Racial and Criminal Justice Project Consultant
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Missouri Foundation, Inc., seeks a sophisticated and dynamic policy and organizing consultant with experience in racial and criminal justice work, and knowledge of networks in the metro St. Louis area, to fulfill a one-year, part-time contract as a Racial and Criminal Justice Project Consultant.
Since the shooting death of Michael Brown on August 9th by a Ferguson police officer, the need for more modern, community-orientated policing methods has moved to the forefront. Working with other community based organizations, coalitions and law enforcement, the ACLU seeks to address this need by facilitating dialogue, drafting and implementing a Collaborative Community Policing Model, similar to Cincinnati, Ohio's, or other possible solutions that would effectively address the community's concerns.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the Director of Advocacy and Policy, the Racial and Criminal Justice Project Consultant will coordinate a one-year campaign to improve law enforcement/community relations in the greater St. Louis area. The Racial and Criminal Justice Project Consultant has the responsibility of implementing and overseeing a broad-based, collaborative policing project, to include relationship building, policy advocacy and a 2015 convening.
The ideal candidate will be an outstanding organizer and leader, with the necessary skills and relationships to facilitate collaborative change in the St. Louis area.
DUTIES
- Together with community leaders and ACLU staff, develop and implement ACLU of Missouri’s collaborative, community policing campaign;
- Attend on-the-ground community and protest events in St. Louis area;
- Along with ACLU Program Associate, represent ACLU at select, related coalition meetings;
- Identify and build relationships with community leaders and other stakeholders, including current and former local, county and state law enforcement officials;
- Organize coalition of stakeholders;
- Compile stories and evidence from community members to support the need for community-based policing;
- Identify emerging leaders and explore possible solutions, including Cincinnati's collaborative policing model; once solutions are identified, develop and implement a plan of action;
- Facilitate and coordinate community listening sessions, ACLU presentations, and other events.
QUALIFICATIONS
- B.A. and/or 5 or more years of related experience in advocacy/community organizing; experience in criminal justice and/or racial justice advocacy strongly preferred;
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing reform in policing practices in St. Louis area;
- Familiarity and comfort with a broad range of community organizing tools and techniques; experience engaging activists through online channels a plus.
- Experience working in coalition, including developing shared plans, coordinating external and internal communications, and understanding how to navigate dynamics among partner groups and bridge apparent or subtle divides.
- Comfort working with different types of people and coalition partners from established community leaders and "grasstops" community members to emerging leaders and grassroots activists, and ideally law enforcement.
- Demonstrated connections to the St. Louis community;
- Maturity, professionalism, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, and knack for relationship building and diplomacy;
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, envision a strategic plan and implement the plan to completion;
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a diverse staff, including remote supervisor;
- Value and respect diversity;
- Willingness to work evening and weekend hours;
- Travel throughout the St. Louis area required.
- Bilingual skills are a plus.
COMPENSATION & TERMS
The ACLU of Missouri offers this one-year contract agreement for up to 20 hours per week with compensation, dependent on experience.
TO APPLY
Email a proposal including letter of interest, resume, writing sample and three professional references to srossi@aclu-mo.org. Please indicate “Racial and Criminal Justice Project Consultant” in the subject line of your email.
Alternatively, application materials may be mailed to 3601 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. No phone calls, please.
Deadline: January 31, 2015
ABOUT THE ACLU OF MISSOURI
The ACLU-MO is an IRS 501(c)(3) organization. We defend and expand the constitutional rights and civil liberties guaranteed to all Missourians under the US and Missouri Constitutions through strategic litigation, legislative advocacy and public education programs on a broad range of issues. We have a diverse staff of ten full-time individuals, with offices in Kansas City and St. Louis. To learn more about our work, please visit
www.aclu-mo.org.
The ACLU-MO is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including women, people of color, Native American/Alaskan Natives, persons who experience a disability and the LGBTQI community.
