(Full-Time)
The ACLU of Washington (ACLU-WA) seeks a politically sophisticated and dynamic communications strategist to help articulate and advance the ACLU-WA’s strategic priorities.
The position will formulate and execute strategic communications plans and messaging related to ACLU of Washington cases, projects and actions. The Deputy Communications Director reports to the Communications Director and works in close collaboration with staff attorneys, policy directors and other staff. The work requires careful analysis and planning, creativity and passion, leadership and cooperation.
OVERVIEW
The ACLU of Washington is a nonpartisan public interest organization devoted to protecting and extending civil rights and civil liberties. Whether it’s ending mass incarceration and police brutality, achieving full equality for LGBT people, protecting privacy in the digital age, preserving the right to vote, or ensuring reproductive freedom, the ACLU is principled and strategic, willing to take on tough civil liberties issues to defend all people from government abuse and overreach.
The ACLU-WA’s 35+ staff members plus interns and volunteers work in a fast-paced, friendly, and professional office in downtown Seattle.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Communications. Develop communications strategies for ACLU-WA litigation and advocacy campaigns in collaboration with other staff. Develop messaging about specific cases and actions and design strategies that include print, broadcast, and online channels.
Media Relations. Coordinate ACLU-WA media relations for selected major cases and issue advocacy campaigns, including writing press releases, pitching stories to media, responding to media inquiries, and coordinating occasional press conferences.
Publications. Edit content for ACLU-WA publications, including articles, web postings, policy reports, pamphlets, and other advocacy materials. Review design of these materials. Collaborate with Online Communications Director on strategies for effective use of the website and of social media.
Representing the ACLU. Occasionally represent the ACLU at public functions. Help design content for training of speakers and participate in training sessions for new speakers.
Other responsibilities. Handle other projects related to advancing public understanding of civil liberties as assigned. Attend various ACLU functions. Help ensure smooth and effective office operations. Help maintain a positive, respectful, welcoming, and professional work environment for employees and volunteers.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ten years high-level experience in communications, political advocacy, and/or public policy work, including significant writing and communications responsibilities.
Strong analytical skills for developing messaging on issues and evaluating media strategies.
Sophisticated understanding of political advocacy work for advancing the ACLU’s agenda.
Outstanding writing skills for presenting complex civil liberties issues to the public.
Strong understanding of and devotion to civil liberties issues.
Experience with use of websites and social media as communications tools.
Management and planning skills to pursue numerous concurrent projects.
Flexibility to adjust to fast-developing issues and changing political circumstances, and a can-do attitude toward challenges.
Some overtime and occasional travel within Washington will be required.
A commitment to diversity; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance.
This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU reserves the right to change the description and/or posting at any time without advance notice. This position is “exempt” under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary is commensurate with experience and within the parameters of the ACLU compensation scale. Benefits include three weeks of vacation to start, medical and disability insurance, a retirement plan, and an ORCA card.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To apply, email a letter of application and resume to [email protected] and include in the subject line of the email: your last name and Deputy Communications Director. In your letter, please indicate where you learned of the posting. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, at which time the job announcement will be removed from our website at www.aclu-wa.org/careers
The ACLU 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, and veteran status.
The ACLU of Washington comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, Inc. and the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington Foundation. The two corporations share the same overall mission, office space, and employees. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “ACLU of Washington.”
