Executive Director-American Civil Liberties Union of the National Capital Area

Affiliate Offices
District of Columbia

January 9, 2012
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL AREA
WASHINGTON, D.C.
 
The American Civil Liberties Union of the National Capital Area (ACLU-NCA) seeks a dynamic, experienced Executive Director to lead our office in expanding a civil liberties agenda in Washington, D.C.
 
Founded in 1961, the ACLU-NCA is one of Washington’s premier public advocacy organizations. With an operating budget of approximately $1 million, the organization is led by a 24-member Board of Directors and employs a staff of four. The ACLU-NCA has fought recently for free speech, the right to assembly and other 1st Amendment rights, LGBT rights, 4th Amendment protections, due process, women’s rights, separation of church and state, rights of federal employees, D.C. statehood and voting rights, against police abuses, against racial discrimination, and for many other civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU-NCA is often a partner with the National ACLU in litigation involving national security issues. 
 
The primary responsibilities of the Executive Director will be to lead the organization and its fundraising efforts, manage the day-to-day operations, serve as the primary spokesperson for the ACLU-NCA, direct the work of a professional staff, and develop new programs. He or she must be able to communicate with a variety of diverse constituencies and will report to the Board of Directors.
 
The new Executive Director will have a unique opportunity to continue the reach of the organization by promoting and developing new ideas, strategies, and programs for protecting civil liberties. We are celebrating our 50th anniversary year and hiring our first new Executive Director in 10 years. The Board will be supportive of imaginative and creative plans to move into the future with new, energetic leadership with innovative ideas for advancing our mission.
 
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Serve as an effective and visible spokesperson for the ACLU-NCA;
  • Enthusiastically lead fund development efforts, to all donors and especially to major donors;
  • Effectively manage and provide leadership to the staff;
  • Articulate the ACLU-NCA’s history, programs, and mission to the media and public;
  • Broaden the organization’s reputation locally and nationally;
  • Initiate and promote programs to further the ACLU-NCA’s goals and increase membership;
  • Strengthen relationships with other organizations and affiliates;
  • Direct legal, legislative, development, educational, and communications programs;
  • Lead and promote community organizing efforts;
  • Use technology to facilitate management, fundraising, public education and lobbying;
  • Manage budget and ensure sound fiscal controls;
  • Carry out policies approved by the Board;
  • Help facilitate an effective Board, report to the Board, and recruit new members.
 
EXPERIENCE:
  • Demonstrated managerial, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills in non-profit or public sectors;
  • Successful record of effective fundraising, including reaching out to major donors;
  • Proven record of creating and implementing programs and partnerships;
  • History of effective communication both verbally and in writing;
  • Demonstrated commitment to the advancement of the ACLU-NCA’s values, goals, and programs and an understanding of civil liberties issues;
  • Ten years of professional experience and a Bachelor’s degree are minimum requirements; an advanced degree is an advantage.
 
To learn more about the work of the ACLU-NCA and the civil liberties principles we uphold, please visit www.aclu-nca.org.
 
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Salary based on experience. Excellent benefits include generous leave policies, medical and dental insurance, pension plan, life and long-term disability insurance.
 
TO APPLY:
Email a cover letter, resume, salary history, and writing sample of up to 1000 words to EDsearch@aclu-nca.org. Please include in your cover letter where you learned of this job.
 
The ACLU-NCA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages all interested people, including women, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBT people, to apply.
 
Applications accepted until March 3, 2012. 
 
The ACLU-NCA comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of the National Capital Area and the ACLU Foundation of the National Capital Area. 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.
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