About the position
The Public Policy Program Associate will support the substantive work of the Public Policy team. This role primarily assists colleagues in identifying and analyzing information to fulfill programmatic goals and providing general office support. This is a hybrid position, allowing for both in-person and remote work. The associate will assist with initial research and analysis of policy and legislative data, delivery of data, and other work products to all program or project areas. This role is crucial in helping the Public Policy department execute the ACLU of MD's strategic objectives and statewide legal advocacy efforts. The Public Policy Program Associate will collaborate closely with the organization's Legal, Engagement & Mobilization, and Communications departments, as well as external publics, and may occasionally interface with the ACLU National Office. The essential functions of this position include supporting the Public Policy Department by executing administrative tasks, maintaining filing systems for administrative documents, and facilitating activities focused on creating and maintaining positive work relations. The associate will conduct, analyze, and present research and data to colleagues, collaborate with other teams on program management, and work with community volunteers and interns engaged in race equity initiatives and social justice reforms. A racial equity lens will be applied to all matters of work, ensuring that the department's initiatives are inclusive and equitable. The individual in this position is expected to engage in various work-related activities, including maintaining administrative systems, updating the Public Policy Director's calendar, tracking communications, coordinating meetings, and supporting research and analysis on issues and regulations. The associate will also prepare research memos, briefs, reports, and presentations, conduct outreach to community groups, and assist with the delivery of work products and special projects. This role is integral to the department's ongoing strategic priorities, which include Education, Immigrant Rights, Individual Autonomy, Government Accountability, Justice System, and Voting Rights.
Responsibilities
- Support the Public Policy Department by executing administration tasks, including providing tracking and administrative support to programs and projects.
- Maintain filing system for administrative documents.
- Facilitate activities and initiatives focused on creating and maintaining positive work relations and a positive work environment.
- Conduct, analyze, and present research and data to colleagues.
- Collaborate with other teams on the management and planning of programs and project efforts and execution of related initiatives.
- Work with community volunteers, interns, and other helpers engaged in race equity initiatives and social justice reforms through effective intake and investigation procedures.
- Apply a racial equity lens to all matters of work.
- Maintain and utilize administrative systems to ensure efficient operations of the department.
- Maintain and update the Public Policy Director's calendar and contacts, including scheduling meetings and calls.
- Track and respond to communications (via phone, mail, and/or email) for the Public Policy Director.
- Coordinate team and interdepartmental meetings.
- Track progress of legislation and legal cases that impact organizational priorities.
- Support research and analysis on issues and regulations to inform organizational positions and trends.
- Strategize on programmatic methods to gather, synthesize, and present research and data.
- Monitor, track, conceptualize, and analyze concurrent data on individual program and project initiatives.
- Prepare research memos, briefs, reports, projects, and presentations in a variety of formats to engage a diverse range of constituents.
- Conduct research, prepare written material, and gather and analyze data on assigned issues.
- Assist with writing and editing other documents as requested.
- Prepare charts, graphs, and other visual representations of research and data gathered.
- Design presentations or conceptual documents that creatively convey data.
- Assist with identifying and developing information for constituents and community groups.
- Perform outreach to community and client groups as required.
- Collaborate with program teams on delivery of work products and support any number of special projects related to workplan needs.
- Develop and facilitate use of departmental document management and retention protocols.
- Fax, copy, email, and mail correspondence.
- Assist with scanning, copying, mailing.
- Assist with answering telephones, screening calls, and relaying information to the general public.
Requirements
- Demonstrated personal commitment to advancing the ACLU's values, mission, goals, and programs, with an understanding of civil rights and civil liberties issues.
- Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, dismantling white supremacy, and incorporating a structural power analysis into work.
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- A minimum of 1 to 3 years' experience in a similar position, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of civil liberties, civil rights, and the ACLU's mission.
- Experience working in a non-profit, advocacy, or political organization.
- Experience with statutory and legislative analysis, legal research and writing, and legislative processes in Maryland.
- Excellent legal research, analysis, and strategic thinking and writing skills.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal and policy documents.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to use professional judgment and practice patience.
- Database software and internet research skills.
- Ability to give presentations and engage diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with coalitions and community groups, motivate volunteers, and work across the political spectrum.
- Ability to handle and prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities with deliberate time management skills; ability to work under pressure.
- Adaptable team player with the ability to engage various constituencies in a complex environment.
- Recognize and define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions in various situations.
- Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrate initiative, including proactively identifying and addressing issues and making recommendations.
- Superb organizational skills; detail-oriented with strong follow-through to complete assignments.
Nice-to-haves
- Associate's Degree or equivalent post-Secondary credentials acceptable.
- Bilingual ability to interpret or translate in a foreign language, preferably Spanish.
Benefits
- Three weeks paid vacation at time of hire (increasing to four weeks after two years).
- 13 paid office holidays.
- 12 paid sick days.
- Telework and flex-time options.
- Generous medical insurance including two health, dental and vision insurance options for staff members, their dependents and spouse/domestic partner.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Employee assistance plan.
- Six weeks of paid medical leave.
- Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
- Short-term disability and long-term disability insurance.
- 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan with employer match.
- Free on-site parking.
- Additional commuter benefits with access to commuter rail station.
