Application Deadline: December 22, 2007
(Inquiries welcome after deadline)

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATE

The California Legislative Office of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) seeks a dynamic full-time Legislative Advocate at its Sacramento Office. The ACLU is a national, non-profit, public interest organization that works to defend civil liberties and civil rights. The Legislative Office is responsible for advancing the civil liberties agenda of the three California ACLU affiliates before the California State Legislature. The Sacramento Office lobbies on a broad range of civil liberties issues, including criminal justice, civil rights, privacy, reproductive rights and freedom of expression. The Sacramento Office consists of a Legislative Director, Legislative Advocate and a Legislative Assistant. The office is collegial; the work is challenging, varied, as well as rewarding.

The Legislative Advocate will work under the supervision of the Legislative Director of the Sacramento Office and in concert with the three ACLU affiliates located in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Preparing and delivering testimony on pending legislation; writing letters stating the ACLU's position on legislation; negotiating with legislators, staff and other advocates; researching and drafting bills and amendments;
• Assisting in planning overall legislative priorities, and devising pro-active strategies to achieve legislative goals;
• Participating as the ACLU representative in meetings of ad hoc legislative coalitions;
• Responding to requests from the media on ACLU’s legislative activity in Sacramento; occasionally initiating press conferences; preparing written materials for publication; publicly speaking on the ACLU’s behalf.
• Responding to requests from affiliate staff, Board members and chapter activists;
• Preparing legislative reports, as requested, for the three affiliates.

Special Skills and Qualifications:

• Ø Strong state legislative experience or experience working on legislative matters, preferably involving civil rights or civil liberties;
• Law degree and legal experience preferred;
• Strong strategic skills, excellent leadership, writing and speaking skills, strong analytic capabilities, a demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of issues relating to civil liberties, and support of the goals of the ACLU;
• A demonstrated ability in collaborating with media and coalitions, and bilingual ability are a plus;
• Ability to work effectively with diverse staff, activists and ACLU leaders; and
• Interest and experience in working with a broad and diverse range of people – from youth and political activists to coalition partners – and with communities of color.

COMPENSATION:
Salary based on experience. Excellent benefits include four weeks paid vacation; medical and dental insurance for staff members and their dependents and domestic partners; pension plan; life insurance; long-term disability insurance; and twelve paid holidays.

ABOUT THE ACLU OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA:
The ACLU of Northern California (ACLU-NC) was founded in 1934 and is an affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a nationwide, non-profit, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to the defense and expansion of civil rights and civil liberties. The ACLU-NC, the largest affiliate in the nation, has more than 55,000 members, 18 all-volunteer chapters, and a staff of 50.

TO APPLY:
Please submit a resume and a cover letter to:

Francisco Lobaco
Legislative Director
ACLU Legislative Office
1127 11th St. #534
Sacramento, Ca. 95814

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The ACLU is proud to be an affirmative action employer. All interested individuals, including people of color, women, persons with disabilities and persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex are particularly urged to apply.