU's values, mission, and goals.

· Excellent communication advocacy skills, both written and oral, research and analytical skills, and the ability to articulate legal concepts and complex issues effectively to a variety of audiences.

· Ability to develop allies and work collaboratively in coalitions; ability to navigate internal political dynamics among partners groups.

· Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse groups, work cooperatively with communities across the political spectrum.

· A personal approach that values and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstances.

· Initiative, vision, and ability to develop and implement short and long-term policy strategies utilizing a broad range of political and lobbying tactics.

· Ability to work independently when necessary and adjust strategy to frequently changing demands.

· Understanding of how to work collaboratively with colleagues across departments and functions; experience in integrated advocacy strongly preferred.

· Commitment to the highest ethical standards of lobbying and professionalism.

· Ability to manage extended work hours as needed during the legislative session (January-June) and commuting to meetings and events throughout the state. (Mileage reimbursement provided.)

POSITION AND BENEFITS

The Policy Director will be based in Concord, NH. This position is full-time, exempt, and will pay an annual salary of $75,000 to $90,000 depending on experience. Excellent benefits offered, including health and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, generous vacation, holiday, family, and medical leave, and self-care leave policies, and flexible spending account. Relocation reimbursement for moving expenses available up to $4,000, depending on distance and number of family members, contingent on two years’ employment.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The ACLU-NH is an equal opportunity and equity-based employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU-NH encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, previous incarceration or involvement in the criminal justice system (consistent with legal and job requirements), or veteran status. We provide a collegial work environment, with flexibility (subject to job requirements) and employee benefits designed to assist with personal needs and circumstances.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to operate a computer, laptop, and other office equipment, as well as personal electronic devices in order to draft/write, communicate, and perform other functions of the job in a professional office setting.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please send a cover letter and resume by email to jobs@aclu-nh.org. All inquiries should include Policy Director in the subject line and all attachments should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please indicate where you learned of this job posting. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.

This job description provides a general, but not comprehensive, list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU-NH reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.