Legislative Associate

Be Part of a Pivotal Moment in History

The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri Foundation, Inc. (ACLU-MO), seeks a full-time Legislative Associate (the “Associate”) to support the advancement of ACLU-MO’s policy goals in local and state legislative forums, lobby elected officials, build coalitions, and engage ACLU members, supporters, and volunteers in realizing the ACLU’s mission through the legislative and campaign initiatives.

Founded in 1920, the ACLU-MO is one of Missouri’s premier public advocacy organizations. The ACLU-MO, with offices in St. Louis and Kansas City, is committed to defending and expanding the constitutional rights and civil liberties guaranteed to all Missourians under the United States and Missouri Constitutions through an integrated advocacy approach, using strategic litigation, campaign and legislative advocacy, community engagement, and communications programs on a broad range of issues.

We focus our work on policy issues that include free speech, reproductive rights, voting rights, government transparency and accountability, criminal justice reform, LGBTQ+ equality, racial equity, and protection of all rights under the Missouri and United States Constitutions. The ACLU-MO is an IRS 501(c)(3) organization and works closely with the ACLU of Missouri, 501(c)(4) organization.

To learn more about our work, please visit www.aclu-mo.org and www.aclu.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the strategic leadership of the Director of Litigation and Policy and the supervision of the Deputy Legislative Director, the Associate will engage in the ACLU-MO’s work on issues including voting rights, transgender justice, racial justice, the school to prison pipeline, legal system reform, reproductive freedom, immigrants’ rights, free speech rights, and privacy rights. The Associate will also work closely with the organization’s Communications, Litigation, Organizing, and Development teams, as well as state and local elected officials and other policy-interested, community-based organizations, members, and stakeholders to advance ACLU-MO mission, vision, and policy goals.

Legislative Associate Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of the Deputy Legislative Director, develop and implement strategies to support and expand the ACLU-MO’s legislative work throughout the state of Missouri.
• Review introduced bills in the General Assembly and maintain the ACLU-MO’s internal bill tracker and monitor bill movement.
• Produce reports, and highlights to share with stakeholders, media, staff, and supporters.
• Research existing or emerging impacts to civil liberties in Missouri, collaboratively develop potential policy and advocacy solutions.
• Assist in drafting and providing written and oral testimony on behalf of the ACLU MO during legislative hearings.
• Develop lobbying and outreach materials for stakeholders, elected officials, and partner organizations.
• Assist in drafting, editing, and proposing local and statewide policies.
• In conjunction with Communications and other key staff, prepare effective policy and advocacy materials, including action alerts, debate binders, talking points, issue briefs, letters, website updates, and legislative and public policy reports. 
• Collaborate across departments to implement and execute integrated advocacy campaigns to advance the ACLU MO’s priority issues.
• Coordinate and conduct outreach to stakeholders, volunteers, and elected officials to ensure advancement of the ACLU-MO’s policy and campaign initiatives.
• Lead and assist the coordination of the ACLU-MO’s current and growing coalition groups (virtual and in-person).
• Assist in leading and supporting interns during their time at the ACLU-MO.
• Assist internal departments in maintaining a database of volunteers for work in policy and organizing spaces.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the state of Missouri to places of lobbying, advocacy, and policy campaign interest. 
• Willingness and ability to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends when necessary, and travel to Jefferson City during Missouri’s legislative session (January - May).

In addition to the above responsibilities, the legislative associate must perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 1 year of experience in legislative or policy campaign work.
• Demonstrated experience in researching and writing about policy issues related to civil liberties and solutions.
• An understanding and interest of Missouri’s legislative processes and procedures at the state level.
• Experience working with municipalities or other local governmental entities on policy reform.
• A personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstances.
• A passion for engaging elected officials and members of the community on civil liberties and civil rights issues.
• Comfortability learning and speaking about issues the ACLU-MO supports.
• Experience building relationships and coalitions with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage detailed, time-sensitive tasks, work independently, and maintain flexibility to shifting priorities.
• Demonstrated experience uplifting and facilitating teamwork.
• A commitment to advancing the ACLU-MO’s values, mission, and programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong time management skills, with an ability to work effectively to prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience with volunteer engagement and mobilization, organizing, or related role.
• Proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Office, and Google Drive.
• Familiarity or ability to learn campaign planning and management technology and software, including but not limited to tools like VAN and PeoplePower, etc.
• Proficiency with social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram, Zoom, and other forms of remote communication.
• Willingness to continue to learn about Missouri’s evolving political and campaign landscape.
• Ability to work and engage with staff located in offices throughout the state.
• Fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 as recommended by the CDC. Proof of vaccination status upon hire required. 

This job announcement provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment, and the description and/or posting may be changed at any time without advance notice

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Compensation and Terms:

ACLU-MO offers a generous benefits package, which includes paid vacation and holidays; medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; and employer contributions to a 401(K)-retirement plan. This is a full-time, exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees in this job classification are in a union represented by the United Media Guild-CWA (UMG).

Union dues are 1.6% and deducted from semi-monthly payroll. The base salary for this position is $53,560 in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.

To Apply:

Please Submit:

1. A copy of your resume listing relevant experiences.
2. Three professional references.
3. A cover letter describing your qualifications and interest in the role and our organization. 
4. A professional or academic writing sample that is no more than 5 pages, preferably regarding a policy initiative or other related advocacy work.

Application materials should be sent to: [email protected]. Please indicate “Legislative Associate” in the subject line of your email. Please, no phone calls.

Deadline:

Application materials will be reviewed as received and will be accepted until the position is filled. For full consideration, please submit your materials by September 30, 2026.

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

The ACLU undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to ensure that people with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions. We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to notify us at: [email protected].