Public Policy Counsel

ABOUT THE POSITION

The ACLU of Maryland exists to empower Marylanders to exercise their rights so that the law values and uplifts their humanity.

Public Policy Counsel Responsibilities

The Public Policy Counsel’s primary purpose is to work with the policy team to develop and execute the organization’s policy and legislative advocacy agenda, including drafting legislation, testifying in front of government bodies, and lobbying local and state legislators to pass laws concerning civil rights and civil liberties. In addition to managing a larger portfolio of policy issues, the Public Policy Counsel conducts extensive legal and policy research and analysis, answer legal questions, and draft a variety of legal memos, letters, and other documents that require an understanding of many different aspects of law, particularly Constitutional law and civil rights and civil liberties protections.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The information provided below encompasses the essential functions and capabilities linked with this position:

• Lobby legislators and draft bill language for the organization’s priorities.
• Perform legal analysis to determine the Constitutionality of existing and proposed laws and policies.
• Recommend revisions to team procedures and practices to incorporate best practices and address changes in the legal landscape and cultural environment.
• Disseminate, implement, and enforce organization and team standards, policies, and procedures, including providing proper guidance to those carrying out related duties.
• Assist with developing and executing plans and strategies to meet team goals and objectives.

Job Functions

• Actively elevate the work and leadership of communities directly impacted by injustice.
• Conduct legal research to identify key issues related to proposed legislation.
• Identify, track, and advise on introduced and proposed legislation before the Maryland General Assembly and other local legislative bodies that affect civil liberties.
• Maintain bill tracking database and hearing schedule, program calendars, and docket information.
• Monitor implementation of priority laws that passed from the previous session.
• Attend hearings, briefings, and other proceedings before the General Assembly.
• Draft testimony on a wide range of bills to explain the Constitutional implications of legislation and the organization’s position.
• Deliver verbal testimony at the state and local level to represent the organization in front of government bodies.
• Draft reports, memos, letters, and documents to different audiences to explain complex legal and policy matters and provide recommendations.
• Draft policy briefs, fact sheets, one-pagers, talking points, communications and education materials, and other documents to synthesize complex issues into persuasive language that is easy to understand.
• Build and maintain relationships with key legislators, coalitions, and advocates to advance the organization’s legislative agenda.
• Identify, recruit, and prepare witnesses for hearings on key bills.
• Assist members of the legal department on an ad hoc basis by conducting legal research, writing, and analysis.
• Assist with development of and facilitate meetings with members of different departments and outside coalitions and advocates.
• Collaborate with the engagement team on outreach and organizing strategies.
• Collaborate with the communications team on media and communication strategies.

Collaborative Work Plans and Organizational Communications

This position is expected to perform work assigned and outlined in the annual organizational strategic operating plan, departmental operational plans, and/or in project/programmatic area workplans in addition to the position’s other work. This position primarily supports the following strategic priorities on an ongoing basis: Individual Autonomy, Immigrant Rights, Government Accountability and Voting Rights. Upon request, collaborate with the development team and program staff on grant proposals and reports; meet with funders; and provide information to funders.

QUALIFICATIONS

Values Agreement

Demonstrated personal commitment to advancing the ACLU’s values, mission, goals, and programs, with an understanding of the range of civil rights and civil liberties issues and their implications through previous experiences.

Race Equity Commitment

Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, dismantling white supremacy, and incorporating a structural power analysis into work. Must have knowledge and understanding of how power is manifested in matters of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstances.

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