The ACLU of Arizona works to advance equity and dismantle systemic injustice through legal action, policy advocacy, and mobilizing our communities to protect the civil rights, liberties, and dignity of all Arizonans.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The ACLU of Arizona is seeking a Policy Counsel or Strategist who will develop and execute the organization's policy and legislative agenda in support of the ACLU of Arizona’s priorities. They will work collaboratively across departments, using an integrated advocacy approach that utilizes policy advocacy, litigation, organizing, and communications to maximize the impact of our work. The person in this role also works closely with various allied organizations and community partners. They will have a deep understanding of advocacy tactics to influence policymakers and other key targets, including direct lobbying of elected officials and experience analyzing and drafting legislation and policy proposals. The ideal candidate has a proven track record working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, problem-solving, and managing multiple projects.

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Starting Salary Range: $70,000- $75,000, commensurate with experience. This is a union position represented by NOLSW/UAW Local 2320. Compensation is determined by the collective bargaining agreement and follows a structured scale with regular step increases based on years of relevant experience.

Deadline to Apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority deadline for applications is June 5, 2026.

Supervision: The Policy Counsel or Strategist is part of the Policy Department. This position reports to the Policy Director. This position will not be responsible for supervising paid staff but may supervise interns and other volunteers as assigned.

Classification: Full-time, exempt.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Advance ACLU-AZ priorities through research, analysis, and direct engagement with elected officials and government stakeholders

Develop and execute advocacy plans to further ACLU-AZ policy goals.
Maintain deep knowledge of civil rights and liberties issues at the local, state, and federal levels, and the key influencers and organizations that shape those issues in Arizona.
Monitor, research, and analyze state and local legislation and policy proposals related to the ACLU of Arizona’s advocacy campaigns and public policy goals.
Lobby members of the Arizona legislature and local officials to advance organizational policy goals.
Draft written materials including legislative testimony, memoranda, policy papers and reports, talking points and fact sheets, advocacy letters, know-your-rights guides, and public commentary.
Coordinate and collaborate with ACLU of Arizona and national ACLU colleagues to build and implement strategies that use a combination of litigation, organizing, communications, electoral and other approaches, where appropriate.

Relationship building and community partnerships

Build and maintain relationships with government officials, agency decision-makers, lobbyists, and community stakeholders.
Represent the ACLU of Arizona in various community settings, working groups and stakeholder groups; help build and lead coalitions with diverse stakeholders to advance shared policy goals, and work in partnership with other organizations.

Communications and external relations

Represent the ACLU of Arizona at public forums, conferences, meetings, and with other external stakeholders.
Work with ACLU of Arizona communications staff to serve as an occasional spokesperson for the organization including through media interviews, op-eds and articles and provide support and guidance on communications strategies related to policy issues.

Reporting and administrative duties: Maintain well-organized and up-to-date files and records. Track information and provide timely, clear reports on policy advocacy or other organizational activities, and complete and execute work plans.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging: Be an active contributor to the organization and policy department’s efforts to think creatively, ambitiously, and openly about how our program can better integrate equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging into our day-to-day operations as well as our goals, plans and work with volunteers, leaders and partners.

QUALIFICATIONS:

This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. While no candidate will possess every quality, the successful candidate will possess many of the following qualifications and attributes. Even if you aren’t sure but are excited about the position, we encourage you to apply.

Demonstrated commitment to civil rights and civil liberties and ACLU of Arizona’s mission.
3- 5 years of experience working in public policy advocacy at state or local levels.
A J.D. is required for consideration for the Policy Counsel position. A graduate degree in public policy or a related field is preferred but not required for consideration for the Policy Strategist position.
Excellent policy analysis and research skills, as well as written and oral advocacy skills including the ability to articulate complex issues and communicate them effectively to a variety of audiences.
Experience with legislative procedures, bill drafting, policy development and analysis is a plus.
Experience developing advocacy plans, setting goals and tactics to advance policy priorities.
Familiarity with the Arizona political landscape, state and local government issues, and legislative process is strongly preferred.
Ability to proactively build and cultivate effective relationships across the political spectrum.
Experience working in coalition, including developing shared plans, coordinating communications, and managing dynamics among partner groups.
Demonstrated commitment to centering the voices and leadership of directly impacted people and communities.
Ability to keep organized in a fast-paced environment, to manage several projects simultaneously and adjust to frequently changing demands while maintaining strong attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment with support and collaboration from the supervisor.
Willingness and ability to work irregular hours, attend evening and weekend meetings, and travel in- and out-of-state.

Cultural Responsibility: Demonstrated awareness of one’s own cultural identity, views about differences, and the ability to learn and build on varying cultural and community norms. A complex understanding of racial justice and the urgency of confronting institutional racism and inequity. Commitment to equity and inclusion as an organizational practice and culture. Proven track record of working across lines of race, immigration status, ethnicity, language, class, gender, and other identities and experiences including record of arrest or conviction.

Working Conditions: The ACLU of Arizona offices are open between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The physical demands and work environment described below represent those required and encountered by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Inputting information into a computer for extended periods of time.
Periodically working extended hours, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Regular travel locally and in-state, and some out-of-state travel as needed.

Why work for the ACLU of Arizona?

Time off: Staff get 15 vacation days their first three years; 20 days after four years. We observe 16 holidays, and all staff have 1 personal day off each month, a modified summer schedule with alternating Fridays off, and an extended winter break.

Benefits package: We cover 100% of health, vision, and dental insurance for employees and 50% for dependents. We provide life and disability insurance, as well as reimbursement for some out-of-pocket healthcare related expenses. Staff are reimbursed for cell phones and home internet.

401k Plan: We want you to be prepared for retirement! We match 100% of the first 1% of your salary deferred to your 401k, plus 50% of the next 5% of your salary contribution. And then, we contribute an additional 2% of your salary contribution each pay period.

Commitment to our staff: We invest in staff growth, professional development opportunities, and are committed to providing regular feedback and opportunities for advancement.

Crystal clear focus: Our team focuses on some of the most important and urgent issues of our times – from abortion rights, voting rights and democracy, LGBTQ+ rights, criminal legal reform, immigrants’ rights, border justice, and racial justice.

Our team is amazing: You will be working with incredibly dedicated, smart, and caring people who know how to have fun while getting a lot done in a low-ego environment. In addition to your Arizona colleagues, you will become part of a national network of ACLU staff in all 50 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico!

How to Apply

Email your resume, cover letter, a writing sample (of no more than 10 pages), and three professional references to jobs@acluaz.org with “Policy Counsel/Strategist” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please tell us how you learned about the job, how your qualifications make you the right person for this job, and about your interest and experience with civil rights, civil liberties, and social justice. All attachments should be in Word or PDF format.

No phone calls or walk-ins, please.

The ACLU of Arizona undertakes inclusive strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions. We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodation in the application process to contact jobs@acluaz.org.

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority deadline for applications is June 5, 2026.

The ACLU of Arizona is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We 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, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction.

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Policy Counsel or Strategist