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Policy Strategist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ACLU of Louisiana

Policy Strategist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Bargaining Unit Position About the Role The ACLU of Louisiana seeks a Policy Strategist who is primarily responsible for developing and implementing integrated strategies to steward relationships ...

ACLU of Louisiana

Policy Strategist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Bargaining Unit Position About the Role The ACLU of Louisiana seeks a Policy Strategist who is primarily responsible for developing and implementing integrated strategies to steward relationships ...

ACLU

Policy Strategist

New Orleans, LA · On-site +1

$116K - $150K/yr

Bargaining Unit Position About the Role The ACLU of Louisiana seeks a Policy Strategist who is primarily responsible for developing and implementing integrated strategies to steward relationships ...

Celestar

Policy &Strategy Analyst - Mid Level

Mclean, VA · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Policy &Strategy Analyst (Content Editor)- Mid Level At Celestar, a B&A Company, we foster and embrace a distinct set of values that we live by and instill in all aspects of our organization ...

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Policy Strategist information

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$45K

$139.9K

$177.5K

How much do policy strategist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy strategist in the United States is $139,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,500.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Policy Strategists face when working across multiple stakeholders?

Policy Strategists often collaborate with diverse groups such as government agencies, advocacy organizations, and private sector partners. A common challenge is balancing differing priorities and perspectives while building consensus and maintaining momentum on projects. Effective communication, strong negotiation skills, and adaptability are essential to navigate these complexities and ensure policies are both practical and impactful. Being proactive in stakeholder engagement and having a clear understanding of the political and organizational landscape can help mitigate these challenges.

What are Policy Strategists?

Policy Strategists are professionals who analyze, develop, and recommend policies for organizations, governments, or advocacy groups. They research current issues, evaluate potential impacts, and design strategies to influence public policy or organizational direction. Policy Strategists often work closely with stakeholders, lawmakers, and subject matter experts to craft effective policy solutions and advocate for their implementation. Their work aims to address complex societal challenges by shaping laws, regulations, or organizational practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Policy Strategist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Policy Strategist, you need strong analytical skills, expertise in policy analysis, and a solid educational background in political science, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, policy modeling software, and legislative tracking systems is typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and stakeholder engagement abilities help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital for developing effective policies, influencing decision-makers, and achieving organizational goals in complex environments.

What is the difference between Policy Strategist vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy StrategistPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; often advanced degrees preferredBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; some roles may require a master's
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, high-level policy development, collaboration with stakeholdersResearch, data analysis, report writing, policy evaluation
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, think tanks, advocacy groupsGovernment agencies, research organizations, NGOs

Policy Strategists focus on developing overarching policy strategies and long-term plans, while Policy Analysts primarily conduct research and analyze data to inform policy decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Policy Strategist jobs
What cities are hiring for Policy Strategist jobs? Cities with the most Policy Strategist job openings:
What states have the most Policy Strategist jobs? States with the most job openings for Policy Strategist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Policy Strategist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Policy Strategist jobs are:
Policy Strategist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Strategist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,867 per year, or $67.2 per hour.
Policy Strategist

Policy Strategist

ACLU of Louisiana

New Orleans, LA • On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Department: Advocacy
Reports to: Advocacy Director
Location: Hybrid (New Orleans Office); must reside in Louisiana
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Union Status: Bargaining Unit Position
About the Role
The ACLU of Louisiana seeks a Policy Strategist who is primarily responsible for developing and implementing integrated strategies to steward relationships, manage coalition work, and provide policy expertise in our core pillar areas (criminal legal reform, police accountability, immigration, voting rights, civil rights and civil liberties) to advance ACLU of Louisiana advocacy plans and priority issue responses through an integrated advocacy model in collaboration with our communications and legal departments. Individuals must be prepared to respond to advocacy needs and policy proposals in both oral and written legislative testimony, ordinance and bill analysis and drafting, and the creation of related advocacy reports and materials. Expertise and/or a willingness to learn all areas of our advocacy work is required - criminal legal reform, police accountability, immigration, and voting rights. Data analysis and visualization is also highly preferred in order to communicate our work to the public.
Key Responsibilities
Fully engage in Louisiana's legislative session, with the most intensive legislative work occurring January through June (approximately 80-90% of annual session-related responsibilities), while continuing policy strategy, coalition management, and advocacy implementation throughout the remainder of the year.
  • Complete pre-session bill review and analysis.
  • Identify priority area bills for support or defense.
  • Prepare oral and written testimony to present to the public and legislators in committee or through floor notes.
  • Travel to Baton Rouge for committee hearings and floor debates as needed during the session.
  • Establish and advance relationships with legislators, staff, and aligned coalition partners.
  • Engage with organizers and other aligned strategists prior to session to prepare for session work, during session through weekly coordinating meetings, and after session to analyze impacts of session.

