Senior Policy Counsel

The Senior Policy Counsel is responsible for developing and leading policy and advocacy efforts resulting in transformational changes across several substantive program areas. Reporting to the Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs Director, and member of the Advocacy Department, the Senior Policy Counsel will work collaboratively with colleagues in our Communications, Legal, and Philanthropy & Engagement Departments to promote change and expand rights and access through state and local policy, legislation, administrative actions, and legal, communications, and engagement strategies. This position will supervise and support select staff, fellows, and interns engaged in policy, legislative, and administrative advocacy work.

The Senior Policy Counsel will be required to work proactively and responsively, often including evenings and weekends, particularly while the Illinois General Assembly is in Session. This includes most weeks from January through May, for two weeks in the Fall Veto Session, and in January following election years for the Lame Duck Session.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Employment Status

Full-time, in-office, exempt, non-union position. Based at our Chicago, Illinois office.

Responsibilities

Program Support

The Senior Policy Counsel will help to develop, lead, and implement the ACLU-IL’s legislative, policy, and advocacy priorities through the following job responsibilities:

• Identify opportunities to advance civil liberties and civil rights in complex policy areas using a variety of non-litigation methods at the state and local levels.
• Monitor, research, analyze, and advise on legal, legislative, political, technological, and other developments in assigned issue areas; identify other areas that warrant the organization’s attention.
• Provide expertise, including verbal and written policy, legislative or legal analysis, and tactical suggestions, to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Independently analyze and draft bills, administrative rules/regulations, and comments at the state and local levels.
• Prepare and provide expert-level guidance and testimony on pending legislation before state and local legislative committees, administrative agencies, and other regulatory bodies.
• Lobby elected officials, their staff, and other public officials to support ACLU of Illinois positions on pending legislation and policy initiatives.
• Conduct in-depth civil liberties briefings for government officials to advance priority ACLU of Illinois positions.

Community Partners and Stakeholders Support

• Work with the Advocacy Team and community stakeholders to ensure that the program approach is informed by the voices, perspectives, and experiences of people who are directly impacted by the issues we address.
• Work with other ACLU affiliates on advocacy efforts in furtherance of policy outcomes as needed.
• Participate as an ACLU of Illinois representative in meetings, task forces, working groups, and coalitions.
• Provide expert commentary to media, participate in media briefings, and contribute to op-eds and other relevant publications.
• Build and maintain trusted, respectful, and collaborative relationships with stakeholders, including but not limited to: people impacted by our work, community members and leaders, coalitions, allied organizations, issue experts, legislative staff, government officials, and elected officials.

• Law degree required; demonstrated expertise in constitutional law is preferred. 
• At least 10 years of legal experience, with a minimum of 8 years of experience working in legislative, political, policy, legal, or government settings.
• Have a well-developed interest in a range of civil rights and civil liberties issues and the ability to master areas of law outside of their current expertise.
• Extensive knowledge of current policy questions related to civil liberties is strongly preferred.
• High degree of familiarity with public policy, legislative, and/or administrative processes preferred.
• High level, substantive, and extensive experience in policy development, including demonstrated ability to analyze legislative and regulatory policy, experience drafting and analyzing legislative language, and ability to recognize nuances in situations like bill drafting, communication, and negotiations with stakeholders.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to navigate dynamic political landscapes and respond to evolving policy priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and to independently explore and develop novel ideas and approaches to solving problems, in addition to sourcing existing policy ideas and approaches to civil liberties challenges.
• Ability to synthesize information, take direction and guidance, and follow through and complete assignments, meeting often strict deadlines.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines on a tight timeline, while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills to reach a broad range of stakeholders, including but not limited to: people impacted by our work, community members and leaders, coalitions, allied organizations, issue experts, legislative staff, government officials, and elected officials.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex legal and policy issues and translate technical information into everyday language accessible to a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to be flexible, responsive, and a team player to meet the needs of the organization, and to work independently when needed.
• Be highly collaborative with the desire to consult and share information with colleagues, and skills to respectfully resolve differences.
• Experience giving advice and counsel to leadership, department, and project staff.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to ten pounds at times. 

Salary and Benefits

Salary is determined by the ACLU-IL salary scale and is commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $95,000 to $110,000, commensurate with experience. As an example, the annual salary for an individual with 10 years of legal experience, including 8 years of relevant experience, is $95,000. Salary will be higher depending on additional experience.

Benefits include:

• Vacation: 15 days of paid vacation in the first year and 20 days of paid vacation thereafter.
• Health benefits: 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, vision, and dental insurance for staff and eligible dependents.
• Retirement benefits: 6% employer-paid retirement contribution after 1 year without any employee contribution, plus 50% employer retirement match of the first $3,000 the employee contributes.
• Other benefits: 100% employer-paid life insurance; employee assistance program; short and longterm disability insurance. Paid parental leave after 1 year. Flexible spending accounts.

ACLU Employment Statement

The ACLU of Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and encourage 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, criminal record, or veteran status.

The ACLU of Illinois is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance applying online, please email the Human Resources department at jalicea@aclu-il.org. If selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request accommodation for the interview process.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• A current resume.
• A writing sample that demonstrates your research and writing abilities and that has not been substantially edited or generated by others (including AI). Ideally, a legislative or regulatory policy, bill analysis, implementation plan, policy brief, or similar document relevant to the position. 
• A cover letter that (1) explains how you meet the qualifications listed above, and (2) addresses the following questions:

1. Share an example of a time you successfully advocated for a policy change. What skills did you use in the process? What skills did you develop in the process? What was most challenging for you? Please be specific. (Examples can include: a formal legislative effort; policy change within an organization, municipality, or other governmental entity; or an organized campaign where you had a leadership role.)
2. Share an example of a time you led or participated in a meaningful way in the implementation of a law, administrative rule, or other policy change. What was your role in the implementation process? How did you define and measure success? What did you put in place to increase the likelihood of success?