Job details
Salary $37,641 - $53,109 a year job type full-time
Full job description
Description:
Job summary: the legislative associate will be part of the aclu-va policy team, reporting to the policy directorThe legislative associate will focus on state legislative initiatives and will work in collaboration with the policy team members to execute the legislative agenda of the aclu-vaThis position will be responsible for working on civil liberties and prioritizing racial justice work related to our proactive, integrated advocacy campaigns and defensive work related to criminal legal reform, voting rights, gender equity, and supporting advocacy team positionsOur current priority campaigns are: reimagine policing, people not prisons, and the right to vote.
Responsibilities
Implement broad-based advocacy campaigns at municipal and state levels under the direction of the policy director.
Prepare policy analyses designed to effect change by state and local policymakers in coordination with policy team staff.
Cultivate authentic relationships with key policymakers, directly impacted community members, and local advocates
Work with the policy director to track and analyze legislation and regulatory and administrative proposals before state and local bodies.
Testify before legislative committees on select issues.
Strategize how to build power in select districts and work with policy director to cultivate relationships within legislative networks.
Support local accountability work with legislators, campaigns, and coalitions.
Create a story bank to support legislative initiatives.
Coordinate training of interested activists in lobbying techniques and expand volunteer base committed to legislative action.
Attend relevant community meetings and committee hearings, which may occur after hours or on weekends.
Maintain departmental calendar, help screen intern applications, and convert legislative information into direct member and volunteer engagement opportunities
Perform other tasks as assigned.
Salary range: $37,641 to $53,109 to preserve the opportunity for advancement, we do not typically hire above the mid-point of the range.
Benefits include 4 weeks paid vacation; 4 weeks sick leave; employer-paid medical, vision, and dental insurance for staff and eligible dependents; a 401(k) retirement benefits plan with employer match; life insurance; and short and long-term disability insurance.
Due to covid-19 and our desire to keep our employees safe, our organization is currently operating remotelyThis will continue until at least january 4, 2022After that time, we have an interim remote work policy in place that will offer remote work flexibility to all staff until june 30, 2022After that time, employees will follow the long-term remote work policy( to be discussed during the hiring process)This position will occasionally require a presence in the downtown richmond office.
Requirements:
Minimum requirements
Experience successfully advocating for legislative or policy change.
Proven ability to think critically and strategically about solving problems that will create results.
A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
A commitment to the mission and values of the aclu of virginia, including racial justice and anti-racism
Proficiency with office technology and information systems, including online communications, word processing, and spreadsheets.
Willingness and availability to work beyond the normal workday and on weekends during virginia’s legislative session as needed.
Essential skills & abilities
Demonstrated commitment to advancing the aclu’s values, mission, and goals
Experience in effectively keeping organized in a fast-paced environment, managing several projects simultaneously, and adjusting to frequently changing demands while maintaining a strong attention to detail.
A demonstrated ability to represent the organization in meetings with policy decision makers, coalition members, and community members.
Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively with large and small audiences, explaining complex issues in accessible terms for a range of audiences, both verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated experience working with and building genuine, strong relationships with individuals and communities directly impacted by racial injustice.
Desirable experience, skills & abilities
Extensive knowledge of grassroots organizing strategies and advocacy techniques, including knowledge of on-line organizing and internet based communication strategies.
Experience researching, collecting, and synthesizing large amounts of information from a range of sources and providing recommendations on next steps.
Experience tracking legislation through the legislative process either at a local, state, or federal level and communicating progress to others.
Working knowledge and broad understanding of civil liberties and civil rights issues, integrated advocacy, and strategic communications.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a diverse staff including remote colleagues, coalitions, community groups and volunteers.
Resilience and understanding that working towards systemic change is a marathon and not a sprint.
Ability to communicate in spanish, korean, vietnamese, tagalog, arabic, asl or other language used by marginalized communities across virginia.
