OVERVIEW

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation of Alabama seeks a Director of Communications that will be key in leading the organization’s efforts to increase public knowledge of civil rights and civil liberties issues, build awareness and support for the ACLU of Alabama’s brand and work, and design and implement campaigns to further the organization’s goal of protecting the liberties that define our democracy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Function as the lead member responsible for developing and executing a creative, multi-faceted communications strategy that leverages paid, earned, shared and owned media channels.
• Develop and implement plans that utilize our communications, education, and advocacy tools and tactics to advance the ACLU of Alabama’s identified goals and priorities.
• Handle all aspects of media relations, including writing and disseminating press releases, pitching stories to reporters, and fielding media requests.
• Work with other program directors to develop strategic messaging, draft talking points, make statements, create content, and arrange interviews. 
• Write, edit, proofread, and oversee production of ACLU of Alabama content including materials for donors, press, digital platforms, partners, etc.
• Directly train and supervise the work of, and delegate tasks to, communications department staff, consultants, and interns.
• Handle administrative tasks related to communications work such as maintaining media lists and tracking placements, creating web and social media analytics reports, and fulfilling requests for ACLU materials and information.
• Work on a wide array of civil rights and civil liberties issues, including criminal and racial justice, voting rights, immigrants’ rights, LGBT rights, reproductive rights, First Amendment rights, and privacy.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least five years of experience in communications, particularly advocacy or campaign communications. Significant experience managing multi-faceted programs, direct experience with new media, traditional media, digital communications, graphic design, branding, and/or message development. 
• Significant management experience with a demonstrated track record of effectively running a team or organization.
• Excellent skills in interpersonal, spoken, and written communication, along with presentation skills to communicate effectively, comfortably, and respectfully with many audiences, including members of the general public, press, donors, staff at all levels, and lay leaders in conversation or print.
• Ability to prioritize concurrent tasks and expertly manage projects; manage a high-volume workload in a fast-paced environment; delegate deliberately and ensure follow through; adapt quickly to changing priorities; and help set and meet moving deadlines.
• Experience with recruiting, developing, and managing a highly talented and diverse staff.
• Experience with overseeing budgets and departmental administration.
• Substantive knowledge of the operation of the media, political, public policy and advocacy arenas in Alabama preferred. 
• Experience exercising discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Willingness and availability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and/or overtime as necessary.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Alabama, and occasionally to other states for conferences, training, or necessary work errands.
• A commitment to the mission and values of the ACLU of Alabama, and to racial justice and civil rights issues and an understanding that these issues are central to overall protection of civil liberties.
• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, to refrain from unlawful discrimination and to comply fully with all applicable laws; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity and national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance, and able to work with diverse individuals within the organization and broader community.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to represent the organization to the public as well as interface with all levels of staff, interns, and volunteers while maintaining tact and diplomacy.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary is commensurate with experience and within the parameters of the ACLU of Alabama: $70,000 - $85,000. Benefits include medical and disability insurance, 401(k) and vacation, holiday, and sick leave.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit a letter of interest, current resume, and salary requirements via e-mail to: jobs@aclualabama.org with “Director of Communications” in the subject field.

The ACLU of Alabama 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, non-binary and transgender individuals. Any candidates requesting accommodations may either contact us above, or an independent 3rd party at ACLU@rocketcityhr.com or (256)272-9555 and dialing ext. 9.

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