Assist implementation of strategic, effective advocacy plans for civil liberties (50% annually)
  • Conduct policy research on priority ACLU of Louisiana issues and act as an in-house expert on criminal legal reform, police accountability, voting, immigration, and emergent civil rights and civil liberties issues related to reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and First Amendment issues.
  • Support the creation of short-term (year or session-based) and long-term (multi-year) advocacy plans by integrating data with policy, communications, legal, and development strategies.
  • Collect and analyze relevant data and compile research to support policy recommendations and targeted advocacy actions.
  • Coordinate efforts in response to national ACLU requests for action and grow the ACLU's base of support for priority issues through strategic public education and advocacy tactics.
  • Based on affiliate strategies, draft, gain sponsorship, and build support and endorsements for proactive legislation or policies.

Deploy a broad array of policy strategies to achieve targeted outcomes (outside of the Louisiana Legislature) (20% annually)
  • Establish and advance relationships with elected officials, key leaders and policymakers, and related governmental bodies at the state, local, and federal levels to support advocacy efforts.
  • Identify, track, and analyze various administrative, judicial, and legislative proposals including local ordinances and agency policies. Draft ACLU-specific responses in support or opposition to proposals, prepared with data to support the position of the affiliate.
  • Conduct research and submit Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or public records requests to government offices and entities to collect data for analysis to create informed advocacy plans and responses.
  • Research and draft various materials including issue specific tool-kits, fact sheets, issue papers, online Action Alerts, and blog posts on ACLU of Louisiana priority issues.
  • Assist ACLU-LA in visualizing data and its impacts for communications and community education.

Participate in coalitions on behalf of the ACLU of Louisiana and develop relationships with allies and other organizations to further advocacy goals (30% annually)
  • Grow the ACLU of Louisiana's role in coalition advocacy through building relationships and demonstrating policy expertise in voting rights and immigration issue areas.
  • Guide the ACLU of Louisiana's role in strategic coalitions and maintain its status and influence among partners, as well as, work on shared legislative and policy priorities.
  • Represent the ACLU of Louisiana at stakeholder meetings, legislative hearings, community forums, and other public events.
  • Speak publicly at state and local forums, conferences, and meetings.

Support additional projects, priorities, and responsibilities as assigned to advance the mission and strategic goals of the ACLU of Louisiana.
Qualifications
Required
  • College graduate
  • Two or more years of hands-on advocacy on legislative or policy changes at the federal, state, or local level.
  • Proven ability to distill complicated information into digestible material for public consumption, as well as, research, write, and develop strategies to change policy and law.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as needed and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines, while maintaining a strong attention to detail.
  • Identifiable experience working in coalition, including developing shared plans, coordinating communications, and managing dynamics among partner groups.
  • Demonstrated ability to advocate using empirical data and anecdotal evidence to persuade audiences through writing and public speaking.
  • Demonstrated commitment to collaboration - sharing responsibility and credit.
  • Commitment to racial justice, equity, inclusion, and the mission of the ACLU.
  • High ethical standards, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential information.
  • Willingness and availability to travel throughout Louisiana, at times, on short notice and fully participate in the Louisiana legislative session in Baton Rouge - including registering as a lobbyist in the state.
  • Must be physically present in our New Orleans office 2 days per week.

Preferred
  • Juris Doctorate or Master's level work in policy or public administration OR comparable employment experience with policy or public administration work

Other
  • If you feel like you meet 75% of these metrics we encourage you to apply.
  • Prior experience or education in data analysis and visualization may be considered in lieu of hands-on policy experience with ability to compile data from various public records and manage and create dashboards.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000-80,000
The ACLU of Louisiana offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including generous paid time off, health insurance, a retirement plan with employer match, and professional development opportunities.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The ACLU of Louisiana is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and individuals directly impacted by the criminal legal system.

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