Director of Marketing & Communications

The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU-MN) seeks a Director of Marketing & Communications to join our Advancement team.  

About Us: For over 70 years, the ACLU-MN has been a leader in defending and advancing civil liberties. As we grow our team, now is the perfect time to join our mission-driven organization.  

Job Summary:  

The Director of Marketing and Communication at ACLU-MN holds a pivotal role in steering the organization's narrative and market presence. Charged with leading both marketing and communication strategies, this role acts as a linchpin connecting our policy, advocacy, and litigation work with existing and potential markets. At the core of their responsibilities is the development, planning, and execution of communication and marketing strategies aimed at augmenting brand awareness and engaging new audiences. This position serves as the primary architect of ACLU-MN’s public image, crafting narratives that resonate with diverse audiences while maintaining fidelity to the organization's core values and objectives. 

In addition to their internal leadership role, the Director of Marketing and Communication also serves as an outward-facing ambassador, forging and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, media contacts, influencers, and industry partners. Their strategic guidance and counsel to senior leadership on communication and marketing matters are instrumental in shaping ACLU-MN’s position in the marketplace and ensuring its sustained growth and success. By staying attuned to emerging trends and best practices, the director remains poised to capitalize on new opportunities, driving innovation and differentiation in a rapidly evolving landscape. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication and marketing strategies to build public awareness of and support for the ACLU of Minnesota’s legislative, litigation, and advocacy priorities. 
• Lead the creation of compelling and engaging content across various digital, social, and print channels for the purposes of both ensuring our sustained brand visibility, growth and success, as well as building power and making change. 
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop innovative marketing campaigns and initiatives centered in the ACLU-MN's integrated advocacy model. 
• Provide strategic guidance and counsel to senior leadership, including crisis response when external events require the organization to provide timely and appropriate messaging and mobilization. 
• Supervise the Communication Associates and provide guidance, coaching and support to them in implementing marketing initiatives and campaigns. 
• Ensure consistency and alignment with ACLU-MN’s brand identity and messaging. 
• Manage the communication and marketing budget and calendar to meet strategic goals and objectives. 
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including press and media contacts, influencers, industry partners, and member organizations. 
• Monitor and analyze market trends and industry insights to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in communication and marketing strategies. 

Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in marketing, communications, or public relations roles with demonstrated success. 
• At least 3 years’ experience supervising other staff, such as managing a communications and/or marketing team. 
• Experience developing and managing budgets, and hiring, training, developing, supervising, and appraising personnel. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with a high level of digital and social media literacy, and knowledge of trending platforms to help ACLU-MN’s messaging reach existing and new audiences. 
• Excellent organization and project management skills, including ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines and manage expectations of all stakeholders. 
• Success in developing marketing plans for high-growth organizations and driving awareness and understanding for new audiences. 
• Excel in developing internal messaging, identifying audiences, and establishing a brand voice. 
• Demonstrated successful experience writing press releases, making presentations, and negotiating with the media. 
• Experience directing the design and production of print materials and publications. 
• Commitment to working with shared leadership, and within cross-functional teams. 
• Ability to work under pressure and develop communication plans around controversial topics and issues.
• Passionate about ACLU-MN’s mission and able to promote and communicate the philosophy, mission, and values of ACLU-MN to external and internal stakeholders. Some prior knowledge of civil rights litigation, advocacy, political activism, campaign strategy, coalition building, and/or community organizing is preferred. 

Physical Requirements:  

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times. 
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities. 

Reports to: Chief Advancement Officer 

Salary Range: $95,000 - $110,000 annual salary depending on qualifications. The ACLU-MN offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, generous time off, flexible in-person or hybrid work schedules, and substantial professional development opportunities. 

Position is open until filled, with a priority deadline of November 25^th, 2025. 

To be included in the application, be prepared to upload (in Word or PDF format):  

1. Resume 
2. Letter of interest  
3. Two work samples - written or graphic marketing content you have produced or directed. 
4. A Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement (up to ~ 800 words or 1 page) which describes your experiences, personal commitment and/or values related to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. 
5. Three professional references (relationship, email address, and phone numbers). References will not be contacted unless you are a finalist. 

ACLU of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and record of arrest or conviction. 

The ACLU of Minnesota employs affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities have full employment opportunities in all positions. We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodation in the application process to contact rhendrix@aclu-mn.org.