ACLU of Georgia is seeking a Director of Communications
Position Overview
The ACLU of Georgia is seeking a Director of Communications to lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy. The Director serves as a member of the ACLU of Georgia senior leadership team and contributes at a high level to advance the organization’s goals. The Director of Communications will exhibit outstanding interpersonal skills and be able to problem-solve, multi-task, and respond swiftly to a sometimes wildly changing landscape. The successful candidate will be able to work independently as well with others as a part of a collaborative team environment and will have a demonstrated commitment to racial equity, diversity, and belonging.
Core Responsibilities:
Facilitate and lead the creation and implementation of proactive communications plans and strategies that advance the affiliate’s priority areas.
Using an integrated advocacy approach, recommend, develop, and execute innovative communications strategies to advance key policy, legal, and development initiatives.
Respond rapidly to emerging civil liberties issues with appropriate and effective messaging and communications strategies.
Collaborate with colleagues in the legal, advocacy and philanthropy departments, as well as with national communications staff, to ensure communications, public education, and content support and serve ACLU-GA’s goals and mission.
Manage, motivate, and mentor a department of 3-5 team members in an environment that promotes professional growth, well-being, creativity, and accountability.
Track and evaluate the success of communications campaigns and strategies.
Oversee all aspects of media relations, including:
writing and disseminating press releases, editorial statements, and media advisories.
strategic cultivation of media contacts and opportunities for media/press exposure.
arranging interviews with ACLU spokespersons and organizing press conferences.
coaching of spokespersons.
Oversee digital communications, including the website, social media, and email.
Develop strategies to grow the affiliate’s digital presence in order to engage existing and new audiences, grow our base of supporters and achieve the affiliate’s policy goals.
Develop public content, including blogs, articles, and videos with team members.
Manage relationships with external vendors.
Develop and manage the Communications Department budget, including the proper allocation and expenditure of resources.
Qualifications
8 to 10 years of increasing responsibility in strategic communications, press and media outreach, digital strategies, and/or campaign management and issue advocacy.
At least 5 years of management experience and 3 years in a senior management role.
Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication, and presentation skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, compellingly, comfortably, and respectfully with donors, lay leaders, staff and the general public in conversation or print.
Experience with recruiting, developing, and managing a highly talented and diverse staff.
Ability to appreciate and contribute to an environment that values integrity, adaptability, reliability, collaboration, a commitment to learning, and advocacy.
A demonstrated commitment to civil rights and liberties.
Cultural competence and an understanding of how structural racism, sexism, and prejudice against people based on their race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, different ability and age-pervade our society and its institutions.
Willingness to work irregular hours, including some weekends.
Willingness to travel within the state and a current driver’s license
Preferred:
Proven track record of launching major, innovative advocacy communications campaigns designed to effect change and build a movement.
Experience working with media that serve Black, Asian-American, Latinx, and LGBTQ communities.
Outstanding political judgment and ability to work across the political spectrum.
Familiarity with the U.S. court system and ability to translate legal concepts and terminology into easily understandable, compelling information.
Experience working with or in a nonprofit or government supporting communications and marketing.
Demonstrated ability to use a mix of earned and paid media to achieve advocacy goals (including print and digital, social media platforms, in-person presentations, videos, brochures, etc. to reach and persuade specific audiences).
Knowledge of Georgia’s political and media landscape.
Graduate degree in Communications or related field.
Compensation:
Applications should include a persuasive cover letter that addresses some of the demonstrated experience we are seeking, a resume, and a list of three professional references to jobs@acluga.org. To facilitate our review, your emails should have the subject line: “[Your last name] Communications Director Application.” We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
This job announcement provides a general but not a comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU-GA reserves the right to change the description and/or posting without advance notice.
The ACLU-GA is an equal opportunity / fair chance employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU-GA 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 record of arrest or conviction. We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to contact: info@acluga.org.