Patricia M. Arnold Women’s Rights Project Director-ACLU of Virginia

Job Description: American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia
Patricia M. Arnold Women’s Rights Project Director

Background:
In 2007, Patricia M. Arnold, a pioneer woman aviator and longtime supporter of the ACLU, left the bulk of her estate to the ACLU Foundation of Virginia to establish the Patricia M. Arnold Memorial Fund. The purpose of the fund, according to Ms. Arnold’s will, is “to combat through all legal means, the pervasive and powerful sexual bias and sexual discrimination against women found to exist in the State of Virginia.”

Having determined that the corpus of the Patricia M. Memorial Fund will provide revenues for approximately three-quarters of a full-time staff position, the ACLU of Virginia has established The Patricia M. Arnold Women’s Rights Project, which will employ a full-time director, paid in part by The Patricia M. Arnold Memorial Fund through the ACLU Foundation of Virginia and in part from general operating revenues of the ACLU of Virginia, Inc.

Job Description:
The director of the Patricia M. Arnold Women’s Rights Project will develop strategies and implement programs for protecting and advancing the equal rights of women in Virginia, using public education, legislative advocacy, litigation, and other tools at the disposal of the ACLU of Virginia.

While not limited to any particular aspect of women’s rights, the project will focus on equal treatment for women as regards educational and economic opportunities, health care (including reproductive rights), incarceration, violence directed toward women, and substance abuse.

Duties include:

• Coordinating with ACLU of Virginia staff on women’s issues as they intersect with ongoing programs.
• Networking with allies and building coalitions to promote women’s rights.
• Monitoring state and local governing bodies, and responding in writing and orally to proposed laws and policies that affect women’s rights.
• Researching and writing reports to advance the project’s public education mission and to inform women of their rights.
• Organizing events regarding women’s rights.
• Public speaking on women’s rights.
• Working under the direction of the ACLU of Virginia Legal Director to develop lawsuits challenging policies and practices that discriminate against women in Virginia.
• Assisting in fund raising efforts to support the project.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the ACLU of Virginia Executive Director.

Qualifications:

• A passion for civil liberties and civil rights, especially as related to women’s rights.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent research, writing and analytical skills.
• Strong self-motivation and ability to work independently.
• Willingness to work beyond the 9 to 5 hours of the normal workday, including evenings and weekends.

Compensation:
Salary commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits, including paid vacation and sick leave, health and dental insurance, life and disability coverage, retirement benefits, and daily parking (if needed).

How to apply:
Applications should include a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and list of at least three references, including contact information for each. Please email applications to:

ewong@acluva.org
Elizabeth Wong, Associate Director
ACLU of Virginia
530 E. Main Street, Suite 310
Richmond, VA 23219

The ACLU of Virginia is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We encourage applications from all interested persons, including women, people of color, persons with disabilities and LGBT persons.