Policy Fellow (Fall 2026-Fall 2028)

ABOUT THE ACLU OF MAINE

We are the Maine affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union. We fight for equality, justice, and freedom for all people in Maine in the statehouse, in the courthouse, and through public education and engagement. We are active in the areas of criminal legal reform, racial justice, immigrants' rights, reproductive freedom, women's rights, Indigenous justice, LGBTQ equality, voting rights, privacy, and freedom of speech and religion. We are a passionate, highly motivated group and we are looking for exceptional talent to join our team. To learn more about us, visit our website (https://aclumaine.org/)

OPPORTUNITY

The ACLU of Maine seeks applicants for a full-time, grant-funded two-year position of Policy Fellow. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by MSEA, SEIU Local 1989.

The Policy Fellow will support the Policy Department’s work in the legislature, local governments, and administrative forums on policy proposals that affect civil liberties and civil rights. The focus of this role is to conduct legal research and analysis, legislative drafting, and other projects to support the organization’s fast paced legislative, policy, and non-litigation advocacy work. The Fellow’s policy advocacy work will include researching and analyzing bills, agency rules, and municipal ordinances; drafting proposed legislation, offering testimony, and community engagement. The Policy Fellow reports to the Policy Director and works closely with colleagues in other departments to achieve state and local program objectives.

This position is based in Portland, with travel as required to Augusta during the legislative session and elsewhere in the state as needed.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Specific responsibilities include:

Legal and Legislative Research, Analysis, and Drafting

• Review and analyze the civil liberties implications of existing law and state legislation, executive orders, municipal policies, ordinances, and orders, and similar legal instruments.
• On priority issues, research legislation in other jurisdictions to develop model policies.
• Draft state legislation, local ordinances, orders, resolutions, and policies, ballot measures, advocacy letters, and public education materials.
• During the legislative session, review and respond to proposed amendments to help inform ongoing drafting and negotiations.
• Design and lead public records requests in support of priority advocacy campaigns, and review, categorize, and summarize documents obtained, researching the civil liberties implications of the documents.

Advocacy and Public Education

• Support the Policy Department in preparing for the legislative session.
• Lobby individual lawmakers and testify before state and local legislative bodies.
• Represent the ACLU in coalitions, at stakeholder meetings, legislative hearings, community forums, other events, and in the media.
• Work with ACLU staff to implement integrated advocacy campaigns.

Administration, Coordination, and Support

• Work with the Paralegal to develop and maintain a bill tracker and legislative calendar.
• Assist the communications team in updating and fact checking legislative information.

Supervision:

The Policy Fellow will work within the Policy Department under the direct supervision of the Policy Director and as part of the integrated advocacy team. The Policy Fellow will also work on assignments with other departments (e.g., legal, communications) as needed.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate is required to have the following:

• • A JD.
  • Exceptional writing, research, and analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication skills and an ability to communicate complicated information into digestible material for public consumption.
  • Ability to write and speak persuasively and effectively, especially in public settings.
  • A strong understanding of, and demonstrated commitment to, civil liberties and civil rights.
  • Ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers, other ACLU staff, and community partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as needed and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines, while maintaining a strong attention to detail.
  • Willingness to travel and access to a car.
  • A commitment to equity that values the individual regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, political identity, or record of arrest or conviction.
  • Willingness to work beyond 9-5 as needed, including occasional weekend meetings, presentations, and travel.
  • Proficiency with computers: Windows, Microsoft Office, and Excel, in particular.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time exempt position with the starting salary based on years since law school graduation. The salary range is $73,000 (starting wage based on zero years from law school graduation) to $131,846 (based on twenty years since law school graduation). The salary is non-negotiable, consistent with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Excellent benefits include 20 days paid time off, 10 paid holidays, individual employer-provided health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid family medical leave, and 401(k) plan with employer match of up to 5.5%. Additionally, staff are paid during the following office closures: the first full week in August, the week of Thanksgiving, and from December 24 through January 1.

LOCATION

The ACLU of Maine’s office is based in Portland, Maine. Currently, staff work on a hybrid schedule, with all staff in the office on Tuesday and Wednesday.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply, please submit a cover letter (no more than 500 words), resume, and a writing sample (no more than 1500 words.) Submit materials to careers@aclumaine.org and include your name and “Policy Fellow Job Posting” in the subject line. If you need assistance or accommodation, contact us at careers@aclumaine.org. Your cover 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.

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

HIRING TIMELINE

Applications are due by July 15. We plan to contact you by July 27 if we are interested in moving your candidacy forward and intend to extend an offer in August. This position will begin on September 14, 2026.