January 8, 2013
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT/OPPORTUNITY:
The ACLU of Colorado is seeking an experienced, skilled, mission-driven applicant for the position of Director of Communications and Outreach.
The ACLU of Colorado is one of the nation's foremost defenders of civil liberties and civil rights. Founded in 1952 as the Colorado affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, we are a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with six chapters and several thousand members across the state. We work in the courts, in the legislature, and with the public to protect and strengthen the civil liberties principles articulated in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. For more information about the work of the ACLU of Colorado, please visit our website at www.aclu-co.org.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Director of Communications and Outreach is a member of the organization's senior staff, reporting to the Executive Director. Working closely with the organization's legal, public policy, administrative and development staff, the Director of Communications and Outreach plays a hands-on leadership role in creating communications strategy, developing education and outreach programs, and utilizing both traditional and new media to convey effective public messages about the ACLU and its issues throughout Colorado.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategy and Leadership:
- Develop and carry out a communications strategy that supports the organization’s mission and broad strategic goals and that ensures consistency in core messaging across the organization.
- Work collaboratively across departments to meet communications and outreach needs of the whole organization.
- Actively supervise any communications and outreach contractors, volunteers, interns or staff.
Communications:
- Directly or through contractors, draft and edit all press materials and work with local, regional and national press to pitch stories, maximize media coverage and enhance the statewide visibility of the ACLU of Colorado.
- Oversee website development and manage or produce dynamic content for the website, e-newsletter, e-mail alerts, blogs and social media, engaging and mobilizing members with relevant and up-to-date information.
- Manage the development, editing, production and distribution of print materials including newsletters, annual reports, brochures, fact sheets, educational materials, legislative scorecard, and other publications.
Public Outreach and Education:
- Serve as the primary chapter relations contact for our six chapters and provide support for educational programs and member mobilization through chapters or other volunteer groupings.
- Manage and develop educational programs such as the ACLU Speakers Bureau, Know Your Rights trainings, continuing legal education, youth and student education, annual meeting workshops or presentations, public events, and community partner programs to enhance understanding of civil liberties and build support for advocacy priorities of the ACLU.
- Keep our members and constituencies informed about the work of the ACLU and cultivate and deepen relationships with many constituent groups, including African American, Latino, LGBT and other communities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications, journalism or a related field. Relevant advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum five years work experience in strategic communications, preferably in an “in-house” role within a nonprofit organization and with experience leading a communications campaign.
- A profound, sincere, and well-articulated commitment to social justice and to the preservation and enhancement of individual rights and civil liberties.
- Extensive writing and editing experience with a variety of print and on-line communications media, as well as experience working with media outlets at the national, regional, and local levels.
- Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with diverse audiences, including community leaders, elected officials, reporters and editors, community leaders, coalition partners and the public.
- Experience creating materials such as press releases, newsletters, annual reports, brochures, quality educational presentations and handouts, and dynamic content for advocacy alerts, blogs, websites and social media.
- Excellent communications skills, both written and oral. Able to articulate sensitive legal and policy issues to the public in an accurate and accessible manner. Multilingual skills a plus.
- Superb organization skills; detail-oriented with strong follow-through and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
- Strong proficiency in current technology, including content management systems, web development, and graphic design programs.
- Creative, results-oriented, self-starting, willing to learn and work with a team, and able to manage a demanding schedule, including some travel and occasional evening and weekend meetings and events.
COMPENSATION:
Salary based on experience. Benefits include paid vacation and personal days, medical and dental insurance, 401(k) with matching contribution, life and long-term disability insurance.
TO APPLY:
Send a cover letter, resume, three professional references and writing sample to:
Jobs@ACLU-CO.org (please put "Director of Communications and Outreach" and your name in the subject line). No phone calls, please.
Applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled, which will not be before February 15, 2013.
The ACLU of Colorado is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified persons including women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals.
