Policy Advocate

Employment Status: Regular, Full Time

FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt

Location: Montpelier, Vermont

Compensation: $65,000 – $70,000

Start Date: Target December 1, or as soon after as possible

Position Summary

Reporting to the Advocacy Director and working in close collaboration with ACLU-VT's other programs, the Policy Advocate will focus on advocating for our organization’s key priority areas, including but not limited to advancing racial and economic justice, reimagining public safety, spurring criminal law reform, and strengthening our democracy. The Policy Advocate’s responsibilities will involve a range of activities, including research, drafting, and providing testimony on bills in the legislature; drafting letters to and speaking before other public bodies; working with and supporting coalition partners; speaking to the media; and giving presentations to community groups.

Position Location

The ACLU of Vermont currently follows a hybrid office policy with program-specific in-office expectations. The Policy Advocate will be expected to work from ACLU-VT’s Montpelier office more often than not, especially when the legislature is in session, with the exact hybrid schedule to be set in conversation with their supervisor.

About Our Team

We are a passionate, highly motivated group of lawyers, public policy experts, communications professionals, organizers, and fundraisers, and we are looking for exceptional talent to join our team. We are committed to fostering a strong internal culture of belonging, with an emphasis on inclusive and equitable practices and organizational diversity. The Policy Advocate will have a strong awareness of, and willingness to engage in, the difficult and transformative work of challenging systems of oppression, institutional and structural racism, and implicit bias in a variety of settings. To learn more about us, visit our website.

Responsibilities

• Support ACLU-VT’s integrated advocacy efforts, with an emphasis on advancing legislation impacting civil rights and civil liberties.
• Participate in advocacy activities on a broad range of issues, including legal and factual research, legislative testimony, public speaking, and community engagement.
• Support the advocacy program both in preparation for and throughout the legislative session, and assist in day-to-day operations.
• Advocate for civil liberties and civil rights while representing ACLU-VT in the legislature, with administration officials, at events, and in coalitions.
• Analyze proposed legislation; draft and present testimony on behalf of the organization to state and municipal policymakers.
• Track legislation and help maintain the legislative calendar.
• Develop campaign plans to advance policy priorities and to increase grassroots engagement.
• Develop equitable and reciprocal relationships with community organizations and networks – particularly community members impacted by policing incarceration and racial justice initiatives led by people of color – and help advance the organization’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in both its internal and external-facing work.
• Work with ACLU-VT staff to implement integrated advocacy campaigns and high-impact strategies across ACLU-VT’s advocacy, communications, development, and legal programs.
• Organize community meetings and events; this includes logistics, outreach, developing the agendas and facilitation.
• Supervise interns, volunteers, and ACLU staff when appropriate.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a creative, flexible, well-organized, and reliable person who is able to prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities while managing a demanding schedule. They are a collaborative team player who enjoys working independently, jointly, and at times under pressure. They are willing to learn, and possess many or all of the following qualifications:

• There are no required levels of education for application. However, a law degree, a relevant bachelor’s degree with three years of public policy advocacy, or other equivalent related experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated interest and/or background in public policy, law, the criminal legal system, or politics.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, civil liberties, and civil rights; committed to advancing the ACLU’s values, mission, goals, and programs.
• Exceptional writing, legal and policy research, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills to both legal and non-legal audiences.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, both in the workplace and in collaboration with community partners and constituents. Proven ability to work with emotional intelligence, receive feedback, work through conflict with integrity, and operate within principles of solidarity when working in partnership with constituencies impacted by oppression. Proven ability to work in a manner that respects differences in race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance. Demonstrated knowledge of – or commitment to building or deepening understanding of – racial equity.
• Proficiency with technology & computer systems: Outlook, Windows, and Microsoft Office Suite in particular.
• Willing to work irregular hours as needed, including occasional travel, evening and weekend meetings.

Compensation and Benefits

We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce through various equity initiatives, which include equitable pay practices. Competitive compensation is commensurate with experience. The starting salary for this position is $65,000 - $70,000.

We understand how vital our work is and at the same time understand the toll engaged activism can take. Our goal is to retain staff and we believe that having a robust benefits offering is vital in meeting that goal. Our benefits include fully employer-paid medical and dental insurance for staff members, their dependents and spouse or domestic partner; life insurance and disability; defined contribution plan with employer match; generous vacation and sick leave, in addition to 14 paid holidays; and paid sabbatical. This position is full-time, salaried, and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

How to Apply

• Email a cover letter and resume to search@acluvt.org
• Include in the subject line of the email: your last name and Policy Advocate
• Applications will be accepted until November 12th.

Please let us know if there are any accessibility accommodations we can provide to you during the application or hiring process.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Hiring

ACLU-VT is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive office culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive. ACLU-VT strongly encourages applications from all identities. No applicant will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or prior involvement in the criminal justice system.

About ACLU of Vermont

The ACLU of Vermont integrates litigation, policy advocacy, organizing, public education, and strategic communications to defend and advance civil liberties for all people across a broad range of constitutionally protected rights and freedoms. Founded in 1967 and based in Montpelier, the ACLU of Vermont is the statewide affiliate of the national ACLU, a nationwide organization with a presence in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC. The ACLU fights tirelessly for the principle that every individual’s rights must be protected equally under the law, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or national origin.