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ACLU of Massachusetts · 1 day ago

Justice Policy Counsel

Boston, MA

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

$95K/yr - $115K/yr

5+ years exp

The ACLU of Massachusetts (ACLUM) is seeking a full-time Justice Policy Counsel to join its Public Advocacy department. This role focuses on non-litigation advocacy related to the criminal legal system, including conducting research, writing, and lobbying to support legislative and policy campaigns aimed at defending civil rights and reducing discrimination in Massachusetts.

CommunitiesGovernmentLegalNon Profit

Responsibilities

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

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

Qualification

Juris DoctorCriminal legal system advocacyLegal researchAnalysisLegislation draftingRelationship buildingProject managementMicrosoft OfficeCommitment to diversityCommunication skillsAttention to detail

Required

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