Public Policy Program Associate

Job Title: Public Policy Program Associate Department: Public Policy Job Reports to: Public Policy Director FLSA Status: Exempt-Full Time Collective Bargaining Unit: Eligible Pay Range: Category A; Step 1 starts at $63,962.50 Location: Baltimore, MD (Hybrid In-Person and Remote)

Who We Are:

The ACLU of Maryland exists to empower Marylanders to exercise their rights so that the law values and uplifts their humanity.

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. It is partially in-person and also offers remote work.

This role may 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 will help the Public Policy department execute the ACLU of MD’s strategic objectives and our statewide legal advocacy efforts. The Public Policy Program Associate will also work closely with our organization’s Legal, Engagement & Mobilization, and Communications departments, external publics, and may also occasionally interface with the ACLU National Office.

Essential Function, Duties, and Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The information provided below encompasses the essential functions and capabilities linked with this position:

• 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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The individual in this position is expected to engage in the following work-related activities:

Functions

• 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.

Collaborative Work Plans and Organizational Communications

• The individual in this position is expected to perform work assigned and outlined in the annual organizational strategic operating plan, departmental operational plans, and/or in project/programmatic area workplans in addition to the position’s other work.
• This position specifically supports the following strategic priorities on an ongoing basis: Education, Immigrant Rights, Individuals Autonomy, Government Accountability, Justice System and Voting Rights.
• Upon request, collaborate with the development team and program staff on grant proposals and reports; meet with and provide information to funders.
• This position is expected to maintain and manage regular communications channels with immediate supervisors, management, and coworkers to ensure the smooth and efficient operations of the organization. Communications include but are not limited to email, telephone inquiries, letters of correspondence, video conferencing, and organizational meetings; this position is also expected to complete regular operational administrative tasks such as timekeeping for payroll purposes, etc.

Optional Organizational Commitments

• All individuals are encouraged to participate in voluntary work assignments and engage in extra work activities at their discretion and based on their availability and workload.
• Elective work performed should not interfere or pose a conflict with an individual’s normal workload or ability to function in their organizational role.
• Organizational commitments include but are not limited to aspirational work, organizational committees, organizational programs, employee resources, and affinity groups, organizational membership groups, etc.

Voluntary Organizational Leadership 

• Performance evaluations will consider the individual’s overall job-related performance based upon the job description. However, other unique competencies may also be identified relevant to this position due to work performed and specific or special skills demonstrated that are required by staff to fulfill voluntary organizational leadership roles. The recognition and appraisal of added organizational value achieved through nonmandatory work will also be considered in completing annual performance evaluations.

Management & Supervisory Responsibility

This position is designated as a non-management position and does not encompass supervisory responsibility. The position may function as a team leader and monitor interns and volunteer work assignments as directed by their immediate supervisor.

The individual in this position is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Position Qualifications

The following are the primary entry qualifications required for this position.

Values Agreement:

• Demonstrated personal commitment to advancing the ACLU’s values, mission, goals, and programs, with an understanding of the range of civil rights and civil liberties issues and their implications through previous experiences.

Race Equity Commitment:

• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, dismantling white supremacy, and incorporating a structural power analysis into work. Must have knowledge and understanding of how power is manifested in matters of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstances.

Typical Education & Work Experience:

(Relevant education/experience may substitute for required education/experience at a rate of one-year relevant education/experience per year of required education/experience.)

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of 1 to 3 years’ experience in a similar position, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certification or License Requirements: 

• None.

Typical Functional Experience:

• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of and commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, and the ACLU of Maryland’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; experience with advocacy and policy change tools; awareness of the political landscape.
• Demonstrate excellent legal research, analysis, and strategic thinking and writing skills.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal and policy documents.
• Ability to think strategically and conceptually with an unbiased approach to solutions using a race equity lens.
• 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.
• Familiarity with Maryland communities, state, and local government racial equity and social injustice issues that impact our stakeholders.
• 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 the context of a variety of situations with multiple variables, both predictable and unpredictable.
• 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.

Supervisory/Managerial Practice:

• None.

Technical Aptitude:

• Maintain advanced working knowledge of office-related software, including Apple and Microsoft office products and any industry-specific technology or other internet research tools.

Work Schedule & Travel Obligation:

• Ability to travel locally and regionally frequently and nationally as needed.
• Ability to occasionally work days, evenings, and nights as needed.
• Availability to work long hours and evenings during certain key campaigns.

Bonus Considerations:

The following are the desired competencies, characteristics, or traits for this position:

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent post-Secondary credentials acceptable.
• Bilingual ability to interpret or translate in a foreign language, preferably Spanish.

The Total Rewards:

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary for this position $63,962.50-$67,528.81, which per the agreement between ACLU Maryland and OPEIU Local 2, correlates to Category A, Step 1 – Step 3 on the approved compensation scale for base salary. Actual starting salary is a set calculation based on the individual candidate’s prior relevant work experience (including full-time and part-time internships and volunteer work), education, certification, and required foreign language skills (if applicable) per the agreed upon OPEIU Local 2 Union Compensation Scale, and therefore is not negotiable upon hire. For any questions, please reach out to the HR team.

Excellent benefits include 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, 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; and 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan with employer match, free on-site parking, additional commuter benefits with access to commuter rail station. Direct exposure to cutting-edge civil liberties and civil rights work. This is a position that is non-exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Deadline/Start Date

The position will remain open until filled. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to https://aclumaryland.applytojob.com/apply/ZBZkOi91q6/Public-Policy-Program-Associate?source=Policy+Program+Associate. Three professional references, and a short (no longer than 5 pages) writing sample and/or work sample must be provided upon interview.

We discourage applicants from applying through third-party websites. Early applications are strongly encouraged. It will not be possible for us to respond to telephone or email inquiries.

Resumes or applications sent via other avenues will not be considered.

Physical Demands

The ACLU of Maryland makes every effort to assure that its recruitment and employment provides all qualified persons, including persons with disabilities, with full opportunities for employment in all positions. The ACLU of Maryland is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, as determined from a collaborative reasonable job accommodation evaluation process, if deemed necessary to perform the essential functions of the job, provided they do not constitute an undue hardship for the employer. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email human resources at [email protected].  If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process. The following capabilities are general requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of this position related to work schedule, physical demands, working environment, travel, etc.

• Effectively communicate with others verbally and in writing, including by phone, e-mail, or in person.
• Understand, remember, communicate, and apply complex oral and/or written instructions and factual information.
• Maintain sustained concentration on computer screens and use keyboards and a variety of peripherals.
• Ability to push, pull, lift up to 25 pounds in the course of the workday in the normal performance of their duties.

The Organization:

About the ACLU of Maryland

The ACLU of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our work and on our teams. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran, or formerly incarcerated person status. Persons with disabilities may request accommodations.

The ACLU of Maryland makes every effort to assure that its recruitment, selection, hiring and employment practices provide all qualified persons, including persons with disabilities, with full opportunities for employment in all positions. The ACLU of Maryland is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email human resources at [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process. We encourage individuals of all abilities to request reasonable job accommodations through our office of human resources. Requesting a reasonable accommodation will not automatically be perceived as a disqualifying factor that would prevent an employee from performing the essential duties of the job.

The ACLU of Maryland is a non-partisan, non-profit public interest organization devoted to protecting civil rights and civil liberties. The ACLU of MD is an affiliate of the national ACLU, a key defender of civil liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The ACLU works in the courts, legislature and in communities to defend and expand individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and civil rights laws. The ACLU of Maryland is committed to centering race equity in our work, internally and externally, in order to better support and be accountable to communities of color, whose civil rights and civil liberties are systematically threatened by white supremacy.

Organization Commitment to Race Equity

All individuals in our organization are expected to support and maintain our organizational commitment to centering race equity in their work, internally and externally, in order to better support and be accountable to Black, Indigenous, POC individuals and communities, whose civil rights and civil liberties are systematically threatened by white supremacy. Application of this principle requires the conscious use of a race equity lens at all levels of work to both identify and understand implications of structural racism, challenge or confront systemic conditions or resulting issues, and dismantle overall institutional systems related to white privilege and white supremacy when engaging, advocating, and defending the civil liberties and civil rights of all Marylanders.