Executive Director-ACLU of Indiana
February 9, 2012
Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana (ACLU of Indiana) seeks a dynamic, experienced, chief executive who has the vision and leadership to lead and significantly expand a civil liberties agenda throughout Indiana. The ACLU of Indiana is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization which uses legal, legislative and public education approaches to protect and promote a broad range of constitutional issues including individual rights and freedoms, free speech, racial justice, privacy, religious liberty, reproductive rights, LGBT rights and more. The ACLU of Indiana is an affiliate of the national ACLU, the leading defender of civil liberties guaranteed by our nation’s Bill of Rights.
Headquartered in the capitol city of Indianapolis, a city celebrated for its vibrant downtown and Hoosier hospitality, the ACLU of Indiana has an operating budget of $875,000 and is led by a Board of Directors and a seven-person staff.
To learn more about the work of the ACLU and the civil liberties principles we uphold, please visit www.aclu-in.org and www.aclu.org.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive officer of the ACLU, with primary responsibility for managing the organization’s day-to-day activities and operations, leading the organization’s fund development efforts, directing the work of a professional staff and serving as the primary spokesperson for the ACLU. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will continue the momentum created by the organization’s strategic plan, will ensure that the affiliate is fiscally sound and that its internal and external communications, fund development, and programs are meeting the current and emergent needs and interests of its constituents.
The Executive Director will have a working knowledge of civil liberties issues and policies, and be a leader and manager who is adept at balancing internal management with external impact and visibility. The individual must be an outstanding communicator who is able to convey effectively the mission and activities of the ACLU to a variety of constituencies, as well as to the broader public.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership and Vision:
- Serve as an effective and visible spokesperson for the ACLU, effectively articulating the organization’s’ history, programs and mission. Represent the organization in the media, increase public awareness and broaden the organization’s reputation to strategic constituents.
- Establish a clear vision for the continued growth and expansion of the ACLU. Provide direction to guide programs that align with the organization’s vision.
- Lead the organization’s fund development efforts – utilize a staff-driven program model that focuses on increasing the number and capacity of major donors.
- Initiate and strengthen relationships and collaborations with organizations and leaders who are connected to the ACLU’s mission and purpose.
- Work in partnership with the board and staff to carry out policies approved by the Board of Directors.
General Management, Finance and Administration and Program:
- Ensure by effective management and leadership that the day-to-day operations are professionally and efficiently organized and administered.
- Direct legal, legislative, and communications programs, including the program administration of the organization’s chapters.
- Oversee the organization’s financial operations; oversee the budgetary process and ensure that sound financial controls are in place.
- Motivate and maintain a cohesive staff, ensuring that there is strong internal communication and coordination; recruit new staff when appropriate and evaluate performance.
- Use technology to facilitate organizational management, fundraising, public education and lobbying.
Board Relations:
- Implement policies, programs, goals, and objectives as established by the board.
- Work with the board to identify and help recruit new board members who will add diversity to the board and whose talents, interests and commitment will help to further the ACLU’s mission.
- Regularly brief the board on the status of the organization.
- Engage the board in meaningful participation to further the organization’s goals.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
- Proven managerial, problem-solving, strategic planning, fund development and financial management experience in the private, not-for-profit, or public sectors.
- Credibility and experience to connect the ACLU to resources and opportunities outside the organization; a successful track record of raising money from a variety of sources, major donor experience is preferred.
- Proven and successful track record in creating and implementing programs; experience creating partnerships and collaborations.
- A history of communicating effectively in writing and verbally, including excellent public speaking skills for both formal and extemporaneous presentations; ability to represent the ACLU to a broad public.
- A record of success working in partnership with a board and staff of diverse personalities and talents.
- Knowledge of the political and Indiana legislative process highly desired.
- Ten years of professional experience and a Bachelor’s degree are minimum requirements; An advanced degree is preferred.
- Significant experience in formulating and managing organizational budgets.
- Working knowledge of technology and its use in supporting activism and outreach
- Proven track record of effectively managing personnel.
- Ability to travel throughout the state to further the organization’s agenda.
SALARY AND COMPENSATION:
Salary is commensurate with experience within the parameters of the ACLU-IN salary scale. A generous benefits package is included.
TO APPLY:
The ACLU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, LGBT persons, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Email a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample of up to 1000 words to EDsearch@aclu-in.org. Please include in your cover letter where you learned of this job.
Executive Director position will not be filled before April 6, 2012 and applications will be accepted until the ideal candidate has been identified.
The ACLU of Indiana is comprised of two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana the ACLU Foundation of Indiana. Both entities have the same overall mission, and share office space and employees. The ACLU has two separate corporate entities in order to do a broad range of work to protect civil liberties.