Policy Counsel

Join Our Team at ACLU-MN

The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU-MN) seeks a Policy Counsel to join our Advocacy team. This role is essential to advancing our public policy goals and protecting civil liberties through legislative and policy advocacy.

About Us

For over 70 years, the ACLU-MN has been a leader in defending and advancing civil liberties. As we grow our team, now is the perfect time to join our mission-driven organization.

Role Overview

The Policy Counsel will lead and support legislative and policy initiatives aligned with ACLU-MN’s strategic priorities. This includes analyzing legislation, lobbying at all levels of government, engaging with communities, building coalitions, and ensuring campaign compliance. The position is based in our Minneapolis office.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development and Analysis:

• Draft and analyze legislation, amendments, and policy proposals.
• Prepare talking points, bill summaries, and internal reports.
• Coordinate with the ACLU’s National Political Advocacy Department (NPAD).

Research and Legislative Monitoring:

• Track and analyze proposed legislation and monitor legislative calendars.
• Conduct legal and policy research on civil liberties issues.
• Evaluate best practices using both qualitative and quantitative data.

Strategic Planning and Campaigns:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop integrated advocacy strategies.
• Lead or participate in issue teams and implement outcome-based plans.

Relationship and Coalition Building:

• Build relationships with lawmakers, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Represent ACLU-MN in coalitions and community discussions.

Legislative and Public Reporting:

• Provide regular legislative updates and publish public-facing reports.
• Organize and participate in public education events and lobby days.

Lobbying and Compliance:

• Lobby legislative and executive officials in support of ACLU-MN positions.
• Register as a lobbyist and assist with compliance related to political activities.

Media and Public Engagement:

• Participate in media interviews and public presentations.
• Assist in organizing events and creating advocacy materials.

Essential Skills

• Strong commitment to civil rights and the ACLU-MN’s mission.
• Excellent legal analysis, advocacy, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build effective relationships.
• Self-starter with strong follow-through and deadline management.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Education and Experience

• J.D. degree required; must be a licensed attorney.
• Minimum of 3 years of legislative/policy or relevant legal experience.
• Experience in public policy, legal advocacy, or government affairs.
• Skilled in writing advocacy materials and working with media.
• Must register as a lobbyist upon hire.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift 15 pounds occasionally.

Join us at the ACLU-MN and be part of a team dedicated to protecting civil liberties for all.

Compensation Range:

• $80,000 - $88,000.
• Benefits include medical and dental insurance, employer contribution to 401(k) plan, paid vacation, 16 paid holidays and sick leave, long-term disability, and life insurance. This role is part of the Minnesota Newspaper & Communications Guild - CWA local 37002 bargaining unit.

To Apply

Please click on the link below for an application.

To apply, click here

To be included in the application, be prepared to upload (in Word or PDF format):

• Letter of interest
• C.V./Resume
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement (800 words to 1 page)
• Three professional references (relationship, email address, and phone numbers)
  • References will not be contacted unless you are a finalist.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and record of arrest or conviction.

The ACLU employs affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities have full employment opportunities in all positions. We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to contact jburman@aclu-mn.org. Correspondence sent to this email address unrelated to requests for accommodations will not be reviewed. Applicants should follow the instructions above on how to apply.