ABOUT US
The American Civil Liberties Union Florida (ACLU of Florida) seeks a Policy Strategist to combat pressing civil rights and liberties issues affecting communities across the state. The ideal candidate will have experience in Immigrants’ Rights, in addition to one or more other subject areas. The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida is an affiliate of the national ACLU, a national public interest organization devoted to the defense of civil rights and civil liberties. For over 100 years, the ACLU has served as the nation’s primary protector of the liberties that define our democracy. The organization implements its vital civil liberties mission in all 50 states in large part through affiliate entities such as the ACLU of Florida.
The ACLU of Florida, the state’s largest civil rights and civil liberties organization, employs litigation, public policy advocacy, communications strategies, and public education to protect and promote a broad range of constitutional values and individual rights, such as freedom of speech, voting rights, racial justice, reproductive freedom, immigrants’ rights, LGBTQ+ rights, criminal-justice reform, and privacy rights.
POSITION SUMMARY
The ACLU of Florida seeks a dynamic and driven Policy Strategist to lead and expand our immigrants’ rights advocacy, as well as other priority issue areas as needed. The strategist will design and execute bold, high impact advocacy campaigns, whether legislative, administrative, electoral, or community-based—to advance the rights and dignity of Floridians. The Strategist will serve as a primary policy and advocacy expert on civil rights and civil liberties issues impacting immigrants in Florida. The role is responsible for analyzing state and local policies, supporting an impactful, non-partisan policy advocacy program, and developing a range of materials and training to utilize and disseminate research findings and recommendations for public policy. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled policy professional to make a significant impact on civil rights and civil liberties in Florida, with potential influence nationwide. The successful candidate will join a respected and effective advocacy organization and play a central role in shaping its immigrants’ rights strategy, as well as other priority issue areas as needed.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
As the campaign lead for the immigrants’ rights portfolio, the Policy Strategist will be responsible for the following:
● Draft strategic campaign plans—including goals, targets, timelines, and tactics—and guide cross-functional teams in implementing them
● Design and execute integrated advocacy strategies, leveraging legislative, legal, communications, organizing, and—where appropriate—electoral tools to drive policy change
● Monitor and analyze state and local legislation and administrative activity related to immigration and detention
● Draft and edit a range of policy materials, including policy briefs, talking points, research summaries, bill analysis, state and local legislation, and messaging guides
● Build and maintain strong partnerships with community organizations, policy coalitions, student leaders, and directly impacted individuals
● Coordinate public education campaigns, Know Your Rights trainings, and grassroots advocacy initiatives in key jurisdictions
● Serve as a spokesperson or public representative in media, legislative, or community forums, as needed
● Help identify and shape litigation opportunities in collaboration with attorneys and impacted community members
● Advance the ACLU’s racial justice and civil liberties goals through our advocacy campaign work
QUALIFICATIONS
While no one person will have all the qualities enumerated below, the successful candidate will bring many of the following qualifications and attributes:
● Strong knowledge of public policy, law, social sciences, or related fields. Graduate-level work is preferred, but experience can substitute for this preference.
● At least three (3) years’ experience engaged in public policy development and advocacy campaigns; preferably related to issues impacting immigrants in Florida.
● Strong written and oral communications skills and exceptional research skills.
● Exceptional organizational skills; highly detail-oriented with strong follow-through and the
ability to meet tight deadlines.
● Fluency in a language other than English (esp. Spanish or Creole) is desired but not required.
● Knowledge of and familiarity with software and technology tools (such as Lobby Tools, Air table
and similar) is desired but not required.
● Creativeness, results-orientation, initiative, and willingness to learn are desired.
● Strong task and time management skills are desired.
● Unwavering commitment to the mission and goals of the ACLU, including a
demonstrated commitment to equity and racial justice.
● Ability to travel occasionally.
Compensation and Benefits: Compensation will be commensurate with experience, within the range of $54,000-$62,000. The ACLU of Florida provides excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance with generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policies, as well as a Defined Contribution 401K Retirement Plan. Base vacation leave is five weeks per year (and six weeks per year after five years).
To apply, please complete this form. https://airtable.com/apppmINGcwYbPLe7v/shr7cZEjYDqzaVaLz
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please indicate where you learned of this job posting. No phone calls, please.
This job description provides a general, but not comprehensive, list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of Florida reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers/United Auto Workers Local 2320.
The ACLU of Florida is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Florida encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status. We encourage formerly incarcerated individuals to apply.
The ACLU of Florida undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions.