| Job Description: The Advocacy and Policy Fellow will work to advance the ACLU of Illinois’ digital rights policy agenda (including, but not limited to privacy, technology, and surveillance) and will help lead advocacy to advance and implement state and local legislative and policy initiatives. This includes analyzing and drafting state legislation and legislative amendments, preparing advocacy and public education materials, researching legal and policy issues related to state legislation and local ordinances, assessing emerging local, regional, and national trends, and strategizing opportunities to advance civil liberties and civil rights. The Advocacy and Policy Fellow position is ideal for a person with a privacy, technology, and surveillance background, and an understanding of a wide variety of legal and operational issues related to civil liberties and technology. A successful candidate will have strong analytical and writing abilities, and is skilled at public speaking, advocacy, and coalition building. The renewable fellowship position is full-time with benefits, and based in Chicago, with some required travel to other parts of the state. The person will report to the Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs Director. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: - Monitor, research, and analyze opportunities to advance civil rights and civil liberties, with a focus on privacy, surveillance, and technology issues, in the Illinois General Assembly, and in localities across the state.
- Monitor, research, and analyze legislative and ordinance activity and agency action implicating civil liberties, with a focus on privacy, surveillance, and technology issues.
- Develop and implement the ACLU of Illinois legislative and policy agenda utilizing appropriate strategies and tactics; briefing elected officials and agency staff; drafting legislation and amendments; prepare and deliver both written and oral testimony; and participate in policy-related workgroups, coalitions, and meetings.
- Build trusted relationships with elected officials, agency decision-makers, staff, and other stakeholders by providing clear, fact-based analysis and resources; identify opportunities for bipartisan support on ACLU of Illinois issues.
- Develop and produce advocacy and public education tools, including info-graphics, factsheets, reports, and blog posts, as needed.
- Represent the ACLU of Illinois in coalitions and develop relationships with allies and other organizations to further advocacy goals.
- Develop strategies and work in partnership with allied organizations, individuals, and diverse communities and coalitions.
- Work with ACLU of Illinois staff in setting policy goals and developing strategies to defend and advance civil liberties and civil rights.
- Coordinate and collaborate with staff to plan and implement effective multi-disciplinary and integrated advocacy policy initiatives, involving a combination of policy, legal, communications, and public education strategies.
- Respond to media requests (TV, print, and radio) on policy issues and represent the ACLU of Illinois at events, forums, and meetings, as needed.
How to apply: Applicants should email a resume and cover letter describing: 1) your interest in this position, and 2) the ways in which you satisfy the qualifications specified above. Apply through NPO.net or email jobs@aclu-il.org and use the subject line “Advocacy and Policy Fellow – Privacy, Technology, Surveillance Specialist.” No calls please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. About the ACLU of Illinois: With a staff of 45 and over 60,000 members, the ACLU of Illinois is one of the largest state affiliates of the American Civil Liberties Union, a nationwide, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to the defense and expansion of civil rights and civil liberties. The ACLU has been at the forefront of every major battle for civil liberties and social justice in the country and continues to work through integrated advocacy to advance equality, fairness, and freedom, especially for the most vulnerable in our society. The ACLU of Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or system impacted status. |
