Technology for Liberty Fellow

Summary 

The ACLU of Massachusetts (“ACLUM”) seeks a Technology for Liberty Fellow to join its Technology for Liberty Program for a two-year, full-time, paid opportunity. The focus of this role is to provide research, analysis, tools, and content—to increase transparency and accountability in the use of technology, promote synergy between new technologies and civil rights and civil liberties, protect privacy, and advance racial justice. This position reports to the Technology for Liberty Program Director and partners with other ACLUM staff to achieve program, legislative, litigation and other advocacy objectives for the organization. 

The ideal candidate brings experience coding and working in a fast-paced environment; demonstrated ability to diligently learn new technical skills; creativity; and excitement about the promise of using technology to advance civil rights and civil liberties. 

Essential Duties 

• Conduct research and data analysis, build and maintain analytic data tools and dashboards, and develop educational content to inform ACLUM teams, lawmakers, journalists, advocates, and the public. 
• Explore government records and other public datasets for insights and create analyses and visualizations for publication. Partner with ACLUM’s Legislative, Legal, Advocacy and Communications teams to identify ways in which related content can inform and advance the organization’s law reform goals. 
• Conduct data analysis in partnership with the Legal Department to assist with strategic litigation efforts. 
• Present data and analyses in written blog posts and reports to inform and shape public debates regarding key civil rights and civil liberties issues. 
• Evaluate current and emerging machine-learning systems, automated decision systems, and related technologies, and consult with colleagues about the potential implications for civil rights and civil liberties. 
• Oversee content generation, records management, and maintenance for the Data for Justice website and server. 
• Propose novel ways to leverage technology and data science to support and advance ACLUM’s public-facing work and campaigns. Execute related projects and initiatives, as identified and assigned. 
• Communicate and collaborate with external ACLUM partners and coalition members to further campaign goals and maintain strong organizational relationships. 

Other Responsibilities 

Special projects and other tasks as assigned by the Technology for Liberty Program Director. 

Qualifications, Experience and Attributes 

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in computer science, or equivalent experience coding in a professional environment required. Minimum of one year’s experience working as a technical professional required. 
• Experience with using data science and data visualization. 
• Fluency in an analytic programming language such as Python or R. 
• Expertise with data structures and management tools (e.g., SQL, dplyr, pandas). 
• Extensive experience using data visualization tools such as matplotlib, Bokeh/plotly, ggplot, or similar. 
• User interface design experience with tools such as R Shiny, PyQt, Tableau, and D3.js. 
• Familiarity with web design using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and version control via GitHub. 
• Familiarity with geodata and mapping tools (e.g., Leaflet), content management software (e.g., WordPress), and server management software (e.g., Apache, Nginx). 
• Experience working with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud) 
• Familiarity with the latest research and trends related to machine learning—especially regarding fairness, accountability, and transparency—as well as cryptography and other digital security tools. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in public speaking a plus. 
• Sound project management skills, and the ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks within a portfolio of work. 
• Resourcefulness in conducting research, and ability to glean meaningful insight from research findings. 
• Desire and proven ability to work both independently and as a member of a diverse and multi-disciplinary team. 
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment, ability to meet regular deadlines, and demonstrated commitment to delivering high-quality output. 
• Interest in collaborating with a broad network of advocates and scholars on issues related to data, technology, equity, and policy; and willingness to learn new technical and political tools and concepts, as needed. 
• Strong belief in the ACLU’s work and mission to defend and strengthen civil rights and civil liberties. 
• Commitment to anti-racism and the achievement of justice for all. Respect for differences in race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance.  

Key Performance Indicators 

• Timely and meticulous delivery of data analyses, data dashboards and tools, and data mapping projects 
• Effective management of multiple projects at the same time, while publishing on-time and accurate work 
• Ongoing functionality of existing Data for Justice tools, dashboards, and interactive content 
• Effective collaboration with ACLUM colleagues and other stakeholders 

Physical Requirements 

• Frequent written and verbal communication 
• Frequent and extended periods of being in a stationary position 
• Extensive reading, preparing, and analyzing information, in hard copy and electronic format 
• Flexibility to accommodate work outside of regular business hours when warranted 

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. 

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 is based in Boston, MA 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 techfellow@aclum.org. Type the position title in the subject header. No phone calls or faxes please.