Policy Counsel/Policy Advocate

Location: Atlanta, GA (Hybrid)

Department: Policy and Advocacy

Position Overview

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Georgia (ACLU-GA) is seeking a full-time Policy Counsel/Policy Advocate to manage legislative efforts at the state, county, and municipal levels. As the state affiliate of the national ACLU, our mission is to preserve and expand the individual rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, the Georgia Constitution, and related civil rights laws.

Under the direction of the Policy & Advocacy Director, the Policy Counsel/Policy Advocate will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day legislative advocacy efforts, including tracking bills, drafting and analyzing legislation, and coordinating advocacy initiatives. The Policy Counsel/Policy Advocate will play a key role in advancing the ACLU-GA’s legislative priorities by drafting materials to articulate ACLU-GA’s policy positions to various audiences.

Desired Skills/Abilities

  • Familiarity with state, county, and municipal legislative processes in Georgia.
  • Superb ability to conduct legal and policy research skills, draft legislative documents, and analyze complex legislation.
  • Experience drafting factsheets, policy briefs, memos, talking points, speeches, and testimony to communicate policy positions effectively.
  • Expertise in managing legislative advocacy efforts.
  • Ability to critically assess legislative developments and provide expert recommendations to advance ACLU-GA’s policy goals.
  • Strong communication skills for working with government officials, coalition partners, and internal teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple legislative initiatives simultaneously and deliver results under tight deadlines.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Asana.
  • Familiarity with legislative tracking software like Fast Democracy.
  • Ability to work long hours and commute to meetings and events throughout the state, as needed.
  • A demonstrable commitment to civil liberties and civil rights.
  • Ability to work with and center historically marginalized or oppressed communities of different cultures and backgrounds. This includes having a mature understanding of how structural racism, sexism, and prejudice against all kinds of marginalized communities pervade our society.

Required Education and Experience

  • Advanced degree (J.D., M.P.P.) or equivalent experience in policy analysis, legal advocacy, or legislative work.
  • 3-5 years of relevant experience, including 1-2 years of experience with legislative drafting, lobbying, or policy development.
  • Experience working in political, legal, or governmental settings, with a strong understanding of public policy and legislative processes.

Hybrid/Remote Office Schedule

The ACLU of Georgia operates in a hybrid work environment. Staff are required to work in person at the Atlanta office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week. Remote work is permitted on other days, provided job responsibilities are met.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of working on a computer.

Compensation

The ACLU of Georgia offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with experience and within parameters of the ACLUGA’s compensation scale. The anticipated salary range for this position is $75,000-$90,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits include paid vacation, sick time, and holidays; medical, vision and dental insurance; life and long-term disability insurance; Flexible Spending Account; Qualified Student Loan Payment Match; and 401(k) Defined Contribution Retirement.

The ACLU Foundation of Georgia is an equal opportunity / fair chance employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLUF-GA encourages 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, or record of arrest or conviction. This offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of the E-Verify process and verification of employment eligibility.