How to apply for Associate Director of Government Affairs

About American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey

The ACLU of New Jersey has spent over 60 years defending civil liberties and advancing a fair and equitable New Jersey through litigation, lobbying, and community organizing. As an affiliate of the national ACLU, it combines local expertise with national resources, offering a dynamic, mission-driven environment for advocates who want to make a tangible impact on civil rights. Working here means joining a passionate team dedicated to repairing and transforming systems where constitutional promises have not been delivered.

About the role

As Associate Director of Government Affairs, you will be a senior member of the Political Advocacy team, responsible for building and maintaining strategic relationships with government officials at the local, state, and federal levels. You will work closely with the Executive Director and Political Director to advance the ACLU-NJ's civil liberties priorities, serving as a primary external representative in government-facing contexts. This role is impactful because you will directly shape policy campaigns and legislative strategies that protect and expand the rights of all New Jerseyans.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with legislative staff to discuss a pending bill, strategizing with the Political Director on a new campaign, and representing the ACLU-NJ at a coalition meeting or public hearing. You could also spend time drafting policy memos, briefing the Executive Director, and cultivating relationships with local officials to build support for civil liberties priorities.

Who American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey is looking for

• Extensive experience in government relations, legislative advocacy, or political campaigns, ideally with a focus on civil liberties or social justice issues.
• Proven ability to cultivate and manage relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, and executive branch officials across party lines.
• Strong legislative acumen, including a deep understanding of the New Jersey state legislature and local government dynamics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the organization effectively in public and private settings.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience working directly with New Jersey legislators or local officials, as familiarity with state politics is crucial for this role.
• Demonstrate a track record of successful advocacy campaigns or policy wins that align with the ACLU-NJ's civil liberties priorities.
• Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively with a political advocacy team and senior leadership, as this role involves close coordination with the Executive Director and Political Director.
• Showcase your understanding of the ACLU-NJ's mission and history, and articulate why you are passionate about defending civil liberties in New Jersey.
• Use your cover letter to describe specific instances where you built relationships with government officials to advance a cause, including the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your direct experience in government relations at the state or local level, particularly in New Jersey, and how it prepares you to manage relationships with key officials.', 'A specific example of a legislative or advocacy campaign you led or contributed to that advanced civil liberties or social justice.', 'Your ability to work as part of a senior team, supporting the Executive Director and Political Director while also taking initiative.', "Your commitment to the ACLU-NJ's mission and values, and how you would bring a strategic, relationship-focused approach to the role."]

Research before applying

• Study the ACLU-NJ's recent legislative victories and ongoing campaigns to understand their current priorities and strategies.
• Research the key players in New Jersey state government, including legislative leaders and relevant committee chairs, as well as the political dynamics in Trenton.
• Review the ACLU-NJ's annual reports, press releases, and social media to get a sense of their public messaging and recent activities.
• Understand the structure of the ACLU-NJ, including the role of the Political Advocacy Department and how it interacts with the national ACLU.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach building relationships with legislators who may be opposed to the ACLU-NJ's positions on certain issues?
• Can you describe a time when you successfully influenced a policy outcome through relationship-building and advocacy?
• What is your understanding of the current political landscape in New Jersey, and how would you navigate it to advance civil liberties?
• How do you prioritize competing legislative priorities and manage time-sensitive advocacy opportunities?
• Describe your experience working with coalitions or community partners to advance a shared advocacy goal.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid generic statements about supporting civil liberties without connecting them to specific New Jersey issues or the ACLU-NJ's work.
• Do not underestimate the importance of state and local government experience; focusing solely on federal experience may make you seem out of touch with the role's primary focus.
• Avoid appearing overly partisan or unwilling to engage with officials across the political spectrum, as the role requires strategic relationship management with diverse stakeholders.