Careers & Internships

The Field Mobilization Coordinator plays an important role in engaging volunteers in ACLUM’s public advocacy efforts. The focus of this role is to engage with, grow, and coordinate the work of ACLUM’s large and active volunteer base. The scope of responsibilities for this position includes regularly communicating with existing volunteers, identifying and nurturing relationships with potential new volunteers, and mobilizing those individuals to take action in their respective communities. This position reports to the Deputy Field Director for Civic Education & Mobilization and works closely with other ACLUM colleagues as well as community partners to achieve the organization’s advocacy objectives. The ideal candidate for this position brings a passion for social justice along with knowledge about the political landscape and processes in Massachusetts, direct experience in community engagement and public education, and an interest in all components of this job, including event and project coordination and close collaboration with internal partners. Strong candidates will have demonstrated ability to spur stakeholders to action, sustain volunteer engagement beyond initial recruitment, manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues across departments in a fast-paced environment. Essential Duties Engage with and nurture ACLUM's base of activist volunteers, known as the Action Team. Stay abreast of and highly conversant about ACLUM priority issues and their impact on civil rights and civil liberties. Define creative ways for volunteers to participate in ACLUM advocacy campaigns, including events and weeks of action, and collaborate with colleagues across departments to implement these ideas. Participate in public advocacy campaigns and collaborate with ACLUM colleagues across departments to determine how the Action Team can best be deployed to advance campaign objectives. Share regular updates with volunteers about ACLUM work, actions they can take, and new volunteer opportunities. Partner with the Deputy Field Director for Civic Education and Mobilization to plan and execute regular advocacy events, including text and phone banks, lobby days, tabling opportunities, and other campaign events, as applicable. Partner with the Deputy Field Director for Civic Education and Mobilization to identify and develop volunteer leaders through trainings, workshops, and ongoing oversight and support. Partner with Advocacy colleagues to integrate young people into the Action Team. Capture and maintain volunteer information, and track engagement levels, in the volunteer management database. Other Responsibilities Special projects and other tasks as assigned by the Deputy Field Director for Civic Education and Mobilization. Qualifications, Experience and Attributes Minimum of two years’ experience in grassroots organizing, mobilization for issue-based or political campaigns, or volunteer or student coordination. Direct experience in ACLUM’s priority issue areas a plus. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in political science, public policy, government relations, or a related field. Knowledge of the organizing and political landscape in Massachusetts a plus. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage people with diverse backgrounds, experience, and perspectives. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, adeptness in public speaking, and ability to convey complex concepts in simple terms to various audiences. Proven ability to work collaboratively with others, across departments and areas of expertise. Ability to take comprehensive notes and maintain organized records. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and deliver against tight deadlines. Ability to learn and achieve proficiency in ACLU issue areas, as assigned. Self-starter, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and capable of working in partnership and independently to get things done. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google applications, including Docs, Sheets and Slides. Familiarity with volunteer management systems, such as Every Action, a plus. Strong belief in the ACLU’s work and mission to defend and strengthen civil rights and civil liberties. Commitment to diversity, and respect for differences in race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability, and socio-economic background. Key Performance Indicators Efficacy in recruiting and retaining field volunteers. Attentiveness and consistency in creating an engaging and positive experience for volunteers. Effectiveness in integrating field volunteers into ACLUM’s portfolio of work. Effectiveness in coordination, communication, and collaboration with ACLUM colleagues, community partners, and other stakeholders. Agility in pivoting between current issue areas and achieving proficiency in new areas. Flexibility and effectiveness in pivoting between assignments. Other Requirements Frequent written and verbal communication. Extensive reading, preparing, and analyzing information, in hard copy and electronic format. Frequent and extended periods of being in a stationary position, in an office environment and outdoor venues. Frequent handling and transport of light packages and bundles of printed materials. Ability to set up and manipulate settings for small A/V equipment and software and configure standard office furniture in event spaces. Ability to frequently and independently travel to various locations across Massachusetts. Flexibility to accommodate work outside of regular business hours when needed, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Compensation Salary range for this position is $66,000 to $72,000, with consideration for and commensurate with direct experience. Benefits include 401(k) plan plus employer match, 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 will be 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, 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 for this position should submit a resume, cover letter that best expresses their interest and unique qualifications, and three references (two former or current direct supervisors plus one colleague or peer). