Policy Strategist

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) seeks a creative, strategic champion of civil rights and liberties to join our team as a policy strategist. The policy strategist will work collaboratively across the organization and alongside allied community partners, using strategic policy advocacy tactics to advance bold and impactful change in areas such as privacy and technology protection, racial justice, criminal legal reform, democracy and voting rights, and immigration.

The ideal candidate has strong policy research and analysis skills, a deep understanding of advocacy tactics to influence policymakers and elected officials, and a commitment to advancing civil rights and liberties for all New Jerseyans.

For more than 60 years, the ACLU of New Jersey has defended liberty and justice guided by the vision of a fair and equitable New Jersey for all. Our mission is to preserve, advance, and extend the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every New Jerseyan by the state and federal constitutions in courts, in the legislature, and in our communities.

We are committed to repairing and transforming spaces where constitutional promises have not been delivered.

Legislative Advocacy and Policy Strategy

• Advance ACLU-NJ’s legislative and public policy agenda at the 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 and special sessions, including testimony, briefing materials, policy recommendations, and meetings with policymakers.
• Build bipartisan relationships and use data to inform policy priorities.
• Develop advocacy materials, including testimony, policy papers, fact sheets, talking points, letters, guides, and public commentary.

Relationship Building and Community Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with government officials, community leaders, allied organizations, legislative staff, agencies, and lobbyists.
• Represent ACLU-NJ in community groups, coalitions, working groups, and stakeholder meetings.
• Partner with the community engagement team to involve members and volunteers in legislative advocacy.

Communications and External Relations

• Support communications on priority legislation and campaigns, including social media, website updates, action emails, bill summaries, talking points, and videos.
• Occasionally serve as an organizational spokesperson through media interviews, op-eds, and articles.
• Represent ACLU-NJ at public forums, conferences, meetings, and other external events.

Reporting and Administrative Duties

• Maintain organized policy records, resources, legislative calendars, and advocacy timelines.
• Prepare reports and updates on legislative developments, advocacy activities, and outcomes.
• Support departmental planning, project management, and administrative needs.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

• Advance ACLU-NJ’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in advocacy strategies, organizational practices, and community partnerships.
• Contribute to department and organization-wide efforts to ensure programs, policies, and engagement practices are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to impacted communities.

The successful candidate will possess many of the following qualifications and attributes. If you are excited about the position but unsure whether or not you are qualified, we encourage you to apply.

• At least two years of experience in public policy advocacy and research at state or local levels.
• Demonst…