Justice Policy Counsel

Summary

The ACLU of Massachusetts (ACLUM) is seeking a full-time Justice Policy Counsel to join its Public Advocacy department. The Justice Policy Counsel plays an integral part in the ACLUM’s efforts to defend and promote civil rights and civil liberties, reduce incarceration and coercive control, and eradicate racial and other forms of discrimination in the criminal legal system in Massachusetts. The focus of this role is to anchor a broad portfolio of non-litigation advocacy related to the criminal legal system, in areas ranging from police practices to prosecution, criminal law, sentencing, conditions of confinement, and parole and probation. Responsibilities include conducting research, writing, lobbying, and projects to contribute to/ lead local and statewide legislative and policy campaigns, and foster relationships and collaboration with external stakeholders, including government officials and community partners. This position reports to the Director for Technology and Smart Justice Programs and works closely with other ACLUM advocates to achieve programmatic objectives.

The ideal candidate for this position brings extensive knowledge about the workings of the criminal legal system in Massachusetts, as well as enthusiasm and passion to the work; equally enjoys legal research, analysis, relationship building, and proactive collaboration with organizational partners and government officials; and is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Strong candidates will have demonstrated the ability to conduct complex legal research and analysis; draft legislation; work in coalitions; and write and present clearly and convincingly about criminal legal matters, civil rights, and civil liberties for expert and general audiences.

Essential Duties

• Conduct legal, policy, and legislative research about the civil rights and civil liberties impacts of existing and proposed criminal legal system policies and practices, with close attention to how they may disproportionately impact immigrants’ rights, racial justice, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ rights, and other priority issue areas.

• Work with the Director of Technology and Smart Justice Programs and other ACLUM departments to design and implement local and statewide campaigns to defend and advance civil rights and civil liberties, reduce incarceration and coercive control, reduce racial disparities, and eradicate racial and other forms of discrimination in the criminal legal system in Massachusetts.

• Engage in legislative, agency, and political process lawyering (non-litigation) to support law and policy reform efforts, including drafting and evaluating local and state legislation, policies, and ballot measures, helping to develop new legislation and policy models, drafting local and state advocacy letters, and providing expertise to policymakers, community partners, and ACLUM staff.

• Design and lead public records request projects and assist with research, strategy development, and issue spotting pertaining to and informing ACLUM criminal legal system reform priorities.

• Draft legal and policy positions and legislation, as well as civic engagement, public education, and strategic communications materials.

• Forge and maintain relationships with issue experts, community organizations, civil rights groups, government officials, advocacy coalitions, and academics, to engage them in ACLUM work and support collaborative projects; collaborate with colleagues at other ACLU affiliates and the National ACLU.

Other Responsibilities

• Special projects and other tasks as assigned by the Director for Technology & Smart Justice Programs.

Qualifications, Experience, and Attributes

• Juris Doctor or advanced law degree required.
  Minimum of five years’ experience in criminal legal system advocacy or practice required, including as a prosecutor or defense attorney, ideally in Massachusetts.

• Extensive knowledge about the workings of the criminal legal system in Massachusetts.

• Excellent legal research, analysis, writing, and verbal communication skills required.

• Demonstrated experience and success in communicating complex legal and political concepts in a simplified, understandable manner for general audiences.

• Superb relationship-building skills, as well as ability to inspire collaboration and mobilize stakeholders to take action.

• Superior project and time management skills including organization, follow-through, and ability to balance and prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities.

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work product.

• Experience engaging with and working on behalf of communities most at risk of criminal legal system involvement.

• Strong belief in the ACLU’s mission and work to defend and strengthen civil rights and civil liberties.

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion. Respect for differences in race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability and socio-economic background.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timeliness and accuracy in delivery of research, analysis, legislative and policy drafting, and other written work.

• Effectiveness in issue spotting and development of policy responses

• Clarity and timeliness in sharing content and insight to advance ACLUM advocacy efforts across departments.

• Proactivity and effectiveness in cultivating/expanding collaborative relationships with issue-area experts, community stakeholders, government officials, and other external partners.

• Effectiveness in coordination and communication within ACLUM, as well as with other ACLU affiliates and National ACLU partners.

Other Requirements

• Frequent written and verbal communication.

• Extensive reading, preparing, and analyzing information, in hard copy and electronic format.

• Frequent and extended periods of being in a stationary position, in an office environment and outdoor venues.

• Ability to frequently and independently travel to various locations across Massachusetts.

• Flexibility to accommodate work outside of regular business hours when needed, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Compensation

Salary range for this position is $95,000 to $115,000, with consideration for and commensurate with direct experience. Benefits include 401(k) plan plus employer match, medical and dental insurance, and paid vacation and holidays. Reimbursement for mileage may be provided in accordance with ACLUM policies, when applicable.

About the ACLU of Massachusetts

The ACLU of Massachusetts (ACLUM) was founded in 1920 and is an affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a nationwide, non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that works to preserve and expand the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Through strategies of litigation, advocacy, public education, and grassroots activism, we strengthen and expand public understanding of racial justice, juvenile justice, LGBTQ rights (including equal marriage), women's rights, criminal justice issues, equal opportunity, free speech and assembly, privacy rights, religious liberty, students' rights, voting rights, and reproductive rights. ACLUM staff are unionized and this position will be within the bargaining unit.

ACLUM is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, queer people, and formerly incarcerated people to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position will be based in Boston, MA and eligible for a hybrid work schedule, being in-person an average of three days per week, with the ability to be in the office on any given day as needed and assigned. ACLUM has a Covid-19 vaccine mandate, and candidates receiving a job offer will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment. Exemptions to this requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law. Applicants should be aware that fully remote work will not be deemed a reasonable accommodation.

TO APPLY: Applicants for this position should submit a resume, cover letter that best expresses their interest and unique qualifications, a writing sample, and three references (two former or current direct supervisors plus one colleague or peer). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the position is filled.