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (ACLUM) is accepting applications from candidates interested working at ACLUM through externally-funded public interest legal fellowships, including but not limited to those funded by Equal Justice Works, the Skadden Fellowship Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Justice Catalyst, and individual law schools. Third-year law students and attorneys interested in work involving civil rights and civil liberties may apply for either or both sources of funding. ACLUM works on cutting-edge civil rights and civil liberties issues. The organization has undertaken groundbreaking litigation and non-litigation advocacy in areas including, but not limited to free speech, immigrants’ rights, criminal justice, reproductive rights, incarceration during COVID-19, transgender rights, open government, police accountability, government surveillance, racial justice, voting rights, democracy, and the separation of church and state. For more, please visit www.aclum.org. Job Summary If funded, selected fellows will work with ACLUM’s Legal Director, managing attorneys and staff attorneys on trial-level and appellate work, and may focus on a particular issue or work on a range of issues, to the extent permitted by the fellowship. Although litigation will be the strong focus of the fellowship, fellows may also work with staff members on some non-litigation advocacy, such as public education, legislative work, public speaking, community organizing, and investigation. During the funding application process, ACLUM staff will work with selected fellowship candidates to develop their proposals for submission, helping tailor the proposals to address an important civil rights or civil liberties issue. The duration of the fellowship will be governed by the funding organization’s policy. Subject Areas of the Fellowships ACLUM welcomes applications from prospective fellows who are interested in any significant issue involving civil rights or liberties. Recent ACLUM fellows have litigated key cases on free expression, immigrants’ rights, access to medication for addiction treatment, police accountability, open government, and the rights of incarcerated individuals to access adequate medical treatment, both in the midst of the pandemic and more generally. Priority issue areas for ACLUM in 2027 might include free speech, freedom of religion, police accountability, immigrants’ rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, criminal law, racial justice, and government surveillance. Qualifications The required qualifications for ACLUM’s fellowship consideration are: Excellent legal research, writing, and analysis skills. Demonstrated familiarity with issues related to civil rights, civil liberties, and social justice. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong teamwork and collaboration abilities. Self-motivated with proven ability to work well with a wide range of stakeholders. Strong belief in the ACLU’s mission and work to defend and strengthen civil rights and liberties. Commitment to diversity and inclusion. Respect for differences in race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability, and socio-economic background. Current or recent judicial law clerks are encouraged to apply, but judicial clerkship experience is not required. Compensation The salary range for this position is $72,000 to $78,000. Benefits include 401(k) plan plus employer match, 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 will be 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, 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 for this position should submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample (see specifications below), and a list of three references (two former or current direct supervisors and one colleague or peer). Your cover letter should include a 2-3 sentence description of a potential project in your intended issue area. ACLUM works across many issue areas and does not have a preferred issue area for this process. We are interested in learning about your interests and seeing a potential project that you envision proposing to funders. If you are selected, ACLUM will work with you to develop a final project proposal, which may differ from your initial concept while remaining within your area(s) of interest. If you have multiple issue areas in which you are willing to do projects, it is fine to note that in addition to proposing one or two specific projects. Your writing sample should be one for which you were the sole or primary author that demonstrates your legal analysis and writing skills. Include a brief description of the context for the piece and whether anyone other than you edited or worked on it. If the sample contains confidential information, please ensure all identifying facts, names, or otherwise sensitive data have been redacted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and must be submitted no later than July 1, 2026, for fellowships with fall deadlines.

Summary The Advocacy Policy Counsel plays an important role in the Public Advocacy department to advance ACLU of Massachusetts’ mission to defend and promote civil rights and civil liberties in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The focus of this role is to conduct legal research and analysis, legislative drafting, and projects to support the organization’s legislative, policy, and non-litigation advocacy work; identify and inform ACLUM advocates of the civil rights and civil liberties implications of state and municipal government actions and proposed new legislation/ policy/ ordinances; contribute to local and statewide campaigns in priority issue areas; and foster relationships and collaboration with external stakeholders. This position reports to the Political Director, and works closely with colleagues within the Advocacy department, as well as other advocates across departments, to achieve statewide legislative and specific municipal-based ACLUM program objectives. The ideal candidate for this position brings enthusiasm and passion to the work; equally enjoys policy research, analysis, relationship building, and proactive collaboration with organizational partners; and is comfortable working across issue areas in a fast-paced environment. Strong candidates will have demonstrated the ability to conduct complex legal research and analysis, draft legislation for national, state, or municipal contexts, work with coalitions, and write and present clearly and convincingly about issues related to civil rights and civil liberties for both expert and general audiences. Essential Duties Research, Analysis, and Drafting Conduct legal, policy, and legislative research to inform ACLUM advocates about the civil rights and civil liberties implications (federal, state, constitutional, and statutory) of government actions related to ACLUM priority issue areas. Review, analyze, and synthesize the constitutional, civil rights, and civil liberties implications of existing and proposed state legislation, executive branch orders, municipal policies/ordinances, and similar matters, with close attention to how they impact voting rights and election law, due process, immigrants’ rights, racial justice, reproductive rights, rights of people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ rights. Develop and draft local and state legislation, policies and ballot measures, policy models, non-litigation advocacy letters, and public education materials for ACLUM advocates to use in educating