Senior Advisor to the Chief Political and Advocacy Officer

ABOUT THE JOB

The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time position of Senior Advisor to Chief Political Officer in the National Political Advocacy Department of the ACLU’s National office in Washington, D.C. or New York, NY . This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.

The National Political Advocacy Department (NPAD) builds power to achieve an accountable, representative democracy. We have ambitious goals across Reproductive Freedom, Voting Rights, Systemic Equality, Immigration, Trans Justice, and Criminal Justice in order to protect and expand civil rights and civil liberties, and advance the freedom, equality, ability to prosper, and humanity of all People.

Our department conducts analysis, develops policy, crafts world class campaigns, and situates the ACLU to have impact across legislative and executive levers. We are policy experts, lawyers, community organizers, lobbyists, campaign strategists, program managers and more. We partner across the ACLU to drive national efforts, and support and amplify the priorities of our affiliates. We work to center principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging in our approach.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Senior Advisor to the Chief Political and Advocacy Officer will report to the Chief Political and Advocacy Officer (CPAO) . The Senior Advisor serves as a strategic partner to the CPAO and works closely with NPAD leaders to help advance NPAD priorities through effective coordination and execution. This role acts as a trusted advisor and thought partner, supporting decision-making and ensuring alignment between leadership priorities and execution on key initiatives. The Senior Advisor will work collaboratively with the CPAO to manage time, prepare materials, and brainstorm strategic objectives.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

The Senior Advisor is responsible for ensuring the departments activities align with the CPAO’s vision; serving as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CPAO on department priorities, strategic initiatives, and emerging issues

In close partnership with NPAD Executive Leadership, the Senior Advisor will be responsible for identifying areas of work that should be prioritized by the team, as well as campaigns and initiatives in response to unexpected, significant developments

Strategically manage the CPAO’s time, helping to prioritize opportunities, and identify areas where the CPAO should direct their focus

Keep track of CPAO’s to do list and next steps, and ensure the CPAO’s involvement in project or decision-making processes takes place at key times, where their input and authority are most needed

Prepare the CPAO for upcoming external and internal meetings by ensuring they have all the information necessary to be productive and engaged; attend meetings with CPAO as needed

Step in to manage the team for the CPAO and members of NPAD Leadership when needed, and represent the CPAO in key meetings both internally and externally

Support CPAO in maintaining strong relationships with key external stakeholders

Oversee the execution of key strategic initiatives for successful implementation

Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across the NPAD leadership team and staff, and facilitate/lead NPAD Exec and NPAD Leadership meetings

Plan and execute leadership development of NPAD’s leadership team

Provide support for implementation of people management principles development and skills training program

Work with the CPAO and other departmental leaders to develop a model for senior leadership transitions, focusing on team preparations, and new leader onboarding plans

Manage sensitive information and communication with discretion

Maintain big-picture awareness of emerging opportunities, challenges, and trends across all issue areas.

Maintain awareness of the work to facilitate representation of the Department internally and externally

Drive efforts to fundraise on behalf of the Department and the broader ACLU.

Develop staff capacity to work together collaboratively and grow expertise and skills; and further strengthen the Department.

Exercise significant independent judgment to solve problems and determine creative solutions

Demonstrate an ability to be flexible and adjust priorities as necessary in order to adapt to changing external and internal environment

Engage in other leadership and management duties as assigned

Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned by the CPAO

This position requires flexibility in work schedule and location, including the ability to travel nationally as programming demands and work non-traditional hours

FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL

Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU

Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives

Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

The ACLU is seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual who brings outstanding leadership, partnership, and strategic capabilities. This individual naturally connects and builds strong relationships with others, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.

This individual is a valuable and reliable thought partner who can connect dots, strengthen strategies, and establish comprehensive plans. The successful candidate is someone who gets energy from enabling others and by serving as a partner. They will provide strong problem solving and creative skills, and a deep commitment to collaboration.

This individual will bring a track record of inspiring confidence by enabling decisions and setting priorities. Further, they will have experience strengthening the culture of an organization. The successful candidate will excel at operating in a fast-paced, demanding environment, and serving as a source of clarity and calm to colleagues. They will bring an exceptional capacity for leading people through influence. The successful candidate will have superb listening and communication skills, and a passion for developing staff.

In terms of the performance and personal competencies required for the position, we would highlight the following:

Setting Strategy & Executing for Results

Demonstrated experience successfully managing large, complex projects from inception and design to implementation and maintenance

Excellent facilitation and diplomacy skills with a demonstrated ability to manage up, down, and laterally to keep stakeholders aligned and moving forward

Ability to manage and oversee multiple, complex workstreams ranging from technical, programmatic, and operational simultaneously

The ability to set clear and challenging goals while committing the organization to improved performance; tenacious and accountable in driving results.

Proven problem solver, with the ability to handle difficult situations and unexpected challenges

Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; capacity to adapt nimbly and lead others through complex situations

A leader who is viewed by others as having a high degree of integrity and forethought in their approach to making decisions; acts in a transparent and consistent manner while always taking into account what is best for the organization

A leader who can serve as an effective and credible spokesperson for the organization

Leading Teams

Demonstrated experience supporting people and teams in an organization of similar size, scale, and scope

The ability to motivate the team, attract and recruit top talent, delegate effectively, celebrate diversity within the team; widely viewed as a strong developer of others.

Able to persevere in the face of challenges and exhibit a steadfast resolve and relentless commitment to higher standards.