ACLU of TX - Statewide Engagement Manager
Emmy Ruiz
This position may be based in any of the ACLU of Texas’ five offices in Texas and reports to the Policy Director in Houston.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas (ACLU of Texas) is a non-profit, public interest organization devoted to protecting civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU advances its goals through legal and legislative advocacy; media and public awareness efforts, information and training; membership and volunteer mobilization; and coalition work. Its staff of nearly 70 employees and more than 10,000 volunteers work in a fast-paced, friendly, and professional environment. Established in 1938, the ACLU of Texas is based in Houston but with offices in Austin, Brownsville, Dallas and El Paso. It is among the 10 largest affiliates of the nationwide ACLU.
The Statewide Engagement Manager is a member of the leadership team and is responsible for managing a team that engages and deploys an activist base of ACLU members and allies to help achieve the organization’s policy priorities. This role is focused on for integrating community engagement across multiple cities with the ACLU of Texas’ long-term, sustainable policy change strategies. This is a highly collaborative role, within the organization and with external partners.
Leading a team of 7 – 10 professionals, the Statewide Engagement Manager works under the supervision of the Policy Director and in close collaboration with other staff, including the Legal, Communications, and Development Directors and the Executive Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Working closely with the Policy Director and other colleagues, design and implement multi-faceted advocacy campaigns to achieve the organization’s policy goals by recruiting and mobilizing supporters, partners, and allies to exert their influence and power.
- Lead a team of 8 – 10 direct and indirect reports with responsibility for community and member engagement. Organize, manage, and develop the team according to best practices for equity and inclusion.
- Working with the Communications Department, identify strategies for using public-facing communications to inspire action in support of policy goals. Represent the organization in public settings, the Texas State Legislature, and the media.
- Serve as a coordinator and collaborator across departments, with external groups, and national ACLU to advance the organization’s advocacy campaigns.
- Prepare written reports, meetings summaries, and related materials to a high standard of readability, with a focus on moving internal and external constituencies to action.
- Regular travel within Texas is expected, in addition to participation in occasional national and regional events.
Qualifications:
- At least seven years’ experience of progressive professional experience developing and coordinating public interest, legislative, political or similar campaigns. Extensive knowledge of grassroots organizing strategies and advocacy techniques, including knowledge of on-line organizing and internet-based communications strategies.
- Substantial knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights issues and a commitment to advancing the ACLU’s values, mission and goals.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, research and analytical skills and the ability to articulate legal concepts and complex issues tactfully and effectively to a variety of audiences.
- Ability to develop allies and work collaboratively in coalitions; ability to navigate internal political dynamics among partner groups.
- Experience supervising, managing, developing, and motivating staff and volunteers. An ability to inspire others; personal enthusiasm and a confident, positive, and professional presentation.
- • Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse groups, work cooperatively with communities across the political spectrum and a personal approach that values and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstances.
- Ability to speak conversational Spanish a plus.
- Ability to travel regularly.
- A valid drivers’ license is required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Salary is commensurate with experience and within the parameters of ACLU of Texas’s salary scale. Excellent benefits include a generous Paid Time Off policy, medical, dental and vision insurance; 401(k) plan with an employer match; life and long-term disability insurance, and generous paid holidays.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
To apply, email a letter of application, resume and an autobiographical essay no longer than two pages. The essay should cover something that is not apparent from a resume.
EMAIL INFORMATION:
jo...@aclutx.org
Attn: Statewide Engagement Management
The ACLU of Texas is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Texas 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, veteran status or a record of arrest or conviction.