Policy Counsel and Policy Associate positions at the ACLU of Oregon.
As of the date of this posting (May 31, 2024), we are seeking to fill one Policy Counsel position as soon as we are able, and we are accepting statements of interest for one Policy Associate position which we anticipate filling in fall or winter 2024.
I. Summary of positions.
The team members in the Policy Counsel and Policy Associate positions are strong policy and legislative researchers and reviewers, clear and persuasive writers and communicators, and effective relationship builders, lobbyists, and advocates who are detail- and deadline-oriented, capable, self-motivated, proactive, supportive, and organized.
The Policy Counsel and Policy Associate positions support and enhance the ACLU of Oregon’s mission, vision, and values by:
- Engaging in policy-related research, writing, development, bill analysis, and tracking; and
- Engaging in a full array of policy and legislative-related lobbying and advocacy activities – which include, but are not limited to, engaging in communications with lawmakers and their staff and providing written and verbal testimony at the local and state levels.
Difference between Policy Associate and Policy Counsel positions:
In carrying out the above-described responsibilities, the Policy Counsel position brings a legal lens and expertise based on their prior legal education and experience, which is not required for the Policy Associate position.
-
For the Policy Counsel position, the following education and experience are required: J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school; experience and ability in conducting legal analyses of policies, legislation, and bills, including criminal system-related bills.
- Strongly preferred for the Policy Counsel position: Prior legal experience with the criminal defense system as a public defender or criminal defense attorney.
Frequent in-person presence, especially in Salem, will be required for both positions:
Both positions require frequent in-person presence in Salem, especially during state legislative sessions and for workgroups and other meetings. In-person presence also will be needed in the Portland metropolitan area for City of Portland-related policy work. At times, these positions will be expected to take trips across the State of Oregon to visit with lawmakers, constituents, and ACLU of Oregon community members in their home districts.
Lobbyist certification will be required for both positions:
Ability to be certified as a lobbyist is needed under local and state laws in Oregon will be required.
Who these positions work with:
These positions are part of our Policy Team and work closely, collaboratively, and supportively with all areas of the ACLU of Oregon, including Administration, Development, Communications & Storytelling, Community Engagement, Legal, and Finance, Human Resources & Operations.
What values are important and required:
These positions require a strong and continued commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, anti-racism, anti-misogyny, anti-transphobia, anti-homophobia, anti-ableism, and all other types of anti-oppression, as well as the proven ability to incorporate these values in work both internal and external to our organization.
Where to get more information:
Please review this job description for more information about these positions.
Organizational note:
The ACLU of Oregon reserves the right to make changes to job duties and responsibilities for positions, consistent with the values and operational needs of the ACLU of Oregon, which may change from time to time.
II. Qualifications required for these positions.
We are looking for individuals with the following experience, abilities, and values:
- Required education and experience for both positions: prior education and/or experience applicable to policy-related research, writing, and bill analysis, as well as policy, legislative, and lobbying work at local and state levels.
- Policy Counsel position education and experience:
Required: J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school and experience and ability in conducting legal analyses of policies, legislation, and bills, including criminal system-related bills.
Strongly preferred: prior legal experience with the criminal defense system as a public defender or criminal defense attorney.
- Racial justice experience strongly preferred for both positions: prior work, volunteer, or lived experience with communities and coalitions doing racial justice work.
- Required equity & inclusion values and experience for both positions: proven significant and continuous prior commitment to and experience with the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, anti-racism, anti-misogyny, anti-transphobia, anti-homophobia, anti-ableism, and other forms of anti-oppression.
- Preferred for both positions – prior experience in ACLU of Oregon issue area: prior work, volunteer, or lived experience in several of the following democracy, civil liberties, and civil rights areas — racial justice, criminal legal system reform, law enforcement accountability, government accountability, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant and refugees’ rights, free speech, reproductive justice, equal rights and anti-discrimination, and privacy.
- Required values for both positions: a demonstrated ability to support the goals, priorities, and values of the ACLU of Oregon, including the following values related to building work-related relationships and trust:
Sincerity: the assessment that you are honest, that you say what you mean and mean what you say. The idea that you can be believed and taken seriously and that your actions are aligned with your words.
Reliability: the assessment that you meet the commitments you make, and that you keep your promises.
Competence: the assessment you have the ability to do what you’re doing or propose to do. Note that being competent does not mean being perfect. Part of doing something well is knowing what you don’t know how to do, being willing to learn, and asking for help when you need it.
Care: the assessment you have the other person’s interest in mind as well as your own when you make decisions and take actions.
- Equivalent education and/or experience for both positions: We will consider applicants who can demonstrate non-traditional work-related experiences comparable to more direct forms of work experience or education.
III. Pay & benefits for these positions.
Both these positions are regular, full-time, exempt positions with employer-provided benefits.
The Policy Associate and Policy Counsel positions are mid-senior-level non-management positions with the following responsibility level: exercise independent decision making; ability to work independently cross-functionally; may coordinate projects, teams, staff, contractors, vendors, and volunteers; generally no supervisory duties but may supervise interns and volunteers.
Salary:
- Policy Associate: $71,280.
- Policy Counsel: $78,840.
Because we have established an internal salary system that centers equity, clarity and transparency, competitiveness, and sustainability, salaries for positions are not negotiable.
Our current excellent benefits package includes:
- paid vacation time
- paid sick time
- paid personal time
- 14.5 paid holidays per year
- office shutdown periods during summer and winter as consistent with the organization’s values and work needs
- flexible Friday hours, consistent with operational needs
- remote work stipend and commute-related benefits
- health insurance (medical/vision and dental)
- life insurance
- long-term disability insurance
- employer contributions to a wellness FSA account
- 401(k) retirement plan with matching and other contributions of up to 5.5% of salary, subject to the organization’s 401(k) plan requirements, which include a vesting schedule
- support for work-related coaching
- parental leave
- funds to support professional development related to work
- funds to support relationship and connection building related to work
Please note that all employment-related pay and benefits provided to ACLU of Oregon’s employees are subject to all applicable policies, practices, processes, and legal requirements, including changes to them that may occur from time to time.
IV. Applying for the Policy Counsel position.
An application package requires the following three parts:
1. Cover letter. Please include why you are interested in the Policy Counsel position and the ACLU of Oregon and the organizational values and issue areas that most call to you.
2. Resume.
3. Work samples. Please provide at least two work samples showcasing skills and abilities that you believe are relevant and important to the skills and abilities required for this position.
Please submit your materials via this application submission form.
V. Submitting a statement of interest for the Policy Associate position.
Please submit a resume via this statement of interest form.
VI. Who to contact for assistance.
Please contact hr@aclu-or.org if you need any assistance accessing the job posting or job application or need disability-related accommodations.