| Description: |
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) is one of the nation's leading advocates on behalf of constitutional rights and liberties. Founded in 1951, as the New York affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, the NYCLU is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization with 48,000 members statewide and eight offices.
Summary of Position
The NYCLU seeks an attorney to conduct and supervise litigation, policy work, and advocacy in the areas of reproductive rights and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. The Litigation and Policy Counsel will carry on the work of the Reproductive Rights Project of the New York Civil Liberties Union (RRP). The NYCLU defines reproductive rights broadly to include access to information and confidential services needed to make informed reproductive choices, and freedom from discrimination based on pregnancy and parenthood. The RRP's work is particularly focused on the most vulnerable: low-income women, women of color, and adolescents. The Litigation and Policy Counsel will also work in the area of LGBT rights. Priority areas for this work include: (1) LGBT youth and schools issues; (2) Relationship recognition including marriage fairness, parenting rights, and employment benefits; and (3) and expanding legal protections against discrimination based on gender identity and expression. The NYCLU furthers its goals through litigation and legal analysis, advocacy, outreach and education. Supervisory Controls: The Litigation and Policy Counsel will have primary responsibility for legal and policy work in these two priority issue areas. This position reports to the Legal Director, and works in close consultation with the Directors of the Legislative, Advocacy, and Communications Departments.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Conducting and supervising all aspects of litigation and public policy advocacy, preparing pleadings, motions, briefs, testimony, and position papers, in both trial and appellate courts as well as administrative fora;
- Chairing working group to coordinate cross-departmental work on Reproductive Rights and LGBT issues;
- Preparing legal analyses of legislative and administrative policies;
- Coordinating and participating in public education activities, public speaking, media and public relations; and coalition work;
- Serving as legal liaison and advisor on legal issues to coalition partners;
- Supporting development activities, including donor and foundation cultivation, grant writing, and fundraising appeals and events; and
- Coordinating supervision of the NYCLU's Teen Health Initiative (THI).
Position Qualifications:
- Minimum 3 years relevant experience (or the equivalent);
- Excellent skills in communication, research and writing;
- Familiarity with reproductive rights and/or LGBT issues;
- Commitment to the goals and priorities of the organization; and
- Leadership, self-motivation and ability to work collaboratively.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should email a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume by email to jobs@nyclu.org with "Litigation & Policy Counsel" in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
The NYCLU is proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. |