ACLU of Maryland
Overview
Job Title: Senior Policy Counsel Employment Status: Full-Time Organization: Policy, reporting to Public Policy Director. FLSA/Union Classification: Exempt– CBA. Salary Range: $104,629/yr – $126,510/yr. Basis: Base pay range appears in the job description. Summary: The Policy Counsel’s primary purpose is to work with the policy team to develop and execute the organization's legislative priorities, including drafting legislation, conducting extensive legal and policy research and analysis, answering legal questions, and drafting legal memos, letters, and other documents with an understanding of constitutional law and civil rights and civil liberties protections. This work advances the ACLU of Maryland’s priority issues as defined by the strategic and departmental plan. The role collaborates with the Legal and Communications teams to develop strategies and materials to advance policy objectives. The Senior Policy Counsel resides within the Policy team and is supervised by the Public Policy Director. Responsibilities
General: Maintain knowledge of relevant federal and local laws, regulations, and civil and appellate litigation rules; advocate and provide policy/legal expertise to strengthen civil liberties and civil rights in complex policy areas at state and local levels. Policy Engagement: Partner with ACLU of Maryland staff and allied organizations to deliver policy presentations and advance advocacy priorities to diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and community leaders. Mentorship: Serve as a mentor and provide training and support to junior staff as needed. Legal Research and Analysis
Perform legal analysis on constitutionality and civil liberties implications of existing and proposed laws and policies. Conduct legal research to identify key issues related to proposed legislation. Draft, review, and refine bills, amendments, and policy proposals with strong legal writing and analytical skills. Provide subject-matter expert support to colleagues in other departments on state/local campaigns. Legislative Policy and Programming Strategy
Understand the legislative process and lobbying, with the ability to build relationships with lawmakers and navigate committee dynamics at state and federal levels. Identify, track, and advise on introduced and proposed legislation affecting civil rights and liberties. Provide high-level policy analysis and strategic advocacy support; independently draft bills and/or administrative rules/regulations; prepare testimony for committees or agencies; and provide guidance on testimony for legislative or regulatory bodies. Coordinate civil liberties briefings for government officials and collaborate with organizations and coalitions to advance policy priorities. Advocacy Planning and Implementation
Draft testimony and policy briefs, fact sheets, talking points, and other materials to translate complex issues into accessible language. Provide expert commentary to media, participate in media briefings, and contribute to op-eds as relevant. Lobby elected officials and public officials to support ACLU of Maryland positions; work with National and NPAD organizers to advance campaigns; organize coalitions to build broad-based support; engage in special projects as assigned. Qualifications
Education: Juris Doctorate required. Admission to the Maryland State Bar (or ability to obtain licensure within one year of hire). Experience: 5+ years in policy or advocacy in a similar role. Preferred: Prior experience with the Maryland State Legislature; bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred; admission to the Federal Bar (or ability to apply within 6 months); litigation/trial court experience. Competencies
Collaborative Leadership Strategic Judgment Project and Time Management Communication Excellence Technical Proficiency Adaptability and Resilience Equity-Centered Analysis Community Accountability Work Environment
Hybrid work environment; on-site professional office. Physical Demands
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally. Travel
Occasional travel; may require evenings and weekends; post-session hybrid work in Baltimore with varying hours during session. Work Authorization
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Must be a resident of Maryland prior to start date. Diversity & Equal Opportunity
The ACLU of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and do not discriminate on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations may be provided through the office of People and Culture.
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Job Title: Senior Policy Counsel Employment Status: Full-Time Organization: Policy, reporting to Public Policy Director. FLSA/Union Classification: Exempt– CBA. Salary Range: $104,629/yr – $126,510/yr. Basis: Base pay range appears in the job description. Summary: The Policy Counsel’s primary purpose is to work with the policy team to develop and execute the organization's legislative priorities, including drafting legislation, conducting extensive legal and policy research and analysis, answering legal questions, and drafting legal memos, letters, and other documents with an understanding of constitutional law and civil rights and civil liberties protections. This work advances the ACLU of Maryland’s priority issues as defined by the strategic and departmental plan. The role collaborates with the Legal and Communications teams to develop strategies and materials to advance policy objectives. The Senior Policy Counsel resides within the Policy team and is supervised by the Public Policy Director. Responsibilities
General: Maintain knowledge of relevant federal and local laws, regulations, and civil and appellate litigation rules; advocate and provide policy/legal expertise to strengthen civil liberties and civil rights in complex policy areas at state and local levels. Policy Engagement: Partner with ACLU of Maryland staff and allied organizations to deliver policy presentations and advance advocacy priorities to diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and community leaders. Mentorship: Serve as a mentor and provide training and support to junior staff as needed. Legal Research and Analysis
Perform legal analysis on constitutionality and civil liberties implications of existing and proposed laws and policies. Conduct legal research to identify key issues related to proposed legislation. Draft, review, and refine bills, amendments, and policy proposals with strong legal writing and analytical skills. Provide subject-matter expert support to colleagues in other departments on state/local campaigns. Legislative Policy and Programming Strategy
Understand the legislative process and lobbying, with the ability to build relationships with lawmakers and navigate committee dynamics at state and federal levels. Identify, track, and advise on introduced and proposed legislation affecting civil rights and liberties. Provide high-level policy analysis and strategic advocacy support; independently draft bills and/or administrative rules/regulations; prepare testimony for committees or agencies; and provide guidance on testimony for legislative or regulatory bodies. Coordinate civil liberties briefings for government officials and collaborate with organizations and coalitions to advance policy priorities. Advocacy Planning and Implementation
Draft testimony and policy briefs, fact sheets, talking points, and other materials to translate complex issues into accessible language. Provide expert commentary to media, participate in media briefings, and contribute to op-eds as relevant. Lobby elected officials and public officials to support ACLU of Maryland positions; work with National and NPAD organizers to advance campaigns; organize coalitions to build broad-based support; engage in special projects as assigned. Qualifications
Education: Juris Doctorate required. Admission to the Maryland State Bar (or ability to obtain licensure within one year of hire). Experience: 5+ years in policy or advocacy in a similar role. Preferred: Prior experience with the Maryland State Legislature; bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred; admission to the Federal Bar (or ability to apply within 6 months); litigation/trial court experience. Competencies
Collaborative Leadership Strategic Judgment Project and Time Management Communication Excellence Technical Proficiency Adaptability and Resilience Equity-Centered Analysis Community Accountability Work Environment
Hybrid work environment; on-site professional office. Physical Demands
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally. Travel
Occasional travel; may require evenings and weekends; post-session hybrid work in Baltimore with varying hours during session. Work Authorization
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Must be a resident of Maryland prior to start date. Diversity & Equal Opportunity
The ACLU of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and do not discriminate on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations may be provided through the office of People and Culture.
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