Policy Advocate

THE OPPORTUNITY

The policy advocate protects and advances civil liberties by developing and implementing advocacy strategies on a local, state, and federal level. This role is responsible for high-level research, policy analysis, and preparing policy briefs. It is integral in the coordination, monitoring, and logistics associated with the state’s interim and legislative sessions. The policy advocate collaborates closely with the organization’s policy, communications, legal, and development departments, as well as coalition partners. ACLU-NM works on broad civil rights and civil liberties issues with a particular focus on reproductive justice, criminal-legal and policing, indigenous justice, and immigrants' rights.

The policy advocate has a proven ability to take initiative, learn quickly, think strategically, communicate clearly and persuasively, and work collaboratively in partnership with diverse groups.

This is an exempt, full-time role based in New Mexico and reporting to the director of public policy.

WHO WE ARE

Our mission is to protect and advance justice, liberty, and equity as guaranteed by the constitutions of New Mexico and the United States. We are committed to ending racism and other inequities. This includes how we work with each other and with our partners and allies in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit our website at www.aclu-nm.org

Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging are core values of the ACLU and central to our work. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization—one that respects and embraces difference; treats everyone equitably; and empowers our colleagues to do the best work possible.

ACLU-NM has offices in Albuquerque and Las Cruces and maintains a flexible hybrid work environment to best support the needs of our staff and the work. Employees are generally expected to work from the office, an average of 4–12 hours per week.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Engage in the full annual state legislative session in Santa Fe, special legislative sessions as they arise, legislative interim committees, and local government policymaking bodies as needed;
• Review, monitor, and analyze current or proposed local and state legislation, regulations, and policies related to the ACLU-NM’s strategic priorities;
• Collect, review, and analyze public records, research literature, and similar sources to draft high-level reports and briefs;
• Develop and produce advocacy tools, including fact sheets, talking points, public education materials, position letters and policy briefs;
• Analyze data and draft reports or other advocacy tools to be used for educational purposes
• Keep abreast of regional trends and situations to liaison between elected officials, ACLU-NM legal staff, and community advocacy groups as needed;
• Liaise between policy, communications, and legal departments and with stakeholder at ACLU National;
• Cultivate relationships with allied leaders, organizations and coalitions in support of shared legislative and policy priorities;
• Represent the ACLU of New Mexico in coalitions and community groups, including speaking at community events;
• Support the execution of events, including activist trainings, volunteer appreciation events, listening sessions, social events, panel discussions, candidate forums and other community events. Includes activist trainings and engagement focusing on policy advocacy, messaging, and mobilization;
• Ensure that principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) inform all policy advocacy practices and processes;
• Other duties, special projects, and tasks as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in public policy, government relations, or nonprofit advocacy required.
• Excellent research skills and demonstrated ability to analyze legislative and administrative policy;
• Demonstrated ability to collect, process and analyze data from public records, research literature, and similar sources to prepare high-level reports and briefing materials;
• Ability to be proactive, understand the political landscape, and be able to work effectively on issues that require diverse support;
• Proven ability to think critically and strategically about solving problems and coming up with solutions.
• Ability to be resilient and work towards long-term, systemic change.
• A demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with coalitions and community groups, motivate volunteers, and work across the political spectrum;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, including an ability to navigate and resolve conflict in a manner that values and respects relationships with colleagues inside and outside the ACLU of New Mexico;
• Strong project management skills;
• Solid organizational skills and attention to detail;
• A self-starter and finisher with a demonstrated ability to manage projects and follow-through with minimal direct supervision;
• Strong time management skills and the ability to work under pressure;
• Emotionally mature, with a sense of humor and the ability to maintain balance and perspective.
• A flexible team player who works collaboratively, shares responsibilities, and supports and acknowledges colleagues’ contributions;
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and goals of the ACLU;
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural and social humility. A commitment to diversity and a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance;
• Ability and willingness to engage in the annual legislative session and special sessions as they occur. This means frequent travel to Santa Fe and long days with irregular hours during the session.
• Willingness to work occasional overtime or irregular hours, including some weekends outside of the legislative session;
• A car, ability and willingness to travel within the state, and a current driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fluent in Spanish and/or other languages spoken through New Mexico
• Previous experience in policy spaces at the state and local level within New Mexico
• Experience drafting public policy language

No one person will have all the qualities enumerated above. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are interested and feel you could be successful in this role.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The anticipated annual salary for this position is $62,571. We offer excellent benefits, including employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance for employees; long-term disability and life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution and match of up to 5.5%; and vacation accrual that starts at 18 days per year in addition to sick leave and family and medical leave.

HOW TO APPLY:

All applications are treated confidentially. Please send a cover letter no longer than one page, a resume, and a writing sample no longer than three pages by email to [email protected]. Please include “Policy Advocate” in the subject line and all attachments should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

Your letter should explain ways in which you satisfy the skills and qualifications specified above. We also invite applicants to include in their letter information about how their background and/or experiences could contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and advocacy work.

Your writing sample should include research from public records, publicly available data, research literature, or similar sources. Please do not generate new work for this. Your writing sample should be no more than three pages (a subsection of a larger piece is fine).

No phone calls, please. Note: we will not accept resumes that do not include a cover letter.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as we will be evaluating applications on a rolling basis beginning on October 2, 2025.

This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of New Mexico reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.

COVID:

The Policy Advocate, like most ACLU-NM staff, will work partially in-office and partially from home.

For the safety of our staff, their families, and the communities that we work with, ACLU-NM requires that staff be fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC.

ACLU of New Mexico is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and promote an inclusive culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have been formerly incarcerated, and other members of underrepresented and marginalized groups.

“ACLU of New Mexico” refers collectively to two separate corporate entities, ACLU of New Mexico and ACLU of New Mexico Foundation. The two entities share the same mission, office space, and employees.