Hybrid Policy Counsel

at ACLU of Wisconsin

• Job title: Policy Counsel
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: $67,309 - $92,269 per year
• Degree requirement: Professional Certificate
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Milwaukee, United States

About the role

• Policy Counsel at ACLU-WI focusing on civil rights and liberties advocacy. Engaging in research, lobbying, and collaboration with coalition partners on pressing legislative issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal and policy research, including but not limited to the areas of criminal legal reform, First Amendment, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights and bodily autonomy, and strengthening democracy
• Independently identify issues, legislation, policies, and opportunities relevant to ACLU-WI’s advocacy campaigns and other public policy goals
• Draft, analyze, and revise policies and legislation, including amendments
• Independently write and revise high-quality written material, including legislative testimony, memoranda, policy papers and reports, talking points and fact sheets, advocacy letters, know-your-rights guides, public commentary, and other content that further the legislative and policy priorities of the organization
• Lobby individual lawmakers and testify before state and local legislative bodies on ACLU-WI’s policy priorities
• Cultivate and maintain key strategic relationships with elected officials, stakeholders, and peers at other organizations
• Represent ACLU-WI in various community and stakeholder groups and coalitions and work in partnership with other organizations
• Collaborate with inter-disciplinary teams to design policy strategies that are aligned with and supported by strategic communications, organizing, litigation, development and engagement, and other strategies and tactics
• Serve as a spokesperson for ACLU-WI’s policy positions in the media
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Juris doctor from an accredited law school or other graduate degree in Public Policy or a related field
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience at the federal, state, or local level
• Prior experience working with community and coalitions on policy advocacy projects (experience developing shared plans, coordinating external and internal communications, and understanding and skillfully navigating internal political dynamics among partner groups while remaining in good relationship)
• Prior experience in political strategic planning including power-mapping and developing messaging and tactics for legislative campaigns

Benefits

• $60 per month for internet and cell phone allowance
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 weeks paid family medical / parental leave
• Optional medical (includes one plan at no cost to the employee)
• Dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Short and long term disability insurance
• Optional 401(K) retirement fund with a stepped employer match