policymakers, community partners, and ACLUM staff. Design and lead public records requests in support of priority advocacy campaigns, and assist with reviewing, categorizing, and synthesizing documents obtained, researching civil rights and civil liberties implications of the documents, and communicating those implications to ACLUM staff. Public Education, Coalition Work, and Community Engagement Engage in direct civic engagement and coalition building to further ACLUM’s legislative and field-focused advocacy efforts. Draft civic engagement, public education, and communications materials in consultation with the Legislative, Field, and Communications teams. Present research findings, analysis, and other learnings to educate internal and external stakeholders. Forge and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including issue area experts, cooperating attorneys, community organizations, public interest groups, civil rights groups, government officials, advocacy coalitions, and academics, to engage them in ACLUM work and support collaborative projects. Collaborate on ACLUM projects with staff across departments, as assigned, as well as colleagues at other ACLU state affiliates and the National ACLU. Strategic Advocacy Projects and Campaigns Engage in designing non-litigation advocacy campaigns at the national, state, and municipal levels to advance civil rights and civil liberties in agreed-upon ACLUM priority issue areas and campaigns, as assigned by the Political Director and in collaboration with other ACLUM advocates. Help to implement strategic local and statewide advocacy campaigns to defend and advance civil rights and civil liberties in ACLUM priority issue areas. Plan and manage advocacy projects to respond to threats and advance law and public policy in areas including, but not limited to voting rights and election law, due process, immigrants’ rights, racial justice, freedom of speech and assembly, religious liberty, racial justice, reproductive rights, rights of people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ rights, and other civil rights and civil liberties. Other Responsibilities Special projects and other tasks, as assigned by the Political Director. Qualifications, Experience and Attributes Juris Doctor or advanced law degree required. Minimum of six years’ experience in legal system advocacy or practice. Direct experience working on issue-based public advocacy campaigns. Expertise in election, campaign finance, ballot initiative, and related state and municipal law strongly preferred. Knowledge of legal issues and law reform related to immigrants’ rights, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, free speech, privacy, and broader civil rights and civil liberties, particularly where such issue areas intersect, a plus. Demonstrated strength in legal research and analysis as well as legislative and policy drafting. Excellent written and verbal communication, as well as interpersonal skills. Proven experience in creative problem-solving and deriving insight from research findings and data. Demonstrated experience and success in communicating complex legal and political concepts in a simplified, understandable manner for general audiences. Superb relationship-building skills, as well as ability to inspire collaboration and mobilize stakeholders to take action. Superior project and time management skills, including organization, follow-through, and ability to balance and prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Attention to detail and commitment to producing meticulous work product. Flexibility to learn and achieve proficiency in new issue areas, as assigned. Experience engaging with and working on behalf of underrepresented communities. 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 background. Key Performance Indicators Timeliness and accuracy in delivery of research, analysis, legislative and policy drafting, and other written work. Effectiveness in issue spotting and development of policy responses. Clarity and timeliness in sharing content and insight to advance ACLUM’s understanding and advocacy efforts across departments. Effectiveness in project management. Agility in pivoting between current priority issue areas and achieving proficiency in new issue areas when needed. Proactivity and effectiveness in cultivating, expanding, and maintaining collaborative relationships with issue-area experts, community stakeholders, government officials, and other external partners. Effectiveness in coordination, communication, and collaboration within the Advocacy department, as well as with other ACLUM colleagues and National ACLU partners. Other Requirements Frequent written and verbal communication, and ability to read and synthesize complex material. Extensive reading, preparing, and analyzing information, in hard copy and electronic format. Frequent and extended periods of being in a stationary position, in both an office environment and outdoor venues. Ability to frequently and independently travel to various locations across Massachusetts. Flexibility to work outside of regular business hours when needed, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Compensation Salary range for this position is $100,000 to $120,000, with consideration for and commensurate with direct experience. Benefits include 401(k) plan plus employer match, 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 will be 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, 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 for this position should submit a resume, cover letter that best expresses their interest and unique qualifications, writing sample (see further specifications in the application), and three references (two former or current direct supervisors plus one colleague or peer). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled.

The Racial Justice Community Advocate plays an integral part in advancing ACLUM’s work to promote civil rights and civil liberties in Massachusetts, and strengthen the organization’s network of advocates. The focus of this role is to educate the public about ACLUM priority issue areas and racial justice implications; engage communities of color across the Commonwealth and foster their civic participation; develop, expand, and maintain relationships with community partners, local leaders, and other stakeholders; work in coalition with partners to promote policy reforms at the state and local levels; serve as an ACLUM ambassador at public events; and work at the intersection of racial justice and other ACLUM priority issue areas including democracy, reproductive rights, policing, LGBTQ+ and gender equity, and environmental justice. This position reports to the Racial Justice Program Director and collaborates closely with other ACLUM colleagues to achieve the organization’s public advocacy objectives.