Appalachian Citizens' Law Center

We Fight for Justice in the Coalfields

JOB OPPORTUNITY: Coordinator of Policy and Organizing

ACLC News

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: Coordinator of Policy & Organizing
General Description:
The Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center (ACLC) seeks a full-time Coordinator of Policy and Organizing to join our team in Whitesburg, Kentucky. This position will lead ACLC’s work to promote a just, sustainable, and diverse economy in Central Appalachia and beyond. To that end, the position will coordinate advocacy campaigns, organize directly with impacted groups in east Kentucky, and engage in policy research and analysis around these issues.
The position will work closely with ACLC’s Director and staff, as well as partner organizations in Central Appalachia and across the country.
ACLC seeks a candidate who has experience in advocacy and organizing, can coordinate teams and campaigns, is familiar with the history of organizing in Central Appalachia, has basic knowledge of coal mining and related issues, and who is interested in pursuing policy objectives at the federal and state level in pursuit of a Just Transition in Central Appalachia. Special consideration will be given to candidates who are from east Kentucky or Central Appalachia.
ACLC is a nonprofit law firm based in Whitesburg, Kentucky. ACLC fights for justice in the coalfields by representing coal miners and their families on issues of black lung and mine safety and by working with grassroots groups and individuals to protect the land and people from misuse and degradation caused by extractive industries. ACLC handles individual cases and engages in strategic litigation and policy work in the areas of mine safety and health, environmental protection and sustainable energy, as well as just economic transition.
Job Location:
Whitesburg, Kentucky plus occasional travel throughout Central Appalachia, as well as to Frankfort, KY and Washington, DC.
Job Duties:

  1. Leadership. Lead ACLC’s policy advocacy, coordination, and organizing work in pursuit of a transition to a just, sustainable, and diverse economy in Central Appalachia
    • Advance a strategic vision of ACLC’s role in this work regionally and nationally
    • Coordinate ACLC’s existing federal and state policy campaigns; identify and start new campaigns and projects as they are needed
    • Bring strategic thinking to ACLC’s advocacy campaigns, communications, and organizing efforts
    • Facilitate meetings and conversations among stakeholders in the region and within various campaign(s) which ACLC’s helps lead
    • Plan events, including town halls, rallies, and lobby trips
    • Work closely with Just Transition program staff, including the Black Lung Organizer and future staff
    • Represent ACLC in regional and national conversations–and the press– about these issues
    • Write internal and external memos, reports, press statements, and more
    • Conduct research and policy analysis as needed
  2. Coordination. Co-coordinate a national campaign to pass the RECLAIM Act and extend the black lung excise tax
    • Convene the campaign’s Coordination Team, which jointly organizes the various teams of the campaign and handles the campaign budget
    • Host and facilitate weekly calls among various teams on the campaign
    • Connect impacted people in Central Appalachia with the campaign and support their involvement through leadership development
    • Advocate directly to legislators on these issues
  3. Organizing. Organize in east Kentucky with people impacted by the issues and campaigns in which ACLC is engaged, including coal miners with black lung
  4. Advocacy. Advocate with policy decision-makers, including legislators and agency officials
    • Communicate/advocate with federal and state agencies about the implementation of existing programs and the development of new policy
    • Develop new analysis and research on relevant issues, policies, or programs

Skills:

  • Experience in policy and/or advocacy campaigns
  • Ability to coordinate teams & campaigns, and to facilitate meetings
  • Strong organizational skills; budgeting and management skills preferred but not required
  • Organizing skills
  • Ability to think strategically
  • Writing skills
  • Ability to build relationships easily and work with teams
  • Willingness to drive a car across the region; access to a car is required (mileage will be reimbursed)

Education:
ACLC seeks a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. If you feel you are qualified for this position but do not hold a Bachelor’s degree, please apply.
Salary:
Base salary is $40,000. Pay is commensurate with experience. ACLC provides a generous benefits package to all full-time employees.
 
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume with three references to jobs@aclc.org by May 24 (preferably ASAP, as applications will be considered as they are received). For more information about ACLC’s staff and its work, please visit our website: www.aclc.org.
 
Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.