Policy Counsel

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) is one of the nation's leading advocates on behalf of constitutional rights and liberties. Founded in 1951, as the New York affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, the NYCLU is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization with 48,000 members statewide and eight offices. The NYCLU seeks to employ for the position of Policy Counsel an individual who, under the supervision of the Advocacy Director, will play a key role in the organization’s efforts to promote and defend civil rights and civil liberties in the public policy arena.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conduct legal research and analysis related to the NYCLU’s public advocacy campaigns, including the organization’s work on education reform and combating the School to Prison Pipeline.
• Draft public education materials, such as know your rights guides and reports, on various policy matters.
• Assist in strategizing about how to advance the NYCLU’s public policy initiatives.
• Draft memoranda based on research and analysis of federal, state and local legislation, rules and regulations that implicate civil rights and civil liberties.
• Represent the NYCLU at community events, coalition meetings, panels and rallies.
• Win support for the NYCLU’s positions on public policy matters through direct lobbying of lawmakers, public officials and their staffs.
• Prepare and deliver testimony at public hearings.
• Assist in coordination of public advocacy events.
• Respond to requests for support, materials, and information from NYCLU chapters and the public.

Experience and Qualifications:

• J.D. required.
• A passion for civil liberties and civil rights.
• Excellent legal research, writing and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively.
• An understanding of the legislative process, and experience in organizing and working with coalitions to achieve public policy goals.
• Experience working on education policy or immigrants’ rights preferred.
• An ability to explain clearly and persuasively, to experts and non-experts, the NYCLU’s analysis of legal principles and related public policy issues.
• Self-initiative and the capacity to work effectively when faced with time constraints.

How to Apply:

Applicants should email a cover letter (with salary requirements), resume, and writing samples such as a research memo, article, or brief by email to jobs@nyclu.org with “Policy Counsel” in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

The NYCLU is proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.