The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida (ACLU of Florida) seeks a Juvenile Justice Coordinator to coordinate the ACLU’s research, policy work and outreach efforts on a variety of civil liberties issues, related to juvenile justice and criminal justice reform.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida is freedom’s watchdog, working daily in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The position will be based out of one of the ACLU of Florida’s regional offices (Miami, Tampa, or Jacksonville).
The Juvenile Justice Coordinator will report to the Campaign Manager for Criminal Justice Reform Campaign, and will work with a team of policy and advocacy staff throughout the state to advance ACLU priorities, particularly with regard to juvenile justice reform. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker; goal oriented, and has the ability to motivate community members and decision makers. S/he is also a team player, flexible and manages his or her time effectively.
ACLU Florida encourages formerly incarcerated individuals or those with former involvement in the juvenile justice system to apply. The position will have an initial three year duration subject to annual renewal based on availability of funds.
Responsibilities
The Juvenile Justice Coordinator will:
- Collect and analyze research on juvenile justice in Florida. Investigate impacted Floridians, identifying issues and innovative cures; collect and amplify stories of those harmed by the juvenile justice system; and consider identifying possible plaintiffs for legal challenges, if appropriate.
- Develop comprehensive juvenile justice reform strategy including public education efforts, with initial work focused on Polk, Sarasota, Manatee and Walton Counties;
- Develop and begin implementation of a three-year strategic communications plan in collaboration with Communications team;
- Launch local Keep Kids Learning efforts with state attorneys in key districts of Sarasota, Manatee, Polk and Walton counties to increase use of civil citations;
- Identify, engage, and partner with key organizations, long-time partners and new entities and constituencies to advance juvenile justice policy objectives;
- Coordinate with ACLU Florida policy & advocacy team to advance local and statewide juvenile justice policy advocacy efforts;
- Occasionally serve as a spokesperson at community gatherings and to press as needed in cooperation with the ACLU of Florida’s Communications Department;
- Operate as a part of the ACLU of Florida’s integrated advocacy team consisting of legal, communications, development and policy experts, and
- Perform additional duties, as necessary, as a Policy/Advocacy team member.
Qualificiations
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in juvenile justice policy and community outreach is required; a law degree or advanced degree in public policy or related field, and project management and coordination experience in the juvenile justice (or related) field, is preferred;
- Demonstrated experience successfully implementing a public policy reform or community education campaign;
- Demonstrated commitment to civil liberties and civil rights and the mission of the ACLU;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- An ability to keep organized in a fast-paced environment and to manage several projects simultaneously;
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Publisher) and social media networking;
- Experience working cooperatively with diverse groups and organizations;
- Ability to build vision, and to stimulate and inspire others;
- Ability to work cooperatively and willingness to learn new skills;
- Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings, and to travel as necessary.
Salary and Benefits
Salary will be set depending upon experience. The position will have an initial three year duration subject to renewal in March 2018, and annually thereafter, based on availability of funds. The ACLU of Florida provides excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance with generous vacation, holiday and sick leave policies, as well as a Defined Contribution 401K Retirement Plan.
Application Process
Please send cover letter and resume by email to jobs@aclufl.org. All inquiries should include “Juvenile Justice” in the subject line and all attachments should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. ACLU Florida encourages formerly incarcerated or those with former involvement in the juvenile justice system to apply.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please indicate where you learned of this job posting. No phone calls, please.
The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbians, gay men and transgender individuals.
