The ACLU is Looking for a Technologist/Senior Policy Analyst

Deets after the jump.

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation (ACLU), founded in 1920, is a nationwide, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with more than 500,000 members, and is dedicated to the principles of liberty and equality embodied in the U.S. Constitution.  The Speech, Privacy and Technology Project of the ACLU’s National office in New York City is seeking applicants for the full-time position of Technologist / Senior Policy Analyst.

OVERVIEW

The Speech, Privacy and Technology Project is part of the ACLU’s Center for Democracy, which works to strengthen democratic institutions and values, including the values of government transparency and accountability, and to reinforce the United States’ commitment to human rights and the rule of law.  The Center for Democracy includes, in addition to the Speech, Privacy and Technology Project, the Human Rights Project and the National Security Project.

The Speech, Privacy and Technology Project is dedicated to protecting and expanding the First Amendment freedoms of expression, association, and inquiry; expanding the right to privacy and increasing the control that individuals have over their personal information; and ensuring that civil liberties are enhanced rather than compromised by new advances in science and technology.  The project is currently litigating cases and conducting other advocacy efforts on a variety of issues, including political protest, freedom of expression online, privacy of electronic information, journalists’ rights, scientific freedom, and openness in the courts.

The Technologist will be responsible for staying abreast of technological developments that have potential consequences for civil liberties, identifying new and emerging civil liberties concerns, and advising ACLU staff on technological matters.  The Technologist will also communicate with the public, in writing and through media interviews, about issues relating to new technology.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Monitor technologies and technological developments that have potential consequences for civil liberties.

·         Collaborate to devise organizational strategies and responses to issues relating to technology and civil liberties.

·         Build and maintain links between the ACLU and technology communities.  Connect ACLU staff with outside experts when necessary.

·         Advise ACLU litigators, policy and legislative staff, and others on technological matters.

·         Educate the public about technology and civil liberties issues through blog posts, social media, and white papers.

·         Serve as a spokesperson for the ACLU to the public and the media regarding technological issues relating to civil liberties.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or another relevant technical field required.  Advanced degree preferred.
The ability to identify, follow and understand technical issues relating to the Internet, computers, and surveillance and other technologies with implications for civil liberties.
Significant expertise in one or more specific areas such as Internet architecture, network protocols, cybersecurity, system administrations, etc.
The ability to delve into and master the relevant operations of technological systems outside one’s area of expertise.
Strong communications skills, especially the ability to communicate complex technical issues to ACLU staff and the general public.
A proven record of publication in policy and/or academic publications is preferred.
Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
Strong analytic skills.
A commitment to the mission and goals of the ACLU.

COMPENSATION

The ACLU offers a generous and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with experience and within parameters of the ACLU compensation scale.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, writing sample, and the names and contact information of two references by email to hrjobs@aclu.org – reference [SPT-04/ACLU-W] in the subject line or mail to:

Human Resources
American Civil Liberties Union Foundation
RE: [SPT-04/ACLU-W]
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004

Please indicate in your cover letter where you learned of this career opportunity.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, which will not be before July 24, 2011.

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 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.

The ACLU comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU Foundation. Both the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU Foundation are national organizations with the same overall mission, and share office space and employees. The ACLU has two separate corporate entities in order to do a broad range of work to protect civil liberties. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “ACLU.”

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