Civil Rights Policy Strategist

ACLU of New Jersey; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health, vision, dental insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Family leave

Job summary

ACLU of New Jersey is seeking a policy strategist to lead strategic civil rights advocacy across privacy, racial justice, criminal justice reform, democracy, and immigration. You will collaborate across departments and with community partners to advance bold policy change through research, testimony, and targeted advocacy.

The role requires strong policy analysis, experience with legislative processes, and the ability to build bipartisan relationships while centering affected communities.

Qualifications

• 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 of ACLU-NJ.
• Excellent policy analysis, research, and written and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience with legislative procedures, bill drafting, policy development, and analysis.
• Ability to proactively build and cultivate relationships across the political spectrum.
• Familiarity with New Jersey political landscape and legislative process.
• Experience working in coalitions, including coordinating communications and fostering collaboration.
• Commitment to centering the voices of directly impacted communities.
• Ability to stay organized in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Advance ACLU-NJ’s legislative and public policy agenda at 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 sessions, including testimony and briefings.
• Build bipartisan relationships and use data to inform policy priorities.
• Develop advocacy materials such as testimony, policy papers, fact sheets, talking points, and letters.
• Build and maintain relationships with government officials, community leaders, allied organizations, and agencies.
• Represent ACLU-NJ in coalitions, working groups, and stakeholder meetings.
• Support communications on priority legislation and campaigns, including social media and website updates.
• Maintain organized policy records and prepare reports on legislative developments.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Policy research

Written advocacy

Oral advocacy

Legislative process

Coalitions

Community engagement

Relationship building

Data analytics

Project management

Tools

Legislative tracking tools

Databases

Job description

ACLU of New Jersey is seeking a policy strategist to lead strategic civil rights advocacy across privacy, racial justice, criminal justice reform, democracy, and immigration. You will collaborate across departments and with community partners to advance bold policy change through research, testimony, and targeted advocacy.

The role requires strong policy analysis, experience with legislative processes, and the ability to build bipartisan relationships while centering affected communities.