Description:

The Policy Counsel's primary purpose is to work with the policy team to develop and execute the organization's legislative priorities. Including drafting legislation, conducts extensive legal and policy research and analysis, answers legal questions, and drafts a variety of legal memos, letters, and other documents that require an understanding of many different aspects of law, particularly constitutional law and civil rights and civil liberties protections. These activities are designed to advance the ACLU of Maryland's work in priority issues areas, as defined by the strategic and departmental plan.

They will work closely with the Legal and Communications teams to develop strategies and materials to advance the Policy team's noted objectives.

The Senior Policy Counsel resides within the Policy team and is supervised by the Public Policy Director.

Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

General:

Knowledge of relevant, current, and proposed federal and local laws, regulations, and other legal directives related to assigned program area (i.e. immigration, parole and sentencing reform, incarceration, voting rights etc.) and rules governing civil and appellate litigation.
Serve as an advocate and policy and/or legal expert, identifying and advancing opportunities to strengthen civil liberties and civil rights in complex policy areas through diverse strategies at the state and local levels.
Partner with ACLU of Maryland staff and allied organizations to deliver compelling policy presentations and advance advocacy priorities to diverse external audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and community leaders.
Serve as a mentor for and occasionally provide training and support to junior staff

Legal Research and analysis

Perform legal analysis to determine the constitutionality, civil liberties and civil rights implications of existing and proposed laws and policies.
Conduct legal research to identify key issues related to proposed legislation.
Expertise in drafting & analyzing legislation – strong legal writing and analytical skills to craft, review, and refine bills, amendments, and policy proposals.
Subject Matter Expert offering advice, and support to fellow colleagues in other departments as they develop and execute state/local campaigns in new and unfamiliar issue areas.

Legislative Policy and Programing Strategy

Deep understanding of the legislative process and lobbying experience, – demonstrated ability to build relationships with lawmakers, skilled in legislative strategy, committee dynamics, and political landscapes at both the state and federal levels.
Identify, track, and advise on introduced and proposed legislation before the Maryland General Assembly and local legislative bodies that affect civil rights and civil liberties.
Provide high-level policy analysis and strategic advocacy support to the ACLU of Maryland, engaging across legal, legislative, and community initiatives as organizational needs evolve
Independently draft bills and/or administrative rules/regulations at the state, local, or federal levels, providing content expertise as well as legislative and regulatory drafting knowledge.
Prepare, provide guidance on, and/or deliver testimony on pending legislation before legislative committees or agencies; and draft or provide guidance on testimony to be delivered by ACLU of Maryland before legislative or regulatory bodies at the state and local/municipal levels, in collaboration with partners.
Provide legislative counseling, including policy, legislative or legal analysis, strategic planning guidance, and tactical suggestions, to support state and/or locally based efforts.
Coordinate and conduct in-depth civil liberties briefings for government officials as pertinent to advancing priority ACLU positions.
Collaborate with organizations, community partners and coalitions to ensure effective relationship management, coordination on effective legislative strategies.
Participate as the ACLU of Maryland representative in meetings of ad hoc lobbying and policy and/or political coalitions, as relevant.

Advocacy Planning and Implementation

Draft testimony on a wide range of bills to explain the constitutional, civil rights, and civil liberties implications of legislation and the organization's position.
Draft policy briefs, fact sheets, one-pagers, talking points, communications and education materials, and other documents to synthesize complex issues into persuasive language that is easy to understand.
Provide expert commentary to media, in collaboration with ACLU Communications staff and other key stakeholders, participate in media briefings, and draft and contribute to op-eds and other publications, as relevant.
Lobby elected officials, their staff, and other public officials to support ACLU of Maryland's positions on pending legislation and policy initiatives.
Work with National and organizers in NPAD to advance campaign goals or other policy and political outcomes.
Organize, lead, and collaborate with external partners and coalitions to build broad-based support for ACLU policy priorities, while proactively addressing and minimizing opposition.
Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

5 years or more experience working in policy and or advocacy area in similar role.
Juris Doctorate required.
Admission to the Maryland State Bar (consideration may be given to those with demonstrated ability to obtain licensure w/in a year of hire).

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience working with the State Legislature of Maryland.
Bilingual (English/ Spanish) skills strongly preferred to support engagement with diverse communities.
Admission to the Federal Bar (or ability to apply within 6 months).
Litigation /Trial Court experience preferred.

Competencies:

Collaborative Leadership: Demonstrated ability to work effectively and inclusively with staff, leadership, partners, and diverse stakeholders at all levels to achieve shared policy and advocacy goals.
Strategic Judgment: Proven capacity to balance competing priorities, values, and imperatives while ensuring the efficient and mission-aligned use of organizational resources.
Project and Time Management: Exceptional ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, maintaining focus, accuracy, and accountability in a fast-paced environment.
Communication Excellence: Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal and policy concepts into clear, persuasive messages tailored to diverse audiences and levels of expertise.
Technical Proficiency: Strong command of digital and productivity tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and online communication platforms, to support policy, legal, and advocacy work.
Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to anticipate and adapt quickly to shifting external conditions, adjusting priorities and strategies while maintaining effectiveness and focus on long-term objectives.
Equity-Centered Analysis: Capacity to think strategically and conceptually, applying a race equity lens and actively dismantling personal and systemic biases to design inclusive and just policy solutions.
Community Accountability: Commitment to centering the voices and direction of directly impacted communities, contributing legal and policy expertise to empower grassroots leadership and ensure civil liberties protections are accessible, relevant, and effective for disenfranchised communities.

Work Environment:

The Organization currently operates as a hybrid work environment.
On-site environment is a professional office

Physical Demands:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Travel Required:

Occasional travel and flexibility to work as needed to accomplish organizational goals may be required and may include evenings and weekends.
This position will be located in the office in Annapolis on a daily basis with varying hours during session; Post session, the position is hybrid and located in the Baltimore office.

Work Authorization/Residency Requirements