The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri Foundation, Inc. (ACLU-MO), seeks a full-time Voting Rights Fellow to support the advancement of ACLU-MO’s voting-rights work by way of policy, campaign, and litigation advocacy. The term of the fellowship will be 12 months.

Founded in 1920, the ACLU-MO is one of Missouri’s premier public advocacy organizations. The ACLU-MO, with offices in St. Louis and Kansas City, is committed to defending and expanding the constitutional rights and civil liberties guaranteed to all Missourians under the United States and Missouri Constitutions through an integrated advocacy approach, using strategic litigation, campaign and legislative advocacy, community engagement, and communications programs on a broad range of issues. We are in the midst of planned growth and increasing prominence in policy issues including racial equity, education equity, voting rights, equitable policing, reducing mass incarceration, threats to reproductive rights, prosecutorial accountability, LGBTQ+ equality, free speech, and protecting privacy in the digital age. The ACLU-MO is an IRS 501(c)(3) organization and works closely with its sister 501(c)(4) organization.  

To learn more about our work as an affiliate and nationally, visit www.aclu-mo.org and www.aclu.org.

The ACLU-MO seeks a Missouri-licensed or Missouri-license-eligible attorney with 0-2 years of experience for a fellowship focused on voting rights work. The Fellow will join the Integrated Advocacy team in implementing strategies, including policy advocacy, litigation, and public education, to protect and advance voting rights in Missouri. The Fellow will report to the Deputy Director for Policy and Campaigns.

The Fellow will clearly and enthusiastically demonstrate guiding principles of integrity, respect, accountability, compassion, and leadership within the ACLU-MO.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Fellow’s responsibilities will include:

• Conducting research, outreach, and advocacy on issues related to voting rights.
• Providing technical support and strategic leadership to community groups, advocates, and organizers in the region.
• Establishing and cultivating collaborative relationships with community partners, coalitions, stakeholders, and ACLU members.
• Conducting legal research and factual investigations to initiate impact litigation to expand the right to vote in Missouri and to ensure that voters receive fair and accurate notice of ballot measures.
• Assisting the litigation efforts as counsel on designated cases, which may include conducting discovery, preparing, and reviewing pleadings and other court filings, preparing witnesses for trial, and appearing in court.
• Becoming a policy expert and advocate on voting-rights issues and related issues, including the right to referendum, the right to initiative, and fair ballot language.
• Drafting sign-on letters, advocacy materials, op-eds, articles, reports, blogs, and toolkits.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Missouri-licensed or Missouri-license-eligible attorney.
• 0-2 years of experience.
• Excellent research, writing, analytic, and speaking skills.
• Ability to work in diverse environments and assist in the development of advocacy campaigns.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in inclusive and engaging spaces.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, build strong relationships, and work well in collaboration with others.
• A deep commitment to the cause of civil liberties.
• Willingness and ability to occasionally work outside of regular business hours and to travel within Missouri.

Must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 as recommended by the CDC and must stay current with protections against COVID-19 recommended by the CDC. Proof of current vaccination status upon hire.

Desired

• Familiarity or experience with election law, voting rights advocacy work, access to government, and/or government transparency.
• Familiarity with and connections to advocacy communities in Missouri.
• Experience planning trainings, meetings, and other community-building events.

This job announcement provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment, and the description and/or posting may be changed at any time without advance notice.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

TO APPLY

Please provide:

1. A copy of your resume that lists relevant
2. A cover letter describing your qualifications and interest in the role and our
3. A list of at least three
4. A writing sample.

Please submit your application materials to: application@aclu-mo.org. Please indicate “Voting Rights Fellowship” in the subject line of your email. No phone calls.

DEADLINE

Application materials will be reviewed as received and will be accepted until the position is filled.

ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or record of arrest or conviction.

The ACLU undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions. We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to contact: application@aclu-mo.org.

 

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Last updated on Aug 29, 2023