Job
Opportunity:
Campaign
Coordinator
for
Marijuana
Policy
Reform,
ACLU
Drug
Policy
Litigation
Project
5/28/04
Founded in 1998, the Drug Policy Litigation Project is a special division of the American Civil Liberties Union. The Project goal is to end punitive drug policies that have caused an unprecedented level of incarceration and have resulted in widespread violation of constitutional rights. Beginning this summer, the Project is expanding to create a new program that challenges the punishment of nonviolent marijuana users. This program will be led by an experienced strategist who will design a national campaign involving ACLU affiliates and other organizations, with the goal of repealing punitive marijuana laws. The Project brings "impact" lawsuits throughout the country. The Projects' legal strategies are built on the idea that fighting for civil rights means not just persuading judges but ultimately changing the way people think. As we litigate for change, we use targeted media and online and outreach campaigns to change public attitudes through education and to give people on the frontlines the tools they need to act. The Project has an unparalleled history of litigating cases on issues ranging from racial profiling in drug enforcement to restrictions on speech advocating drug policy reform. This new program aims to continue that tradition of success, harnessing litigation, in combination with coordinated public education and organizing, as a tool of drug policy reform. For more information, please visit http://www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/ online. The Campaign Coordinator will be responsible for conceiving, designing, and executing a multi-year national advocacy campaign. With the aim of ultimately changing state and federal laws on marijuana, the position will require a sophisticated and visionary ability to influence public views on marijuana policy. Working closely with a staff attorney, the Campaign Coordinator will make significant use of litigation in state and federal courts. The position will require close coordination with the national ACLU, its 53 state affiliates, private attorneys and allied organizations, both in litigation efforts and in efforts to secure reform in state legislatures and Congress. Significant attention will also be devoted to media and popular culture representations of marijuana and laws that criminalize its use. The Project is currently located in New Haven, Connecticut, but will be moving to Santa Cruz, California on July 1, 2004, where this position will be located. Applicants must have experience directing a national or state campaign for significant policy reform. The ability to design and implement complex programmatic initiatives is essential, as is familiarity with public opinion research tools, media relations, and other communications strategies. Familiarity with the relationship between litigation and broader advocacy campaigns, as well as background with drug policy issues, is preferable though not essential to this position. Applicants must have exceptional oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, proven success in managing staff and creativity. Applicants must also demonstrate ability and/or experience in working with the media and in coalitions to achieve legislative goals. Salary will be determined in accordance with the ACLU salary scale. Excellent benefits package provided. Applications will be accepted by mail, until the position is filled. Please submit a letter describing your qualifications and interest in the position, a current resume, and the names and phone numbers of two references to: Graham Boyd, ACLU Drug Law Project, 85 Willow St., New Haven, CT 06511. The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, lesbians and gay men to apply.
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