ACLU Strategy & Innovation Advisor Job 2026: Earn $142,694 Per Year Working on Civil Rights Strategy in New York or Washington, DC

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), one of the most influential civil rights organizations in the United States, is inviting applications for the position of Strategy & Innovation Advisor within its National Office. This exciting opportunity is designed for recent graduate-level degree holders who are passionate about strategy, organizational leadership, innovation, public policy, and advancing civil rights and civil liberties.

Based in either New York, NY or Washington, DC, this is a full-time hybrid position requiring employees to work in the office two days per week (or eight days each month). The appointment is offered as a one-year term-limited position, providing successful candidates with an exceptional opportunity to contribute to one of the nation’s most respected nonprofit organizations while gaining valuable leadership and strategic planning experience.

With an annual salary of $142,694 for employees based in New York, this role is among the most competitive early-career leadership opportunities available within the nonprofit and advocacy sector.

About the ACLU

For more than 100 years, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has defended and preserved the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and federal laws. The organization has played a leading role in landmark legal cases and public policy initiatives involving voting rights, freedom of speech, reproductive rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, privacy rights, immigrant rights, criminal justice reform, and many other civil liberties issues.

The successful candidate will join the Strategy Office, a department within the Executive Division responsible for shaping the organization’s long-term strategic direction, supporting leadership decision-making, and ensuring the successful implementation of the ACLU’s ambitious 2030 Strategic Plan.

About the Position

The Strategy & Innovation Advisor will report directly to the Director of Strategy and Innovation while collaborating with other members of the Strategy Office and senior organizational leadership.

This role is ideal for professionals who enjoy solving complex organizational challenges, coordinating large cross-functional initiatives, conducting strategic research, and transforming innovative ideas into impactful projects.

Because the Strategy Office works closely with executive leadership, the successful candidate will regularly participate in confidential strategic discussions and contribute to organization-wide planning and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will perform a wide range of strategic and operational responsibilities, including:

1. Leading Special Projects

The Strategy & Innovation Advisor will:

• Develop innovative organizational initiatives in partnership with the Chief Strategy Officer.
• Manage projects from concept development through implementation and evaluation.
• Coordinate projects involving multiple departments and senior leaders.
• Produce high-quality reports, presentations, strategic briefs, and executive materials.
• Ensure projects are completed on time while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

2. Future Forecasting and Strategic Analysis

An important aspect of the role involves helping organizational leadership anticipate future challenges and opportunities.

Responsibilities include:

• Analyzing national and global trends affecting civil rights and civil liberties.
• Preparing strategic forecasting reports for executive leadership and the Board.
• Organizing the quarterly “Leadership Insights” speaker series.
• Identifying nationally recognized experts to engage senior leadership.
• Facilitating strategic discussions and documenting key organizational insights.

3. Supporting the 2030 Strategic Plan

The successful candidate will play a major role in implementing the ACLU’s long-term strategy by:

• Supporting organizational and departmental strategic planning.
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
• Analyzing internal organizational data.
• Reviewing survey findings and policy research.
• Preparing strategic reports for executive decision-making.
• Monitoring organizational progress through quarterly and annual evaluations.

4. Leadership Engagement

The Strategy & Innovation Advisor will also coordinate several leadership events, including:

• Quarterly Strategy Office retreats.
• Annual senior leadership retreats.
• Board planning meetings.
• Development of meeting agendas.
• Facilitation of strategy sessions.
• Coordination of external guest speakers.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

The ACLU is seeking candidates who demonstrate:

• Outstanding project management skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, multi-step formulas, financial models, and data management.
• Strong Microsoft Word and PowerPoint proficiency.
• Excellent analytical thinking.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into executive-level recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and high-impact work environment.

Salary and Benefits

The ACLU offers an attractive compensation package designed to support employee well-being and professional growth.

Benefits include:

• Annual salary of $142,694 (New York rate).
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Generous paid time off.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Gender-affirming healthcare.
• Fertility treatment benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Annual professional development funding.
• Internal training programmes and career development workshops.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The ACLU is deeply committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity, accessibility, equity, and belonging. The organization strongly encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, age, or other protected characteristics.

Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.

Why You Should Apply

This position provides a unique opportunity to work alongside some of the nation’s leading civil rights experts while helping shape the long-term strategy of one of America’s most influential advocacy organizations.

Professionals interested in public policy, nonprofit leadership, law, business strategy, social justice, organizational innovation, and executive leadership will gain invaluable experience that can open doors to senior leadership roles in government, international organizations, foundations, consulting firms, and nonprofit institutions.

Application Deadline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. However, priority consideration will be given to candidates who submit their applications by 12 July 2026.

Early applications are strongly encouraged due to the competitive nature of this opportunity.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their application through the official ACLU Careers portal and ensure all required documents are uploaded before the priority deadline.

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