Policy Counsel or Strategist

Policy Counsel or Strategist

The ACLU of Arizona is seeking a Policy Counsel or Strategist who will develop and execute the organization's policy and legislative agenda in support of the ACLU of Arizona’s priorities. They will work collaboratively across departments, using an integrated advocacy approach that utilizes policy advocacy, litigation, organizing, and communications to maximize the impact of our work. The person in this role also works closely with various allied organizations and community partners.

They will have a deep understanding of advocacy tactics to influence policymakers and other key targets, including direct lobbying of elected officials and experience analyzing and drafting legislation and policy proposals. The ideal candidate has a proven track record working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, problem-solving, and managing multiple projects.

Phoenix, Arizona

$70,000- $75,000, commensurate with experience. This is a union position represented by NOLSW/UAW Local 2320. Compensation is determined by the collective bargaining agreement and follows a structured scale with regular step increases based on years of relevant experience.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority Final date to receive applications is June 5, 2026.

The Policy Counsel or Strategist is part of the Policy Department. This position reports to the Policy Director. This position will not be responsible for supervising paid staff but may supervise interns and other volunteers as assigned.

Full-time, exempt.

Job Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To:

Advance ACLU-AZ priorities through research, analysis, and direct engagement with elected officials and government stakeholders

• Develop and execute advocacy plans to further ACLU-AZ policy goals.
• Maintain deep knowledge of civil rights and liberties issues at the local, state, and federal levels, and the key influencers and organizations that shape those issues in Arizona.
• Monitor, research, and analyze state and local legislation and policy proposals related to the ACLU of Arizona’s advocacy campaigns and public policy goals.
• Lobby members of the Arizona legislature and local officials to advance organizational policy goals.
• Draft written materials including legislative testimony, memoranda, policy papers and reports, talking points and fact sheets, advocacy letters, know-your-rights guides, and public commentary.
• Coordinate and collaborate with ACLU of Arizona and national ACLU colleagues to build and implement strategies that use a combination of litigation, organizing, communications, electoral and other approaches, where appropriate.

• Build and maintain relationships with government officials, agency decision-makers, lobbyists, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the ACLU of Arizona in various community settings, working groups and stakeholder groups; help build and lead coalitions with diverse stakeholders to advance shared policy goals, and work in partnership with other organizations.

• Represent the ACLU of Arizona at public forums, conferences, meetings, and with other external stakeholders.
• Work with ACLU of Arizona communications staff to serve as an occasional spokesperson for the organization including through media interviews, op-eds and articles and provide support and guidance on communications strategies related to policy issues.

Maintain well-organized and up-to-date files and records. Track information and provide timely, clear reports on policy advocacy or other organizational activities, and complete and execute work plans.

Be an active contributor to the organization and policy department’s efforts to think creatively, ambitiously, and openly about how our program can better integrate equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging into our day-to-day operations as well as our goals, plans and work with volunteers, leaders and partners.

• Demo…