ACLU of Virginia seeks Legislative Director

[acluv...@gmail.com]

The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia is growing! We are looking for a dynamic individual to join the team who is energized by meeting new people and bringing together diverse voices to advance a winning legislative strategy.  We need someone who has a strategic and organized mindset but is not afraid to get out in the community, listen to those most impacted by our work, and let that inform the way in which we influence change and earn our legislative victories.

Who We Are

The ACLU of Virginia strives to be Virginia’s premiere guardian of civil liberties and a recognized champion of civil rights for all Virginians. For nearly a hundred years, the ACLU has made a profound difference in the lives of our clients and community members, as well as historic contributions to our country and state. Now, more people than ever before have turned to the ACLU, to fight back against unprecedented new attacks on civil rights and liberties. The ACLU of Virginia is dedicated to reforming our criminal justice system, ending sex discrimination and ensuring equality for all, and protecting freedom of speech and religion, reproductive rights, voting rights, and right to privacy.

What You’ll Do

You’ll help us protect and advance civil liberties by:

• Collaborating in the development of a prioritized, pre-planned, and pro-active legislative agenda and executing strategies to carry out ACLU of VA’s policy goals that centers the work around impacted communities and sincere relationship building.
• Taking an active role in creating, participating, and securing collaboration between the ACLU of VA and a diverse range of coalition partners to ensure successful policy outcomes through effective lobbying and organizing strategies.
• Building trusted working relationships with Virginia legislators and decision makers from across the political spectrum – finding the best messenger, bringing together unlikely allies, and bolstering efforts with grassroots support.
• Representing the ACLU of VA by delivering and facilitating effective testimony in support of key legislation.

Who You Are

Our “Must Have’s”

• Demonstrated enjoyment and desire to build active relationships with politicians, community leaders, impacted people, and coalitions.
• Excellent communication skills – both oral and written, prepared and extemporaneous.
• Ability to influence others and understand the dynamics of personal and political influence.
• Familiarity with public policy advocacy, electoral organizing, legislative organizing, coalition building, or related field.
• Proven experience writing actionable plans around long and short-term goals – built with strict timelines and measurable progress indicators that generated real outcomes.
• Working knowledge or desire to learn more about Virginia legislature, civil rights, and civil liberties issues, including criminal justice issues.

What Else You Should Know

The ACLU of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture.  We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.  Persons with disabilities may request accommodations.

Salary is based on market factors and individual experience and abilities. The salary range for this position is $51,510 to $77,265.   To preserve the opportunity for advancement, we do not normally hire above the mid-point of the range.  We offer excellent benefits include paid time off, generous paid holidays, 401k plan with employer contribution, medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and income replacement during illness through a combination of annual sick leave, short-term and long-term disability insurance.

What Now?

To apply, please send a cover letter, current resume, and an example of a plan or strategy you have written or helped write to jo...@acluva.org or 701 E. Franklin St, Suite 1412, Richmond, VA 23223 by June 1st, 2018.

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