Summary
The ACLU of Massachusetts (“ACLUM”) seeks a full-time advocate to join its Field team for a two-year paid fellowship. This fellow will primarily focus on immigrant rights, including advancing ACLUM’s efforts to implement the Work and Family Mobility Act, a new state law that went into effect in July 2023 that allows all qualified drivers living in Massachusetts to apply for a driver’s license regardless of immigration status. The role will include educating community members about the law; conducting group sessions for applicants to prepare for the written exam and road test; assisting individuals in applying for a license and troubleshooting issues that may arise; monitoring trends related to the applicant experience and advocating for individuals who face barriers in the process; and interfacing with government agencies as needed in the course of this work. This position reports to the Field Director and collaborates closely with the rest of ACLUM’s Field team.
This position covers the entirety of the state, and requires frequent travel to various locations across Massachusetts, as well as work outside of regular business hours when warranted.
Essential duties
- Learn to navigate the complex administrative process for applying for a driver’s license.
- Present to community groups about the Work and Family Mobility Act and the process to apply for a driver’s license.
- Lead educational workshops, including study sessions, to assist applicants in preparing for the written exam and road test.
- Conduct office hours and one-on-one meetings to help individuals navigate the application process.
- Interface with government agencies to troubleshoot issues that may arise for individual applicants.
- Collaborate with ACLUM colleagues, partner organizations and community groups, as assigned.
- Monitor trends related to the applicant experience, and regularly report learnings to ACLUM’s Field team and community partners.
Other Responsibilities
- Engage in other immigrant rights and non-litigation advocacy activities, as assigned.
- Special projects and other tasks as assigned by the Field Director.
Qualifications, Experience and Attributes
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in public policy, government relations, human services, public advocacy, customer service, or related field.
- Fluent in English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate efficiently in both languages by written and verbal means.
- Ability to convey complex concepts in simple terms to various audiences.
- Ability to quickly learn and patiently navigate complex and bureaucratic processes and systems.
- Ability to take and maintain organized notes and records.
- Self-starter, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and capable of working in partnership and independently to get things done.
- Ability to effectively prioritize tasks, work well under pressure, and deliver against tight deadlines.
- A valid driver’s license required. Ability to travel to various locations across Massachusetts on a regular basis.
- Strong belief in the ACLU’s mission and work to defend and strengthen civil rights and civil liberties.
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion. Respect for differences in race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance.
Key Performance Indicators
- Efficacy in community engagement and support
- Effectiveness in executing public education activities
- Effectiveness in coordination, communication, and collaboration with ACLUM colleagues, community partners, and other stakeholders
- Flexibility in pivoting between priority assignments when needed
Other Requirements
- Frequent written and verbal communication, in both English and Spanish.
- Frequent and extended periods of being in a stationary position, in an office environment and outdoor venues.
- Extensive reading, preparing, and analyzing information, in hard copy and electronic format.
- Flexibility to accommodate work outside of regular business hours when warranted, including evenings and weekends.
Compensation
Salary commensurate with experience and consistent with ACLUM’s collective bargaining agreement. Estimated minimum salary of $70,000. Benefits include 401(k) plan, medical and dental insurance, and paid vacation and holidays. Reimbursement for mileage may be provided in accordance with ACLUM policies, when applicable.
About the ACLU of Massachusetts
The ACLU of Massachusetts (ACLUM) was founded in 1920 and is an affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a nationwide, non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that works to preserve and expand the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Through strategies of litigation, advocacy, public education, and grassroots activism, we strengthen and expand public understanding of racial justice, juvenile justice, LGBTQ rights (including equal marriage), women's rights, criminal justice issues, equal opportunity, free speech and assembly, privacy rights, religious liberty, students' rights, voting rights, and reproductive rights. ACLUM staff are unionized and this position is within the bargaining unit.
ACLUM is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, queer people, and formerly incarcerated people to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This position will be based in Boston or Springfield, MA (to be determined with the selected candidate) and eligible for a hybrid work schedule, being in-person an average of three days per week, with the
ability to be in the office on any given day as needed and assigned. ACLUM has a Covid-19 vaccine mandate, and candidates receiving a job offer will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencing employment. Exemptions to this requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law. Applicants should be aware that fully remote work will not be deemed a reasonable accommodation.
TO APPLY: Applicants should submit a resume, list of references, and a cover letter describing their interest in this position via email to advocacyfellow@aclum.org. Type the position title in the subject header. No phone calls or faxes please.