JOB: Communications Director. ACLU-NJ, Newark, NJ

[Sybil Liberties]

Communications Director

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) seeks a Communications Director to oversee the ACLU-NJ's external communications and sustain and expand the organization's visibility across the state.

Founded in 1960, the ACLU of New Jersey is the state's leading organization dedicated to defending and advancing civil liberties and civil rights. Whether in the courts, legislatures, or in communities, the ACLU-NJ fights on a daily basis for criminal justice reform, free speech, racial justice, privacy, immigrants' rights, reproductive rights, religious freedom, due process, LGBT rights, drug law reform and voting rights. With tens of thousands of members, activists, and supporters, the ACLU-NJ works in every corner of our state to defend the principle that every individual's rights must be protected equally under the law, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or national origin. The Communications Director position is based in the ACLU-NJ's downtown Newark office, which houses 19 full-time staff members and many volunteers.

The Communications Director helps the ACLU-NJ articulate its mission and plays a key role in executing the organization's strategic priorities. The Communications Director supervises a dynamic team dedicated to increasing awareness of civil liberties and civil rights among the general public, while inspiring active supporters to further the organization's mission.

The Communications Director is part of the organization's senior leadership team, working under the supervision of the Executive Director and in close collaboration with other senior staff members, including the Public Policy Director, Legal Director and Development Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategy: Conceive a broad vision for using communications to further the goals of the ACLU-NJ, and develop plans and strategies — long- and short-term — to carry out that vision. Determine ideal communications channels and tactics for distributing ACLU news, promoting advocacy campaigns, publicizing events, broadening ACLU audiences, and making civil liberties accessible and relevant.
• Messaging: Carefully shape the language, images, and multimedia that represent the ACLU-NJ and its positions compellingly and convincingly. Ensure that consistent, clear messaging follows through all modes of communications, for a range of audiences, and across ACLU-NJ departments.
• Supervisory: Direct, manage, hire, and supportively mentor communications staff. Build organizational relationships with vendors, such as designers. A key part of this function involves carving out specific roles for communications team members based on their strengths and interests.
• Writing & Editing: Review and draft a range of documents and resources — both print and online — for public education, fundraising, community outreach, legislative, and other purposes.
• Media Relations: Manage media relations, including story development, media targeting, pitching, and relationship management. Plan proactive media campaigns and outreach, as well as rapid-response work in reaction to breaking news. Monitor the media for opportunities to engage.
• Digital Communications: Manage the online presence of the ACLU-NJ, generating and supervising the creation of engaging, current content. Explore new media and innovative methods for presenting the ACLU-NJ's work. Implement long- and short-term strategies for the ACLU-NJ's use of email, social media, web, video, and emerging communications technologies.
• Campaigns & Project Management: Further the work of issue-oriented advocacy campaigns through communications, including through long-term, large-scale communications projects.
• Newsletter & Publications: Oversee production of the Civil Liberties Reporter and annual report as well as other reports, educational materials, brochures, fact sheets, and materials.
• Internal Communications & Administrative Tasks: Create and maintain administrative resources and protocols that strengthen the department, ease interdepartmental communications, and allow for long-term planning. Develop and oversee the Communications Department budget.
• Branding: Oversee branding and design of ACLU-NJ promotional materials.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six years of experience and demonstrated success in communications or related field, preferably in the nonprofit or government sector.
• Exceptional writing, editing, & analytical skills; versatility on a range of topics; and creativity.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with members of the media. Knowledge of New Jersey, New York City, and Philadelphia media a plus.
• Ability to understand and grasp fast-changing media markets and platforms.
• Ability to manage projects, such as reports and website creation, from inception through execution.
• Strong, demonstrated commitment to the ACLU's mission; a deep understanding of the range and implications of civil liberties & civil rights issues.
• Ability to work independently and organized in a fast-paced environment, while managing several projects simultaneously and adjusting to frequently shifting immediate demands.
• Strong team-building and organizing skills.
• A diplomatic touch and a sense of humor.
• Bachelor's degree, preferably in journalism, public relations, marketing, or English.

Job Description

A full and printable job description is available here. (PDF)

Compensation

The ACLU-NJ offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with experience and within parameters of the ACLU-NJ compensation scale. Excellent benefits include paid vacation, sick time and holidays; medical, vision and dental insurance for staff members, their dependents and spouse; life and long-term disability insurance; and 401(k) plan with employer match.

To Apply

To apply, complete the form on the ACLU of New Jersey website. Application materials sent via postal mail, e-mail or fax will not be accepted. No calls please. Resumes reviewed upon receipt. Position will remain open until filled.

The ACLU-NJ is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy), familial status, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for military service, and mental or physical disability, perceived disability, and AIDS and HIV status.