Conduct legal and policy research, including but not limited to the areas of criminal legal reform, First Amendment, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights and bodily autonomy, and strengthening democracy
Independently identify issues, legislation, policies, and opportunities relevant to ACLU-WI’s advocacy campaigns and other public policy goals
Draft, analyze, and revise policies and legislation, including amendments
Independently write and revise high-quality written material, including legislative testimony, memoranda, policy papers and reports, talking points and fact sheets, advocacy letters, know-your-rights guides, public commentary, and other content that further the legislative and policy priorities of the organization
Lobby individual lawmakers and testify before state and local legislative bodies on ACLU-WI’s policy priorities
Cultivate and maintain key strategic relationships with elected officials, stakeholders, and peers at other organizations
Represent ACLU-WI in various community and stakeholder groups and coalitions and work in partnership with other organizations
Collaborate with inter-disciplinary teams to design policy strategies that are aligned with and supported by strategic communications, organizing, litigation, development and engagement, and other strategies and tactics
Serve as a spokesperson for ACLU-WI’s policy positions in the media
Other duties as assigned

Juris doctor from an accredited law school or other graduate degree in Public Policy or a related field
A minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience at the federal, state, or local level
Prior experience working with community and coalitions on policy advocacy projects (experience developing shared plans, coordinating external and internal communications, and understanding and skillfully navigating internal political dynamics among partner groups while remaining in good relationship)
Prior experience in political strategic planning including power-mapping and developing messaging and tactics for legislative campaigns

Policy Counsel

Key skills