The ACLU of New Hampshire (ACLU-NH) is seeking a full-time Policy Counsel in Concord, NH. This position is a great opportunity for a creative and strategic professional with policy and legal advocacy experience and a demonstrated commitment to advancing civil rights and liberties. The ACLU of New Hampshire 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 Granite Staters.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Policy Counsel works collaboratively across teams to advance the ACLU-NH’s public policy objectives by contributing to strategically integrated advocacy. Their work includes developing and analyzing state and local policy proposals, direct lobbying, coalition building, strategic communications, legal research, and more. This person will be responsible for leading policy and legislative initiatives related to one or more of the organization’s civil rights and civil liberties priority areas. The Policy Counsel position is part of the Policy Team and reports to the Policy Director. This individual is strategic, collaborative, innovative, effective, and committed to building up the positive work environment and culture of the overall team.

As part of the Policy Department, the Policy Counsel works to develop and execute the organization's policy and legislative agenda in support of the ACLU-NH’s priorities, using a combination of legal skills, analytical skills, and soft skills. They will focus mostly on state legislative process and local municipal policy work, using an integrated advocacy approach that utilizes policy advocacy, litigation, organizing, and communications to maximize the impact of our work. The Policy Counsel works closely with various allied organizations and community partners. They will have a deep understanding of advocacy tactics to exert influence on policymakers and other key targets, including direct lobbying of elected officials, experience analyzing, drafting legislation, and policy proposals. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, problem-solving, managing multiple projects, and maintaining healthy relationships.

The Policy Counsel will not be responsible for supervising paid staff but may supervise interns or volunteers as assigned.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES (Include But Are Not Limited To):

Policy and Legal Advocacy

• Advance ACLU-NH priorities through legal and policy research and direct engagement with elected officials and government stakeholders.
• Analyze current and prospective local, state, and national civil rights and liberties issues.
• Draft written materials including legislative testimony, legal memoranda, policy papers and reports, talking points and fact sheets, advocacy letters, know-your-rights guides, and public commentary.
• Complete policy and legal research to support advocacy projects and execute advocacy plans to further ACLU-NH 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 New Hampshire.
• Monitor, research, and analyze state and local legislation and policy proposals related to the ACLU of New Hampshire’s advocacy and policy goals.
• Lobby members of the New Hampshire Legislature and local officials to advance the ACLU of New Hampshire’s policy goals.
• Coordinate and collaborate with ACLU of New Hampshire and National ACLU colleagues to build and implement strategies that use a combination of litigation, organizing, communications, electoral and other approaches, where appropriate.

Communications, Relationship Building, and Administrative Duties

• Build and maintain trusted, respectful relationships with people directly impacted by relevant policies, community members and leaders, coalitions and community partners, allied organizations, and issue experts.
• Develop relationships with government officials, agency decision-makers, legislative staff, and lobbyists.
• Work with ACLU-NH’s 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 communication’s strategies related to policy issues.
• Lead, coordinate, and participate in legislative and advocacy meetings, including coalitions with diverse stakeholders to advance shared policy goals, and work in partnership with other organizations.
• Represent ACLU-NH in various community settings, working groups and stakeholder groups, including engaging in public education activities that reach a wide variety of audiences and promote public participation.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• D. (or L.L.M.) along with legal advocacy background (if no legal degree, may be considered for “Policy Associate” position depending on experience).
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience working in public policy advocacy at state or local levels, or substantial advocacy experience related to policy changes on civil rights, civil liberties, or other social justice issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to civil rights and civil liberties consistent with the mission and goals of ACLU-NH.
• Excellent policy analysis and research skills, as well as experience using written and oral advocacy skills, including the ability to articulate complex issues and communicate them effectively to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to proactively build and cultivate effective relationships across the political spectrum as well as different life experiences, identities, and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to centering the voices and leadership of directly impacted people and communities.
• Experience with legislative procedures, bill drafting, policy development and analysis.
• Familiarity with the New Hampshire political landscape, state and local government issues, and legislative process.
• Experience developing advocacy plans, setting goals and tactics to advance policy priorities.
• Experience working in coalition, including developing shared plans, coordinating communications, and managing dynamics among partner groups.

REQUIREMENTS

• A commitment to the principles and values of the ACLU and its mission.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences in race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstances.
• Strong interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for building strong professional relationships with peers across departments within the organization.
• Ability to operate a computer, laptop, and other office equipment, as well as personal electronic devices in order to draft/write, communicate, and perform other functions of the job.
• Must possess and maintain a current valid driver’s license or be able to access adequate transportation in order to travel to visits with community partners, state representatives, and other third parties and attend required events in person.

COMPENSATION

This position includes an annual salary range of $80,000 - $90,000. ACLU-NH provides excellent benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, vision and dental insurance, generous paid-time off, and a defined contribution 401K retirement plan.

ACLU-NH VALUES AND COMMITTMENTS

The ACLU of New Hampshire 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, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

HOW TO APPLY

Email your resume, cover letter, and two professional references to [email protected]. Please include “Policy Counsel” in the subject line. If interested in the position but you do not have a legal degree, please include “Policy Associate” in the subject line.

In the cover letter, in addition to your qualifications, please make sure to answer the following questions:

1) Why you are interested in working at ACLU-NH; and

2) How have you demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in your professional work?

No phone calls or walk-ins, please.

Deadline: Applicants must apply by Monday, September 15, 2025. Deadline may be extended if determined there is a need for additional qualified candidates.